What exactly is Swine Influenza? Learn the facts about the virus that’s catching the
attention of the news media and concerned citizens all over the US from The Center of
Disease Control and Prevention website and share your thoughts.
1.) How should this outbreak be handled?
2.) What can adults and seniors do to prevent exposure?
Please comment below with your opinions!
Image Source:
-New York Times
Osteoporosis is an unfortunate reality for many older Phoenix adults, as bone density changes. However, with a healthy diet that includes superfoods for your bones, fractures, breaks and other bone issues can be prevented and improve bone health overtime. Choose low-fat foods rich in calcium and healthy foods which contain phosphorus, magnesium, boron, zinc, vitamin D, vitamin A, vitamin K and folate. Great sources of these vitamins and minerals, making them some of the best superfoods for your bones are the following:
• Black pepper (contains 4 anti-osteoporosis compounds)
• Cabbage (source of boron)
• Cod liver oil (source of vitamins A and D)
• Dandelion (source of boron)
• Garlic (source of sulphur)
• Onions (source of sulphur)
• Parsley (source of boron)
• Pigweed (source of calcium)
• Arugula (source of vitamin K)
• Broccoli (source of vitamin K)
• Collards (source of vitamin K)
• Kale (source of vitamins K and C)
• Swiss chard (source of vitamins K and C, magnesium, and calcium)
• Spinach (source of vitamins K and C and magnesium)
While supplements can be used to help enhance bone strength through use of these vitamins and nutrients, the best sources are the superfoods that promote bone health into the senior years.
Sources:
1. Dole Superfoods
2. Project-Aware
Image:iofbonehealth.org
Greater Phoenix Senior Living & Central Phoenix Senior Living provides home care for elders and seniors . Call us! 623-583-5868, 480-991-3959 or 602-265-8228.
While you will never get the comforts of home during a hospital stay, being well-prepared with the items you will need for a hospital visit will help make your time in the hospital more tolerable and even comfortable. It is recommended that Phoenix elderly with a history of medical problems that require hospital visits keep a packed bag with the items they will need for the hospital. Other seniors can have a family member pick up the items for their time in the hospital on their behalf, although it’s easier if a list is drafted in advance and kept with a close relative or caregiver so essential items are not forgotten in the face of a medical emergency.
Items to include on a packing list for a hospital stay:
1. Copies of important documents - Insurance information, living will, Power of Attorney’s, phone lists and lists of current medications should be stored in an enclosed folder.
2. Clothing - if the hospital allows you to wear your own clothing choose nightgowns or nightshirts, loose fitting undergarments and short sleeved tops so that monitors and intravenous can still be applied easily. A buttoned cardigan or robe can also be worn for extra warmth.
3. Toiletries
4. Eye glasses, hearing aids etc.
5. Prepaid Phone card
6. Pen and paper
7. Books, magazines, knitting and other entertainment
8. Small amount of cash
9. Electronics (cell phones, laptops etc if allowed by hospital)
10. Momentos from home – framed photos or other items can make the hospital feel more like home
Sources:
1. MedicineNet
2. Inventor Spot Beth Hodgson
Image: ehow.com
Greater Phoenix Senior Living & Central Phoenix Senior Living provides home care for elders and seniors . Call us! 623-583-5868, 480-991-3959 or 602-265-8228.
Often seniors who are not feeling physically well, will not voice their concerns because they do not want to feel like they are complaining for no reason, or placing additional burden upon their family or professional caregivers. When a senior has a stroke, it can be difficult for a caregiver to identify, since the majority of the symptoms require that the senior tell someone what they are experiencing. But, by paying close attention to the symptoms that a senior is exhibiting and asking the right questions, a Phoenix senior caregiver can help to identify a stroke and get them needed medical treatment.
Signs of a Stroke:
• Numbness – a feeling of numbness might appear along one side of the body, in the face, arms or legs. Caregivers should pry further if a senior seems to be exhibiting perpetual signs that they have limbs that are asleep.
• Poor communication – trouble speaking, confusion about situations or lack of understanding are signs of a stroke that caregivers might be able to identify without relying on senior’s accounts.
• Vision changes – problems with sight or blurred vision might indicate a stroke. Apparent visual disorientation may alert a caregiver of a senior stroke.
• Poor motor skills – problems walking, dizziness or loss of balance that appears out of nowhere can tell a caregiver their senior needs medical assistance.
• Headache – sudden, severe headache
Sources:
1. American Heart Association
2. National Stroke Association
Greater Phoenix Senior Living & Central Phoenix Senior Living provides home care for elders and seniors . Call us! 623-583-5868, 480-991-3959 or 602-265-8228.
Beginning in May, HBO is presenting a series of documentaries with short films to create awareness and understanding about seniors and Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. The major portion of the Alzheimer’s project which consists of a four-part documentary series will begin airing on HBO on May 10, 2009.
The first episode, titled “The Memory Loss Tapes” follows the lives and challenges of seniors suffering from dementia at varying points on Alzheimer’s disease. On May 11 the Alzheimer’s Project will feature “Grandpa, Do You Know Who I Am?” which features Maria Shriver and is a child-friendly film that depicts the trials and tribulations a child faces when living with a senior relative with Alzheimer’s disease; and “Momentum in Science Part 1” which will teach us about the scientific advances that are progressing in Alzheimer’s research. On May 12, the Alzheimer’s Project will feature a documentary titled “Caregivers” to show the hard work and sacrifices that family and professional caregivers endure when providing eldercare for a senior with Alzheimer’s; followed by “Momentum in Science Part 2”.
The Alzheimer’s Project is a great resource for Phoenix family caregivers and relatives of seniors with Alzheimer’s as it will increase their understanding and level of care they will be able to provide. The Alzheimer’s Project will also consist of a public awareness campaign and a resourceful book published by Published Affairs Books.
Sources:
1. Alzheimer’s Association
2. Alzheimer’s News
Greater Phoenix Senior Living & Central Phoenix Senior Living provides home care for elders and seniors . Call us! 623-583-5868, 480-991-3959 or 602-265-8228.
In Phoenix, a moderate to vigorous exercise program can be safe for seniors of all ages who exercise caution and gather knowledge about safe exercise methods so that the physical activity generates improvement to their health rather than create complications. Before beginning any exercise program, seniors should consider the following exercise tips.
1. Clear it with a doctor – before beginning any exercise program, a doctor can ensure that physical activity will be beneficial to a senior’s health
2. Start easy – if you’re a senior who doesn’t normally exercise regularly, start with light exercise and work yourself up to more vigorous activities
3. Consider your options – would you prefer to exercise at a gym or outside? What options are available close to home? Which options are best considering the climate where you live?
4. Choose safe gear – ensure that you have shoes with proper support, and clothing that is easy to put on and is comfortable to wear during exercise
5. Forget “no pain, no gain” – when you’re young you might want to feel the burn, avoid activities that cause you pain during, or extreme discomfort later; know your limits.
6. Pay attention to your body – if you begin experiencing new health issues or symptoms like chest pain, irregular heartbeat, severe shortness of breath, extreme weight loss, infections, or severe muscle or joint pain, consult a doctor and avoid further activity without medical approval
7. Set goals – short and long term goals will get you to where you want to be
8. Have a buddy – exercise with a friend or a senior care professional to make the physical activity more enjoyable
Sources:
1. SeniorLiving.about
2. Healthy Ontario/ Health Day News
Greater Phoenix Senior Living & Central Phoenix Senior Living provides home care for elders and seniors . Call us! 623-583-5868, 480-991-3959 or 602-265-8228.
According to a report by US News and World Report, many common ailments and changes that we naturally affiliate with the aging process, are not in fact normal for everyone and many common aging myths don’t hold as much truth as we like to assume.
1. Extra weight cuts your life short – studies show that carrying a few extra pounds (up to 30lbs) in you senior years may not result in a shortened lifespan after all, provided you are not obese with a BMI over 30. At age 75 an extra 30 lbs can actually be protective of the immune system, staving off other illnesses; proving that carrying a little extra weight isn’t always bad, as we’ve been taught to think.
2. Everyone must prepare for senility – we’ve all heard the expression “old and senile” when discussing older adulthood, but senility doesn’t happen to everyone contrary to the stereotype. Some cognitive decline may occur, but it typically doesn’t compromise a senior’s ability to live independently.
3. Phoenix Seniors Shouldn’t Exercise – the belief is that seniors won’t have the energy to exercise, or that it can be harmful. However, seniors who exercise have a lower occurrence of heart problems, and less fatigue.
4. All hearing loss requires a hearing aid – only 35% of seniors require hearing aids; although many seniors do experience some form of hearing loss, many maintain perfect hearing into their later years.
5. Seniors are cranky – while some seniors may experience personality changes due to Alzheimer’s or dementia, or may experience bouts of depression due to their declining health, research proves that our personalities don’t change after age 30. The cranky Phoenix seniors you know have probably always been that way.
Sources:
1 US News & World Report
Greater Phoenix Senior Living & Central Phoenix Senior Living provides home care for elders and seniors . Call us! 623-583-5868, 480-991-3959 or 602-265-8228.
Healthy brain foods can help improve memory and prevent the onset of memory loss, and more serious senior health issues like Alzheimer’s or dementia. Seniors and their elder care givers can improve overall brain health, memory, and decrease brain age by maintaining a healthy, well-balanced diet which also focuses upon brain food. To incorporate healthy brain foods into your own diet or the diet of someone you provide elder care for, consider the following tips:
• Try to maintain healthy glucose levels by monitoring sugar intake – when blood glucose is too low or too high, memory can become impaired. While in some, effects may last only temporarily, a diet too high or low in sugars (especially processed ones) can negatively impact the brain’s functioning
• Use the glycemic index to choose foods which fall lower on the scale, and don’t impact blood glucose levels severely
• Choose foods high in fiber and whole grains (whole grain bread over white) and combine it with a protein source for faster absorption
• Minimize intake of trans fats and saturated fats – stick with unsaturated fats as much as possible
• Choose foods high in omega-3, omega-6 and antioxidants
Healthy brain foods:
• Blueberries, acai berries and other dark-skinned fruits and berries which are high in anti-oxidants (prunes, raisins, blackberries, strawberries, raspberries, plums etc)
• Salmon and other lean sources of protein rich in omega-3 and unsaturated fats
• Vitamin E rich nuts like pecans, walnuts, and almonds are natural antioxidants
• Dark-skinned vegetables like kale, spinach, brussel sprouts, broccoli, red pepper, beats etc are also good choices for brain food
Sources:
1. Brain Ready
2. Alzheimer’s Association
3. Live Science
Greater Phoenix Senior Living & Central Phoenix Senior Living provides home care for elders and seniors . Call us! 623-583-5868, 480-991-3959 or 602-265-8228.
Many seniors loved to garden in their younger years and regret not being able to enjoy tending their gardens as they age. The trick is to find a way to still have them participate but to use caution and still be safe. Many seniors can enjoy planning the plants that they would like someone else to install or by going to the nursery to pick out plantings. By Using ergonomic gardening tools that seniors can use while sitting or standing, and choosing plants that will grow tall seniors of all ages and levels of mobility can receive the same enjoyment from gardening. Another alternative is to plant an indoor herb garden which requires minimal care.
Other springtime activities that the aging population may enjoy in the company of a family caregiver or close friend might include going for a walk or drive to look at spring plants or flowers; going to a local park to feed the ducks and enjoy the warmer weather; or going shopping for home items needed for spring. Seniors engaging in any of these springtime activities need to remember not to overdo physical activity; taking regular breaks, ensuring they remain well-hydrated and pay attention to physical signs of fatigue.
As spring approaches, the young and old alike look forward to the warm weather and sense of a fresh new beginning that spring brings.
Sources:
1. Disabled World
2. Seniors Resource Guide Rebecca Kolls
Image: ecofriend.org
Greater Phoenix Senior Living & Central Phoenix Senior Living provides home care for elders and seniors . Call us! 623-583-5868, 480-991-3959 or 602-265-8228.
As adults, we see the slow progression into older adulthood that our parents and other relatives undergo, and while that doesn’t necessarily diminish the grief we feel as their independence is compromised, they struggle with illness, and face their mortality; it does increase our knowledge and awareness. A senior’s young grandchildren, on the other hand, may lack awareness regarding the aging process their grandparent has undergone, so when a serious illness or even death occurs, they may be caught off guard.
While parents and grandparents may feel the need to protect grandchildren, arming them with information and encouraging them to communicate about aging and the struggles faced by their grandparents, will better prepare them emotionally should a medical emergency or death occur. As the grandparent faces issues with aging explain, in terms and detail appropriate to the child’s age, what aging issues the grandparent is facing and allow them to ask questions and talk about how they feel. If the grandparent passes away, remember to keep positive memories in the child’s life to help with the grief process; have them share fond memories of being with their grandparent, have them draw pictures to represent their feelings; while still remembering that everyone deals with grief in their own way. Just because a grandchild is young doesn’t mean that they won’t become angry, depressed, or resentful due to the loss of their beloved grandparent; but do enlist professional help if the grandchild seems to be struggling to appropriately cope with the loss.
Sources:
1. Associated Content
2. AARP
Greater Phoenix Senior Living & Central Phoenix Senior Living provides home care for elders and seniors . Call us! 623-583-5868, 480-991-3959 or 602-265-8228.
