Dallas Senior Care enables seniors to live happy, healthy, and independent lives in their own homes.

Many people believe memory loss cannot be prevented or reversed. A recent study conducted on seniors with diabetes and elevated stress levels revealed that memory loss could actually be prevented. When seniors have high stress levels and are diabetics, they run a higher risk of experiencing memory loss. The list below provides seniors with some information from the study and how stress can play a role in memory loss.

1. Cortisol is a stress hormone. When this hormone is elevated, brain function can be slowed. This reaction is common in seniors with diabetes. The hormone could be the cause of most memory loss in diabetic patients.

2. The study that was conducted included men and women between 60 and 75. All individuals had type-2 diabetes. The study revealed that older adults who have high stress levels will experience more memory loss.

3. When there are high levels of the stress hormone present, cognitive abilities will be affected. It may be possible to regulate the levels of cortisol in the blood to control and even prevent memory loss.

4. Others studies have been performed regarding the association of diabetes and Alzheimer’s disease. The studies revealed that those with diabetes could experience increased memory loss associated with Alzheimer’s.

Source: telegraph.co.uk

Image: imghost.indiamart.com

Home Instead Senior Care Dallas - a great assisted living alternative in Dallas for seniors and elders. Call us today for help at 972-239-3934.

Dallas Senior Care enables seniors to live happy, healthy, and independent lives in their own homes.

Any senior who still prepares their own meals should be aware of all possible risks associated with food safety. If foods are not stored and prepared properly, seniors run the risk of a foodborne illness. This can be a serious health issue that can be prevented by following some of the food safety tips that are provided in the list below.

1. Always wash your hands often when cooking and handling any raw foods. Make sure to wash before, during and after preparation. This will reduce the risks of cross-contamination and will help ensure food is being prepared safely.

2. After shopping, be sure to store foods separately. Never keep raw and cooked foods stored together. When preparing meals, do not use the same cutting board or knife on meats and poultry on breads and vegetables.

3. Always make sure that foods are cooked to the proper temperature. Undercooked foods can pose a health threat to seniors. Consuming raw and undercooked foods, such as meats and eggs, could increase the chances of illness.

4. When buying perishable foods, make sure they are put away quickly. Never leave perishable foods on the counter. Place them in the refrigerator as soon as you return home to make sure they do not spoil.

Source: eatright.org

Image: organic.kysu.edu

Home Instead Senior Care Dallas - a great assisted living alternative in Dallas for seniors and elders. Call us today for help at 972-239-3934.

Our Dallas Caregivers enable seniors to live happy, healthy, and independent lives in their own homes.

Many seniors still prepare their own meals. This is why they need to be aware of food safety. There are some things that can be done to avoid foodborne illnesses. The following list contains some useful tips for seniors as they prepare meals. A foodborne illness can be severe, so seniors should take some extra steps to avoid becoming ill from food.

1. Older individuals, newborns and pregnant women are more susceptible to foodborne illnesses. This is because they usually have a weaker immune system than a healthy young adult. People in these groups need to be very careful of the foods they ingest.

2. To protect yourself from becoming ill from a food, make sure that all food is stored properly.

3. When cooking food, make sure that the food has reached the proper temperature. This can be done by inserting a thermometer into the food as it is being prepared. This is very important when cooking meat and poultry.

4. When preparing food, be sure to wash your hands often. This will help prevent cross-contamination. This is important when coming in contact with raw fish, meat and poultry.

5. Some foods are more prone to carrying bacteria. This is common in chicken and some red meat. Try to avoid preparing or eating these foods, especially if they are undercooked.

Source: eatright.org

Home Instead Senior Care Dallas - a great assisted living alternative in Dallas for seniors and elders. Call us today for help at 972-239-3934.

Dallas Elder Care enables seniors to live happy, healthy, and independent lives in their own homes.

Many seniors battle with daily life with food allergies. When a senior has a food allergy, they must be very cautious when eating any foods they do not prepare themselves. A food allergy could be life-threatening. In addition to food allergies, a lot of seniors have intolerances. The reactions are not as severe, but seniors still need to be aware of what they are ingesting. The following list contains some facts on allergies and intolerances for seniors.

1. Food allergies are more common in children, but they do affect seniors as well. Family history plays an important role. Seniors should be aware of any other family members who have allergies or intolerances.

2. Food allergies can be mild or severe. Seniors need to know how they react to specific foods and be prepared for the worst possible reaction at all times.

3. The most common allergies include those to milk, peanuts, eggs, fish, shellfish, wheat, soy and tree nuts.

4. The best way to cope with food allergies and intolerances is to avoid the foods that trigger a reaction. Most seniors will be tested by a doctor to determine what foods cause a reaction and how severe that reaction may be.

5. Anyone with a food allergy or intolerance should know what is in the foods they eat. Since some food allergies are to common ingredients, this is very important when managing allergies.

6. When preparing food at home, always read the labels. Even if you are familiar with an ingredient in a recipe, it may contain traces of an allergen.

7. Make everyone informed of your allergies and intolerances. This includes family members, caretakers and friends.

Source: eatright.org

Image Via: healthinlife.com

Home Instead Senior Care Dallas - a great assisted living alternative in Dallas for seniors and elders. Call us today for help at 972-239-3934.

Dallas Non Medical Care enables seniors to live happy, healthy, and independent lives in their own homes.

The importance of caregiver health is often overlooked. Many caregivers do not have a lot of extra time. Staying fit can be accomplished by including a senior in activities. The list below contains a few tips and resources for staying fit. Some of these activities can be done together, allowing the caregiver and the senior to be active, exercise and improve their over-all health.

1. There are many programs available through AARP that will be helpful when trying to get in shape or stay fit. These programs offer some great ideas on starting points and can also provide structure for those who are already active and wish to follow a schedule or set a regimen each day. Seniors can also join in with many of the activities provided, allowing another opportunity for the caregiver and senior to have special time together.

2. The benefits of exercise far exceed just toning the body and staying fit. There is a mental and emotional component to it as well. The Fat 2 Fit journey is a great program for seniors and caregivers to do together. This program will walk you through the steps to losing weight and keeping it off. It also provides some daily exercise that will benefit seniors and caregivers.

3.  Make sure to take time for mental breaks. If you have a negative thought about the way you are exercising or your weight at the current time, it may be time to take a break. There are links on the source page that contain useful information for keeping your mind as healthy as the rest of your body.

Source: aarp.org

Home Instead Senior Care Dallas - a great assisted living alternative in Dallas for seniors and elders. Call us today for help at 972-239-3934.

Home Care Dallas enables seniors to live happy, healthy, and independent lives in their own homes.

The health of a caregiver is very important. If caregivers are not healthy, they will be unable to perform their jobs and will not be able to provide the needed services to a senior. Many caregivers are under a lot of stress, which is another reason they should take the steps to maintain their health. Below is a list of tips that will help caregivers remain healthy.

1. Daily vitamin supplements can make a huge difference. The vitamins can be very useful for those who are tired and listless.

2. Exercise is the key to a healthy lifestyle. Even if it is just a short walk each day, exercise can be very beneficial in maintaining health.

3. Respite time is very important. Since many caregivers do experience stress and the feeling of being burnt out, respite time can provide for rest and relaxation. These are needed to remain healthy so you can continue to provide for a senior in need.

4. Flu shots can help caregivers stay healthy. Not only will this help avoid the flu, but it will also remove the chances of spreading the virus to a senior.

5. Do not make work your entire life. Being a caregiver is very demanding. It is important to have a well-balanced life. This includes having hobbies and spending quality time with family and friends.

6. Make sure to visit the doctor regularly. Routine check-ups can prevent illness and will help with over-all health maintenance.

Source: thefamilycaregiver.org

Home Instead Senior Care Dallas - a great assisted living alternative in Dallas for seniors and elders. Call us today for help at 972-239-3934.

Home Care Dallas enables seniors to live happy, healthy, and independent lives in their own homes.

Type 1 diabetes is a common condition in the senior population. With this type, the pancreas ceases to produce insulin, requiring the patient to inject themselves daily with the required amount of insulin. While it can take some time to find the right balance, most patients continue on to lead normal lives. Watching what one eats and when they eat it can also play a large role with this type of diabetes. The list below contains facts about Type 1 diabetes
that all seniors should know.

1. Those with Type 1 diabetes must take insulin every day. Without insulin, the patient will not survive. It is important to find out exactly how much insulin is needed to control blood sugar levels.

2. The onset of Type 1 happens rapidly. The warning signs of the development of type 1 diabetes include increased blood sugar levels, increased urination and thirst, weight loss, blurred vision and fatigue. If any of these symptoms are noticed, contact a doctor as soon as possible.

3. It is important to test blood sugar levels regularly. These levels allow patients to monitor their diabetes and can tell them how much insulin they need to control the levels. It is best to test before meals, a few hours after meals and before bedtime.

4. A regular diet is important, but so is the time meals are eaten. Many diabetics have to eat at the same time every day to keep their blood sugar levels under control.

5. A healthy life style will help the battle with Type 1 diabetes. Work with doctors to find a regime that works best and stick to it. Once your diabetes is under control, you will lead a normal life.

Source: diabetes.about.com

Image: diabetic-forum.net

Home Instead Senior Care Dallas - a great assisted living alternative in Dallas for seniors and elders. Call us today for help at 972-239-3934.

Home Care Dallas helps seniors remain active and healthy in their own homes.

Seniors who are battling coronary heart disease may be relieved to find out that there is a way to reduce other risks. Heart health is a common concern in the senior population. Studies have revealed that by increasing the dosage of statin, seniors may be able to reduce the risk of other heart problems. The following list contains some useful facts about statin and how seniors can reduce their chances of developing heart problems.

1. Increased doses of Lipitor or other cholesterol lowering medications has been shown to reduce the risk of developing heart related health problems.

2. In combination with medication, lowering bad cholesterol can reduce the chances of heart disease.

3. Seniors who have coronary heart disease should try to get their bad cholesterol levels below 100mg per each deciliter of blood.

4. High doses of statin has been shown to lower cholesterol levels to 70.

5. In addition to reducing the chances of developing heart disease, seniors can also reduce the likelihood of stroke and heart attack.

6. Regardless of the current heart condition, lowering bad cholesterol can have many health benefits for seniors, including lower blood pressure, lower mortality rates and the reduction of risks of coronary heart disease.

7. Seniors who are currently taking medication to lower their cholesterol should speak to a doctor regarding the possible benefits of increasing the dosage.

If you are a caregiver, or know anyone with a heart condition, you could benefit from watching the following clip, which features a modified form of CPR called CCR that is easier to learn, easier to do and can save even more lives!

Source: reuters.com

Home Instead Senior Care Dallas - a great assisted living alternative in Dallas for seniors and elders. Call us today for help at 972-239-3934.

There are a lot of symptoms that are related to high blood pressure. Many seniors are not aware of these symptoms, but if they are present, it could mean that the high blood pressure has caused other health problems. The following list contains some important facts and symptoms that Home Care Dallas thinks all seniors should know.

1. High blood pressure is the primary risk factor for heart attack and stroke. It can also cause kidney damage, blindness and heart disease.

2. The symptoms of high blood pressure can be different for each person. Some seniors will never experience any symptoms. Symptoms include dizziness, blurred vision, headaches and fatigue.

3. If the heart has been affected, the following symptoms may be present: chest pain, heart palpitations, shortness of breath and dizzy spells.

4. If the kidneys are affected by high blood pressure, patients may experience frequent urination, urinary tract infections, pain in the lower abdomen, increased glucose and protein in the urine or blood.

5. Should high blood pressure affect your eyes, you will experience loss of vision, blurred vision, headaches or double vision.

6. Malignant hypertension is caused by the rapid onset of high blood pressure and may cause shortness of breath, severe headaches, nausea, chest pain, confusion or seizures.

7. Talk to your doctor if any symptoms are present. Then work on a solution to lower your blood pressure, either by diet changes, medications, exercise or a combination of all three.

Source: hearthealthyonline.com

Image Source: sxc.hu

Home Instead Senior Care Dallas - a great assisted living alternative in Dallas for seniors and elders. Call us today for help at 972-239-3934.

More and more seniors are learning that exercise can greatly benefit heart health. Since heart disease is one of the most common ailments among seniors, more people are implementing an exercise program into their lives. Exercise can have many health benefits and can improve not only the heart, but over-all health as well. The following list contains some tips for exercising that can benefit seniors as they strive to improve heart health.

Before starting any exercise program, Home Care Dallas wants to remind all seniors to check with their doctor first to make sure that the exercises they’re doing are safe.

1. Make sure all exercises are paced. You do not want to go too fast or over-do it. Give your muscles time to relax between exercises.

2. Individuals who have heart failure should always exercise in a controlled climate. Do not exercise outside in the extreme heat or cold.

3. During all exercises, make sure to have water nearby. Staying hydrated is one of the most important factors of a healthy exercise regime.

4. If you become fatigued, stop the exercise. Do not exercise if you have not been feeling well or if you experience any shortness of breath.

5. Pain can be an indicator of other health problems. If you experience any pain, stop the exercise, especially if the pain is in the chest.

6. After all exercises, check your pulse 15 minutes after you have stopped. Your pulse rate should be lower than 120.

Source: webmd.com

Image Source: sxc.hu

Home Instead Senior Care Dallas - a great assisted living alternative in Dallas for seniors and elders. Call us today for help at 972-239-3934.