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.

7. Create daily menus to help you plan ahead.

Source: mayoclinic.com

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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.

With winter here bringing ice and snow to some of the cooler climates across the United States, falls are a greater concern to seniors. Those with chronic pain are at an even greater risk, according to a new study, by up to 50% and often chronic pain goes untreated. Seniors can take steps both to cope and take control over the situation to ensure they receive adequate treatment:

1. Keep a pain journal – using a calendar or day planner to rate the level of pain felt each day creates a document of the consistency and frequency of the pain and can help identify other factors that might contribute to it. Seniors can rate their pain on a scale from 1 to 10 in their journal

2. Be persistent – doctors don’t always take a senior’s complaint of pain seriously. Some may feel that the older adult is simply complaining, others may not think it’s as serious because some seniors downplay their experiences. Seniors suffering from chronic pain need to be honest, and persistent to make their doctor understand

3. Understand triggers – if specific activities make the pain worse or physical temperatures outdoors, seniors should record this and adjust their activities to reduce the instances

4. Get on with life – chronic pain can cause seniors to withdraw and avoid all activity. They should continue with activities that they enjoy and maintain a physical routine

Via: Chronic Pain Support

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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.

In numerous studies and polls, seniors have said that they would rather stay in their own homes than move into a senior residence. But for some seniors, even with home care services, it becomes necessary to make the hard decision to leave their home behind for a different option that will provide for their needs as they age. Assisted living facilities offer seniors the best of both worlds with the following services and benefits:

1. Living independently – seniors in ALFs are often in one-bedroom or studio apartment buildings, so they have the privacy and independence that they require

2. Safety is offered – ALF apartments anticipate the safety needs of seniors and ensure that they include grab bars, ramps and other essential safety devices. Supervisors are always available to respond to emergencies

3. Seniors don’t need to worry about home maintenance – cleaning services, including laundry can be provided by ALF

4. Activity of daily living services are offered – bathing, dressing, and medication reminders can be provided. There are also special facilities for those who suffer with Alzheimer’s and dementia and designated services

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.

Coming up with gift ideas for family members can be a hard feat, particularly when some of those you are shopping for are elderly. This year, think about the things you could purchase that would really help benefit the lives of your senior gift recipients.

• Items that allow them to pamper themselves – seniors on a budget are not likely to splurge on things they consider non-essentials. Buy them candles, soaps and body lotions that allow them to feel pampered at home. Gift cards to restaurants or spas are added luxuries

• Gift baskets – gift baskets with a combination of items, including some of the above, as well as seasonal foods, books, and craft supplies that they will enjoy and make use of are all great things to include! Gift baskets can be bought pre-fabricated or can be created at home

• The gift of companionship – seniors will most appreciate the company of their loved ones. If this is not possible, senior care services can be gifted for companionship and assistance at home

• Take an elderly loved one out for the day – a trip out for lunch around the holidays to see a movie or a musical event can be a very enjoyable way for them to spend a day and it will be memorable!

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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.Myths About the Swine Flu and Vaccine