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

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There have been a number of studies that have been conducted on elderly patients to determine if their walking speed is associated with their overall health. The results indicate that a slow walking speed may place the patient at a high risk for cardiovascular disease, which can be fatal. Many doctors are now using walking speed as a way to assess patients. The points that are listed below contain facts about walking speed and how it is associated with other health problems in the elderly population.

1. A slow walking speed in an elderly patient is associated with the increased risk of death due to cardiovascular issues.

2. Any decreased motor performance can be viewed as a risk factor.

3. Elderly patients should try to stay as active as possible. Introducing a walking exercise into a daily regime could reduce the risk of developing cardiovascular disease.

4. Walking speed can be used to predict future health issues. This may not be possible if the patient has broken a hip in the past 2 years, has a debilitating disease or dementia

Source: www.bmj.com

Image Source: www.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.Myths About the Swine Flu and Vaccine

Walking is a great activity for a number of reasons, particularly for seniors; it’s a way to get outside of the house and enjoy the weather and scenic offerings, it has extensive health benefits, and it’s generally just a great way to get around! The American Podiatric Medical Society recently published the 25 best places to live if you’re a walker, share with us how you feel about your city making the list!

1. San Francisco – tops the list and was also voted best for families, with many walker-friendly attractions to visit along with 2 other cities. San Francisco is also one of the best cities for those who want to commute without a vehicle of their own, because there are many public transit options. There’s a great reason, that San Francisco tops the list, since it also receives notoriety as one of the best nature spots with its trails and parks for walking!

2. Boston - also has low crime and pedestrian fatality rates, making it one of the 3 safest cities, and was voted one of the best for commuters

3. New York – this city has some of the best public transit options in the country, making it one of the best for those who do not have a vehicle of their own.

4. Philadelphia

5. Chicago

6. Washington

7. Seattle - also voted best for families, with many walker-friendly attractions to visit along with 2 other cities

8. Honolulu

9. Portland

10. Pittsburgh

11. Oakland

12. Minneapolis – also has low crime and pedestrian fatality rates, making it one of the 3 safest cities; it also made the list as one of the most family friendly cities with attractions that are perfect for walking

13. San Diego

14. Los Angeles – along with Santa Ana, this California city received recognition for its wealth of nature trails and parks

15. Milwaukee

16. Baltimore

17. Rochester - also has low crime and pedestrian fatality rates, making it one of the 3 safest cities

18. Santa Ana – with many parks and trails for walking, Santa Ana is a great city for walkers!

19. San Jose

20. Denver

21. Columbus

22. New Orleans

23. Austin

24. Sacramento

25. Tuscan

If your city makes the list, tell us why you think it deserves its place as one of America’s best walking cities; and if yours doesn’t, should it have been included?

Via: Prevention.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.Myths About the Swine Flu and Vaccine

With flu season approaching, many people have concerned about the Swine Flu spreading even further, and seniors are particularly at risk. Fortunately, a swine flu vaccine has become available to help prevent a growth of the pandemic. Here is some important information about the H1N1 vaccine.

• Availability – the H1N1 vaccine should be available in fall of 2009 in order to combat formal flu season. Specific dates have not yet been released as they are based on manufacturing

• Production – a Swine Flu vaccine is currently in production, and before being offered to the public, will be involved in clinical trials

• Combined vaccines – the Swine Flu vaccine will be separate from the seasonal flu vaccine. It can be administered at the same time, although since the H1N1 vaccine is likely to be available later in the season, [location] seniors are encouraged to get the seasonal flu vaccine first

• Age for priority vaccinations – studies have shown that H1N1 is more likely to affect people aged 25 to 64, or those with compromised immune systems due to health issues. The vaccine will be available to these people initially, and older adults over 65 can receive the vaccine after

• Locations – the Swine Flu vaccine will be available in locations that aren’t just your doctor’s office. Vaccination programs will take place in offices, schools, pharmacies, and other private settings

• The 1976 vaccine – the Swine Flu pandemic of 1976 also had a vaccine developed to fight the spread of illness, however, even those vaccinated then should receive the new H1N1 vaccine as the disease is not likely the same

Via: Center for Disease Control and Prevention

Image Source: swine-flu-tips.com

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According to US Resolution 252, passed by the US Senate, February is officially designated National Prevention Month in the United States.  As one of the most devastating diseases, that impact the lives of approximately 550,000 Americans each year, including many older adults, the government clearly grasps the importance of promoting postive ways to enhance wellness and ultimately prevent cancer.

Sponsored by the American Institute of Cancer Research (AICR) the National Cancer Prevention Month resolution promotes making small lifestyle changes which can prevent cancer, in senior citizens and the rest of the population, by up to 70%.  Since diet and lifestyle play such a major role in cancer prevention, February is as good a time as any for people to understand what they can do to prevent the onset of or fatality from cancer and begin implementing exercise, smoking cessation, and well-balanced diets into their regular routines. 

The AICR recommends preparing daily meals that are 2/3 plant based foods, and 1/3 animal protein, since dietary fats will be reduced from your diet, which can help to maintain a healthy weight; a critical component in cancer prevention since 20% of all cancers relate to obesity.  Seniors should also engage in regular weekly physical exercise to help increase blood flow and control weight gain which can contribute to the onset of cancer, they should pick a routine that incorporates stretching, balance and strength training and that is suitable for their physical limitations.

National Cancer Prevention Month also aims to make people more aware of the screening techniques available that can lead to prevention, proper diagnosis and treatment of the various types of cancer.  During the month of February health institutions are encouraged to distribute information about cancer prevention to seniors and people of all ages and information is available on the AICR website regarding information sessions on cancer prevention.

Sources:
http://www.cancerwise.org/february_2004/display.cfm?id=B6EO5740-1F9C-4DC2-ADD57C9020
7F413D&color=blue&method=displayfull&color=blue
http://www.healthline.com/blogs/health-obsevances/2007/02/february-is-national-cancer-prevention.html

Are you seeking home care for an aging relative in Dallas? Call Home Instead Senior Care in Dallas at 972-239-3934.

Are you seeking home care for an aging relative in Dallas? Call Home Instead Senior Care in Dallas at 972-239-3934.

When seniors begin to lose their sense of taste or smell, meal time can be challenging, because with aging comes decreased appetite, and when food lacks flavor or has a bad taste it becomes easy to neglect nutrition; opening the doors to all kinds of other health problems.

Of course, for seniors who are experiencing loss of the senses, like smell and taste, the first step towards improvement is to seek medical attention; however, that doesn’t mean they have to suffer through tasteless meals to remain healthy.

Just because a diet is restricted doesn’t mean the food should be dull, lifeless and boring. Here’s how we recommend adding flavor to a senior’s diet without compromising good health.

- Add low-sodium, no-salt stock to liven up a sauce. Likewise, cook rice in chicken or vegetable stock rather than water, and replace cream with stock when making mashed potatoes for a flavorful, low-fat alternative.

- Fresh herbs are a no-fat addition, to brighten the flavor of salads, dressing and sauces.

- Don’t sacrifice quality. Never buy less than ground sirloin.

- Avoid prepared foods. They are not healthy for seniors because they can’t control the amount of salts, fats, and additives.

Additional ingredients that can add flavor when added to ready-prepared foods are:

• Cheeses – especially the very flavorful, like sharp cheddars
• Chopped green pepper or other vegetables
• Chopped onion
• Nuts and seeks
• Bacon bits or ham strips

Meals prepared for seniors with declining senses should also focus upon other elements, like presentation, texture and color; because overall, an attractive meal is more appealing and texture adds diversity and interest to the food even if strong flavors are absent. Plastic utensils can also be used to limit metallic tastes, and drinking often or eating mints to clear any bad tastes from their mouths before a meal can also make it more enjoyable.

Age and good nutrition should go hand in hand for a long healthy life, so make sure all meals are enjoyed!

Source: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/cancer/HQ01135

Are you seeking home care for an aging relative in Dallas? Call Home Instead Senior Care in Dallas at 972-239-3934.

Glaucoma is a relatively common eye disease, but that doesn’t mean that it shouldn’t be taken seriously. Elders are more susceptible to facing problems with their vision and leaving it untreated can result in serious complications, including loss of eyesight in 120,000 of the 2.2 million Americans over the age of 40 who have glaucoma.

Glaucoma occurs as a direct result of excessive intraocular pressure in the eye when there is ineffective drainage of aqueous fluid that fills the space between the iris and the cornea called the anterior chamber. When seniors and their home care assistants understand the disease, they are more likely to take prevention into their own hands by seeing an eye specialist for routine monitoring and testing.

The most common types of glaucoma are as follows:
• Open Angle – the most common type of glaucoma where the anterior structure of the eye appears normal, but still fills up with fluid
• Acute Angle Closing – 10% of people with glaucoma have this type where an acute angle closure occurs due to a structural abnormality at the front of the eye, which makes a narrower passage for aqueous fluid to pass through
• Secondary Glaucoma – glaucoma that is caused by other diseases or medical issues that impact the eye, like inflammation, trauma, surgery, diabetes, tumors, or medications
• Congenital – glaucoma that is inherited and typically appears in infants
Sources: http://www.ahaf.org/glaucoma/about/
               http://www.stlukeseye.com/conditions/Glaucoma.asp

Are you seeking home care for an aging relative in Dallas? Call Home Instead Senior Care in Dallas at 972-239-3934.

Older adults who exercise regularly have increased blood flow and more small blood vessels in the brain, a new study shows.

The study, conducted at the University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill, is the first to compare brain scans of older adults who exercise to brain scans of those who do not. The findings were presented at the annual meeting of the Radiological Society of North America.

“Our results show that exercise may reduce age-related changes in brain vasculature and blood flow,” said presenter Feraz Rahman, M.S., currently a medical student at Jefferson Medical College in Philadelphia. “Other studies have shown that exercise prevents cognitive decline in the elderly. The blood vessel and flow differences may be one reason.”

The researchers did MRIs and MR angiography on 12 healthy adults, age 60 to 76. Six of the adults had participated in aerobic exercise for three or more hours per week over the last 10 years, and six exercised less than one hour per week.

“The active adults had more small blood vessels and improved cerebral blood flow,” said the study’s senior author, J. Keith Smith, M.D., Ph.D., associate professor of radiology at UNC School of Medicine. “These findings further point out the importance of regular exercise to healthy aging.”

We know that most seniors have some worry about their health and longevity, so this year, why not focus your New Year’s resolution on leading a healthier life. Plan to make simple changes to your exercise routine and nutritional habits, that way your resolutions are more likely to last through 2009 and beyond.

• Start by speaking to a doctor about your plans, so they can provide any suggestions regarding activities that might harm you, or tips regarding benefits
• Try to slowly introduce greater levels of exercise into your life and work up to at least 30 minutes of cardiovascular activity 5 days a week
• Create a routine that includes cardio; stretching, to help with flexibility; strength training and balance
• Consider speaking with a nutritionist regarding your eating habits
• Ensure your diet consists of fresh fruits and vegetables
• Avoid: fat, cholesterol, and excessive amounts of sodium and sugar
• Include: calcium, vitamin D, and lots of water
• Cut out excessive alcohol consumption and smoking

Home Instead Senior Care providing the most trusted elder home care in America! Helps family caregivers cope with senior care in Dallas. Call us today at 972-239-3934.

Many seniors read, because it is an activity that does not require them to be mobile and is something they can do at their convenience while in the comfort of their own homes. While decline of eyesight may present a challenge, there are ways that seniors can get the same benefits; by purchasing large-print books or books on CD.

For seniors, books can become both a form of entertainment and an escape. Without leaving their homes, they can become engrossed in stories that take them away from the problems of their day-to-day lives. Reading a fictional story allows seniors to use their imaginations and exercise their minds. Non-fictional publications allow seniors to learn about current affairs and more while expanding their vocabulary, utilizing memory skills and generally improving their cognitive function.

A book or article that a senior has read can also be a good conversation starter when attending a social event. By engaging in discussions and debate with other people who have read the same piece, seniors are strengthening their minds by using problem-solving skills and demonstrating their comprehension.

It’s great for seniors to focus as well on publications that are specifically directed towards their demographic. This helps them inform themselves about important elder issues, individual’s reflections upon the aging process, and the generation’s perspective on today’s world.

For a list of magazines for seniors, visit the Yahooo! Directory, and learn about good fictional and non-fictional books by visiting SuddenlySenior.com.

Sources: http://dir.yahoo.com/Society_and_Culture/Cultures_and_Groups/Seniors/Magazines/
http://seniorwriter.blogspot.com/2008/06/poetry-especially-for-seniors-book.html
http://www.suddenlysenior.com/books2004.html