Dallas Non Medical Careenables 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.
At Home Care Dallas we care for a number of aging adults with heart issues. Each year, more and more seniors are affected by heart disease. There are ways that seniors can alter their diet to reduce the risk of developing the disease. While there is no guarantee that an individual will not be affected, there are little changes to a daily diet can be a great help. The following list contains ways to change a diet to reduce the chances of heart disease.
1. Reduce the intake of cholesterol and unhealthy fats. This is one of the most important steps to lower cholesterol as well as the risk of heart disease.
2. Eat foods with low-fat protein. This can include fish, poultry and egg whites. Flaxseed, walnuts, beans and peas are high in protein and low in fat.
3. Increase the intake of fruits and vegetables. These foods are rich in fiber and low in calories. They also contain substances that can reduce the risk of heart disease.
4. Eat whole grains instead of bread with refined flour and cereals with sugar.
5. Reduce salt intake. Don’t forget that processed foods contain high amounts of salt. Reduce the intake of processed foods and avoid the addition of salt while cooking and eating at the table.
6. Eat in moderation and avoid filling your plate. Keep portions of food balanced.
Want to add a few extra years to your life? Well, the answer is in a few simple healthy habits that you should be doing already. Research shows that brushing and flossing daily as recommended by your [location] doctor can increase your lifespan because it prevents gum inflammation that leads to bacteria entering the blood stream that can cause heart attack stoke and other serious illnesses. Adopt these healthy oral health habits and live a little bit longer into your senior years!
Brushing
1. Brush at least 2 times daily to prevent tooth decay and decrease periodontal disease through the removal of plaque from the teeth and gums
2. Use a soft bristled toothbrush
3. Make sure you brush the top (biting) teeth and the tongue
4. Use a soft massaging motion, paying special attention to the teeth that touch the tongue
Flossing
1. Floss at least once daily to remove plaque and food from between the teeth
2. Use waxed floss, and take a stand of at least 18 inches long when ready to start
3. Use your thumbs and forefingers to control the floss
4. Move the floss back and forth between the teeth
5. Rub the floss up and down along the outside surface of the teeth; from the gums downward
