When you’re paying attention to good nutrition, it’s easy to spend a lot of time focusing on what not to eat – all the stuff that clogs your arteries and expands your waistline. Now’s a good time to look at the things that you should eat and the things you can do to keep your arteries healthy, and to fully understand why paying attention to arterial health is important. Five Superfoods For Heart Health
Some foods pack more punch than others. Here are five foods that have a lot of disease-fighting power, and it’s a good idea to regularly make room for them in your meals. If you would like more helpful healthy living and nutrition articles to keep you on track with proper arterial health, visit the Life Line Screening Blog.
The Five Superfoods: Five Superfoods For Heart Health
Salmon. As far as seafood goes, this delicious fish is one of your best food sources of heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids, which can help keep your heart rate steady, lower your triglycerides – a type of blood fat — and slow the growth of atherosclerotic plaque. You can bake it, broil it, roast it, poach it, or enjoy it smoked or in sushi. The FDA recommends that people eat up to 12 ounces of fish weekly.
Broccoli. It may not rank as the favorite food of kids, but as an adult you can probably appreciate the health benefits that broccoli offers. Its mildly bitter taste comes from chemicals it contains that may provide cancer protection. Experts think anti-cancer substances in the green veggies may act as antioxidants or encourage enzymes that detoxify harmful chemicals in your body, according to the American Cancer Society. Since cooking may destroy some of the helpful compounds, cook it as lightly as possible.
Almonds. These tasty nuts are a good source of fiber and the antioxidant vitamin E, and the fat they contain is mostly monounsaturated, which is considered a “good” type of fat that can help lower your cholesterol. They may also help control blood sugar and insulin levels. Research has shown that eating 2 ounces of almonds daily for 10 weeks didn’t cause people to gain weight. A daily serving size is the amount that you can fit into two sections of an ice-cube tray, suggests the American Dietetic Association.
Blueberries. These vivid little orbs are chock-full of antioxidants, which can help lower your risk of heart disease and cancer by neutralizing free radicals, rogue oxygen molecules that can contribute to atherosclerosis and damage your DNA.
Green tea. This drink contains chemicals called polyphenols, which act as antioxidants. One of these, called EGCG, may encourage cancer cells to die, though more research is needed to show whether drinking green tea can reduce your risk of cancer. However, it may also help control your blood sugar and lower your cholesterol. All these add up to plenty of good reasons to switch some of your daily servings of soda with green tea. Drink it iced or hot. It is delicious either way.
More healthy advice:
Another key activity to cardiovascular health – consider getting screened. Vascular screenings can visualize the inside of your arteries and see if dangerous fatty plaque is building up. Key health screenings include tests that look at the arteries of your neck and the arteries of your legs. Blockages in the neck arteries, called the carotid arteries, are a leading risk factor for stroke. A blockage in the legs is called Peripheral Arterial Disease and is linked to a six-fold increase in stroke and heart attack. Finding these silent conditions early can help you and your doctor take preventive action before a serious health event occurs.
Provided By: ARA
Healthy Living
Safety Sensors to Robot Pets: Technology is Impacting Senior Living
As Silicon Valley continues to reshape the world, new technologies are reshaping elder care. At Visiting Angels, our elder care providers know this as well as anyone. Having spent the past two decades on the cutting edge of in-home elder care services, we’ve seen firsthand how senior living is changing in an age of smart technology. How Tech is Reshaping Elder Care Living
“Technology has truly been a blessing for so many of our clients,” says Visiting Angels CEO and President, Larry Meigs. “From making important information more accessible to keeping seniors connected, we’ve seen big strides in the past ten to fifteen years.” How Tech is Reshaping Elder Care Living
Now, with a tablet and smartphone in seemingly every home, new frontiers of technology are starting to impact elder care in exciting new ways. Here are just a few of the high-tech changes we’re seeing and expecting in the elder care world…
Robotic Elder Care Companions
In the 1960’s, the Jetsons, everyone’s favorite cartoon 21st century family, had a robot maid and a real-life dog. Now that we’re in the real 21st century, things are the other way around: human beings still do the housekeeping, but robot pets are the next big thing. How Tech is Reshaping Elder Care Living
Some elder care experts say that robotic pets – such as Paro, a robotic seal that was recently featured in the New York Times – could be changing the way we treat loneliness and depression in seniors. Psychologists have long known that animal companions can be effective therapy tools. But caring for a real-life pet is often more than an elderly person can handle.
While it may seem strange to replace a real pet with a robot, early research suggests that robot pets may carry many of the same therapeutic benefits as real ones. How Tech is Reshaping Elder Care Living
Greater Senior Freedom with Self-Driving Cars
One of the biggest tech stories of the past few years has been self-driving cars. Tech giants like Google and Tesla have been racing against each other – as well as old-guard car companies – as they try to launch the world’s first self-driving automobile. How Tech is Reshaping Elder Care Living
Many seniors dread losing their license. But if safe driverless cars are developed, those fears may disappear. Countries like the UK have already said that driverless cars will be legal for use without a license. While it’s impossible to say when self-driving cars will hit the market or what licensing laws will apply from state to state, these vehicles could change the way that seniors get from place to place.
Safer Monitoring
Another big innovation for elder care providers is the introduction of newer, more effective safety sensors. A number of new start-ups have launched sensor and tracking systems designed to make it easier for caregivers and family members to monitor the elderly.
These technologies include clip-on sensors, similar to your FitBit. The location and status of these sensors can then be tracked by family members on their phone or through the internet. So long as seniors feel comfortable wearing the sensors (and remember to wear them) it becomes much easier for relatives to check in and make sure that their loved ones are okay.
While these technologies are making it easier to care for older loved ones, the human touch remains a vital part of elder care. For professional, in-home elder care services in your region, call your local Visiting Angels home care agency.
Medical alarm systems are becoming the hot favorite choice of the people who have been suffering from serious medical conditions, especially the senior citizens. Not only the senior citizens but every one who is undergoing any type of medical conditions and can set an instant call for help any time can use these medical alarm systems. Medical Alarm System Can Save Your Life
Medical alert devices aren’t a complex system that the user may feel heavy to install and use. It is a simple device that will allow you summon help when ever any emergency situation persists. If you are the person who has been suffering from heart problems and is subjected to increased heart attacks, or you are the one who just have undergone joint surgery and can have a fall any time. The medical alert devices seem of more potential use for those who are to stay all alone at their home in the absence of their family members. Medical Alarm System Can Save Your Life
Medical alarm devices are very simple alert systems. These are easy to install and use. You can have them delivered at your home by a life link USA company. Once the elderly alert systems have been installed at your home, you or any of your family members would be able to call for help with just the push of a button. All you have to do is press the panic alert button over the device and the whole medical alarm system gets activated. When the button is pressed the person is able to connect himself with the emergency response center.
The good thing about the medical alarm system is that you don’t have to dial a number to contact the emergency response center nor you need to be too close to the communication system. Just with the press of a button either you are away some where in the home you would be able to call and interact with the emergency response center. Medical alert systems are operative over a certain long distances so you don’t have to be panic with the dialing of numbers or reaching the mobile or telephones. Simply the press of a button will allow you get in an interaction with the person sitting on the other side in the emergency control room and narrate him the whole situation. He immediately will inform the family members and the neighbors so that the first aid is given.
In parallel to that a nearby health care center is also informed. The team of doctors arrives within minutes and if needed the person is taken to the hospital. In this way, the medical alarm systems allow the person to save his life under extreme conditions and call for help with just the push of a button.
So if you are facing similar health care conditions or there is an elderly family member, then you can use these medical alarm systems. These emergency alert devices promote a sense of security and confidence among the users and keep them safe and secure under extreme conditions. Medical Alarm System Can Save Your Life
If your aging parents live alone, they may be struggling with emotional or wellness issues that aren’t immediately obvious to you. Have you had concerns about their well-being but don’t know what is normal and what isn’t? Here is an overview of what to watch for and some of the common concerns we have about our parents. Check on Elder Parent’s Overall Well-being
Are They Depressed or Lonely? Check on Elder Parent’s Overall Well-being
Here are common signs of depression:
- They retreat from family or friends and no longer participate in normal social activities.
- They have lost interest in hobbies or activities that brought them joy in the past.
- They experience weight loss or loss of appetite.
- The experience sleep disturbances, such as insomnia, oversleeping or daytime sleeping.
- They experience a loss of self-worth and are concerned about being a burden.
- There is a new fixation on death or they have suicidal thoughts.
- They have unexplained or aggravated aches or pains.
- They experience increased anxiety.
- They experience increased irritability, lack of motivation and energy.
If you notice any of the symptoms above, or out of character behavior, you should consult their general practitioner. There are a number of ways to treat depression that can help your parent feel better. If you are concerned about loneliness, here are some tactics to combat loneliness. If your parent has limited mobility or difficulty with transportation, you can also help them get set up online so that they can connect with others even if they can’t leave the house.
Are They Malnourished? Check on Elder Parent’s Overall Well-being
One thing I noticed in working with seniors is that many of the seniors I knew did not eat much. Some would only eat once a day, while others would subsist on a can of soup and a pastry. I had a gentleman who said he ate one meal a day, at lunch. I asked if he ate anything in the morning or before bed and he said he preferred not to eat in the morning and he ate ice scream for dinner. Now, he was 88 years old and relatively healthy, so part of me thinks, hey, more power to him. However, it is important to have a healthy diet to maintain your health.
Here are signs that a senior is malnourished: Check on Elder Parent’s Overall Well-being
- Watch for weight loss or how clothing fits.
- Look for poor wound healing, easy bruising and dental problems.
- They experience a lack of energy or difficulty concentrating.
- They experience frequent infections or take a long time to recover from infection.
- They have difficulty keeping warm.
In addition to nutrition problems, you should also keep an eye out for dehydration. Many seniors don’t drink enough water, which can lead to dizziness or other health concerns. If you notice any of the above symptoms, you can speak to their doctor about implementing proper nutrition. You can also implement some of my healthy eating tips.
Here are some additional ways to improve diet at home:
- Buy a water bottle that has ounces marked and encourage them to drink a certain amount of water each day.
- Provide assistance (either hired or by a family member) with meal preparation. Sometimes meal prep can be difficult for a senior with arthritis so they opt to eat easier foods that may not provide the same nutritional value.
- If your parent is unable to prepare meals, enlist a meal delivery service to bring at least one meal into their home a day. If they are able to go to a senior center, you can set them up with the on-site lunch program, which can also help combat loneliness.
- Provide simple meal or snack options such as fruit, yogurt, cheese sticks, granola bars and smoothies to help them increase their fruit and vegetable intake.
How is Their Physical Condition?
Are you noticing your parent is having a difficult time getting around the house? With our bodies, it really is use it or lose it. Encourage your parent to get some form of exercise to maintain their muscle tone.
Here are some options: Check on Elder Parent’s Overall Well-being
- Join an exercise class at their local senior center. These classes are geared towards seniors so they can be modified based on your parent’s ability.
- Join a walking group, or enlist someone to walk with them safely.
- Take part in a balance class, either through a senior center or at a physical therapy practice.
- Search YouTube for exercise videos that are senior friendly. There are several chair exercise videos to choose from.
Sometimes, when we are in the weeds, we don’t see everything that is happening. Taking a step back to check in on your parent’s wellbeing can help them live a healthier life. If you are a long distance caregiver, these tips might be additional help.
Check on Elder Parent’s Overall Well-being
How bad is tobacco for my health? Tobacco Effects Your Health
Tobacco effects your health enormously. Quitting smoking is the single best thing you can do for your health. Tobacco avoidance is the most preventable cause of death in the United States. Cigarettes account for approximately 1/3 of all cancer deaths in America each year. Tobacco not only causes cancer, it also adversely affects your heart, lungs, blood vessels and many other areas of your body. Consider the following statistics from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Tobacco Effects on Health Tobacco Effects on Health
- Smokers are 2 to 4 times more likely to develop heart disease than nonsmokers.
- Smoking doubles a person’s risk for a stroke. Tobacco Effects on Health
- Smoking causes a 10-fold increase in the risk of dying from chronic obstructive lung disease. About 90% of all deaths from chronic obstructive lung diseases are due to cigarette smoking. Tobacco Effects on Health
- There are more than 4,000 chemicals in cigarette smoke, 250 of which are highly toxic and some of which cause cancer. Some of these chemicals are also found in wood varnish, the insect poison “DDT”, arsenic, nail polish remover and rat poison.
- The risk of dying from lung cancer is more than 22 times higher among men who smoke and about 12 times higher among women who smoke compared with never smokers.
- Smoking increases the risk for many types of cancer, including cancers of the lip, mouth, pharynx, esophagus, pancreas, voice box, lung, uterus, bladder and kidney.
- Rates of cancers related to smoking vary widely among members of racial/ethnic groups, but are highest among African-American men.
What is in cigarettes? Tobacco Effects on Health
There are more than 4,000 chemicals in cigarette smoke, 250 of which are highly toxic and some of which cause cancer. Some of these chemicals are also found in wood varnish, the insect poison “DDT”, arsenic, nail polish remover and rat poison.
Is chewing or dipping tobacco safer than cigarette smoking?
No. Chewing or dipping tobacco (also called smokeless tobacco use) are major health hazards. It has long been known that it increases your risk of oral cancer and tooth and gum disease. New research shows that the risk of using smokeless tobacco goes well beyond the mouth. It can cause high cholesterol, heart disease, strokes and non-oral cancer (like pancreatic cancer).
What are the effects of quitting tobacco use?
The benefits of quitting are immediate. Circulation and blood pressure improve first. Within days your sense of taste and smell improve and it becomes easier for you to breathe. The long-term benefits are substantial. Ten years after quitting your risk of dying from lung cancer is 30% to 50% less than the risk would have been if you had continued to smoke. After 10 to 15 years, your risk of premature death is similar to that of someone who never smoked. If you have already developed cancer, quitting smoking will reduce your risk of developing infections, which often lead to death. Tobacco Effects on Health
I have used tobacco for a long time. Is it too late for me to quit?
It’s never too late to quit. If you quit before the age of 50, you will decrease your risk of dying in the next 16 years by 50%. Even if you are in your 50s or 60s, you can potentially add years to your life by quitting. Tobacco Effects on Health
Tobacco Effects on Health Tobacco Effects on Health
The Environmental Protection Agency estimates that people spend 90% of their time indoors, but that indoor air quality can be two to five times more polluted than outdoor air. Whether in your home or business, follow these 10 easy steps to ensuring you have the cleanest indoor air possible.
Get Clean Air
2. Carbon Monoxide Detector – Carbon monoxide is an odorless gas that kills over 400 people each year. Carbon monoxide levels can rise very quickly in unventilated areas. Make sure you install a functioning detector in your home, preferably near your bedroom.
3. Test for Radon – Scientists estimate that radon causes thousands of deaths annually. Radon is an odorless, invisible gas that occurs naturally in soil and rock and can only be detected through testing.
4. Fix Leaks – Rain and high humidity can bring moisture indoors, creating dampness, mold and mildew. Mold aside, dampness alone is associated with higher risk of wheezing, coughing and asthma symptoms. Check your roof, foundation and basement or crawlspace once a year to catch leaks or moisture problems and route water away from the building’s foundation.
5. Air Conditioners and Dehumidifiers – Asthma is the leading serious chronic illness of children in the U.S. Help keep asthma triggers away by fixing leaks and drips as soon as they start. Standing water and high humidity encourage the growth of dust mites, mold and mildew, some of the most common triggers that can worsen asthma. Use a dehumidifier or air conditioner when needed, and clean both regularly – or get one that’s self-evaporative.
6. Pets – Pet allergies can come from an animal’s saliva, urine, feces and dead skin cells, so no pet is “hypoallergenic.” If someone in your family has pet allergies, keep your pet outdoors. Moving your pet from indoors to out can help reduce exposure to these allergens. However, cat allergens can stay in place for 20 weeks or more.
If you must keep your pet indoors, keep it away from primary heavily trafficked areas. Note that toting pets around has become a new fashion statement. If you find pets at the work place or in public areas such as stores and supermarkets, do not hesitate to talk to the manager about these health concerns.
7. Dust Mites – Dust allergies are actually a reaction to dust mites. Dust mites are microscopic pests that need moisture to survive. Since dust mites feed on human skin, and live in bedding, pillows, mattresses, stuffed toys, upholstery and carpets. Dust mites can be controlled through intensive vacuuming, wood/linoleum floors (versus carpets), and keeping humidity levels below 50% (this can be achieved through a dehumidifier).
8. Asbestos Control – Asbestos is a mineral fiber that can still be found in many older homes. Inhaling tiny asbestos fibers can increase the risk of lung cancer and other lung diseases. Pipe coverings, flooring, shingles and roofs are likely places to find asbestos.
9. Ventilation – Proper ventilation is one of the best ways to improve air quality, (provided that the outside air is not worse than indoor air). High levels of moisture in your home increase dampness and the growth of mold, which not only damage your home but threaten health. Dampness and mold are linked to increased wheezing, coughing and asthma attacks in people with allergies. Consider investing in a UV Air Purifier that removes allergens as well as odors and infectious microorganisms.
10. Flooring – Avoid using carpet whenever possible. Carpet traps unhealthy particles — including chemicals, dust mites, pet dander, dirt and fungi – and vacuuming can make them airborne. If you do have carpets, use a HEPA (high efficiency particle air) vacuum cleaner to ensure better air quality. Hard surface flooring, like wood, tile or cork can be readily cleaned by damp mopping.
With these ten steps, you should be well on your way to cleaner indoor air.
Shireen S. is a green expert working with www.air-purifier-home.com to help them maximize consumer awareness. She can be reached at shireen@air-purifier-home.com
For many years, researchers have been studying the phenomenon of “use it or lose it.” The phrase refers to the aging process in that if you don’t use your mind, it will start to become more difficult to use it. Some studies have found that this may not be the case, and it’s more accurate to say that it just takes longer for older people to learn new information. It could also be that when you use your mind more, it’s easier to learn than if you did not. Whether “use it or lose it” is correct or not, no one can deny the benefits of exercising the mind – learning new information and improved mental health.
What You Can Do
With just a few minutes each day, you can slow down cognitive decline as you age. Consider adding these activities into your days.
Read
Reading the newspaper, online articles, or books are all good ways to keep your mind active. Be sure to use good reading glasses if you have trouble seeing, so you don’t experience headaches. If you’re unable to read for long, just do it for five minutes or so each time.
Volunteer
One reason older individuals suffer from cognitive decline is because they’ve retired, so their minds aren’t challenged as much. Volunteering can replace some of the cognitive benefits you received from your job. You don’t have to volunteer full-time, but there’s scientific evidence that 15 or more hours a week is most effective.
Brain Games
Puzzles and other brain games such as what Luminosity offers can help slow down cognitive decline. The reasoning is the same as when you were working full time – when you challenge your brain, it causes new neuron connections, which helps your mind stay just as sharp as it was when you were employed.
Exercise
Exercise isn’t only good for your body, but for your mind as well. Your brain helps you move your body because it tells your joints what to do to move. This is why exercising helps. It’s best to try new exercises each day, so it makes your mind work harder to learn the new maneuvers.
Visit the Doctor
Cognitive decline is a side effect of medical conditions such as high blood pressure and high cholesterol. It’s important to be assessed for these conditions and get treated for them, so your mind doesn’t become affected by them.
It can be difficult to feel motivated to exercise your mind and body, but it’s vitally important as you age. If you need help, consider contacting Kendall Van Blarcom – personal consultant.
A personal consultant can help you slow down the cognitive effects of aging by finding out why you’re not motivated to incorporated some of these tips into your days. He can also coach you along to help you achieve your goals when it comes to keeping your mind active and healthy. Call Kendall today to learn more about personal consulting and how it can help you.
Big-Impact Health Activities in 15 Minutes or Less
Dr. Wendy Bazilian (wendybazilian.com), a doctor of public health, registered dietitian and author of “The SuperFoodsRx Diet: Lose Weight with the Power of SuperNutrients,” knows the importance of optimizing health for baby boomers. Simple healthy activities, when done on a daily basis, can have a huge cumulative effect on health and wellness. Here are four big-impact health activities from Dr. Bazilian that you can do in 15 minutes or less:
1. Be flexible with gentle stretches
Stretching might seem like a basic physical activity, but its positive effects can be substantial. Especially for boomers, stretching for five to 15 minutes each day can help keep muscles and joints flexible, and help increase overall body health. Plus as you age, stretching can help maintain your mobility levels and decrease the risks of falls. Try gentle stretches to get your blood flowing in the morning or before you take a walk. Want to try something different? Yoga blends stretching and strength for a wonderful workout for people of all ages.
Time requirement: 15 minutes or less
2. Get an oil change – in your kitchen
The right kind of oils can benefit your health and wellness, and the wrong ones can put you at risk for high cholesterol, heart disease and even cancer. Cooking healthy means stocking your pantry with the right kinds of oils so you can enjoy the foods you love the right way. Two to keep on hand are extra virgin olive oil and organic grape seed oil. Olive oil contains monounsaturated fats which can help boost healthy HDL cholesterol while at the same time help to reduce unhealthy LDL cholesterol levels. Lower cooking temperatures or cool/room temperature usage is best. Organic grape seed oil has a more neutral flavor and a high smoke point, allowing for higher temperature cooking while using a lighter hand in measures with this healthier cooking oil.
Time requirement: five minutes or less
3. Consider taking an omega-3 fish oil supplement
Recently, there’s been a lot of talk about omega-3 essential fatty acids and their ability to prevent common disease as well as benefit brain and overall health. Because you can only get these essential fats through what you eat, Americans often don’t get as much as they need. Include food sources like wild salmon and sardines, as well as plant sources like walnuts and flax-seeds. Luckily, you can fill a nutritional gap by incorporating a high-quality fish oil supplement into your daily routine. A high-quality supplement can mean more benefit to your health; Ultimate Omega-D3 from Nordic Naturals is a good example and great option.
Time requirement: two minutes or less
4. Eat more fresh fruits and veggies each day
Few foods can provide the high levels of nutrients your body needs than fresh produce, yet more than 80 percent of us are not getting enough. It’s important to aim to make half your plate fruits and vegetables at meals every day. And try to incorporate fresh fruits and veggies daily, and don’t forget about frozen and dried options without added sugars or preservatives. They’re super nutrient-rich, too. The tasty options are endless – from berries, apples, bananas, and cherries to broccoli, tomatoes, carrots, cabbage, and kale. Be adventurous and try a new recipe that features a veggie you’ve never had before. Or, taste local flavors by visiting your neighborhood farmers market. Whether for a snack or with a meal, fresh produce is great for any baby boomer’s diet.
Time requirement: five minutes or less
Better Sex for Better Health
Indeed, a recent study released this May suggests as many as six in 10 women – ages 55 to 65 – avoid sexual intimacy. Yet, sexual activity is good for a woman’s health – especially if she is entering into any of the menopausal phases of life – peri-menopause, menopause or post-menopause.
“Sexual stimulation releases hormones that positively affect a woman’s overall health and well-being and keeps her vagina youthful,” says Dr. Mary Jane Minkin,-Ob/Gyn and author of-“The Yale Guide to Women’s Reproductive Health.” “The vagina, like any muscle found in the body, is best kept healthy with exercise – if you don’t use it, you can lose it.”
According to Dr.Minkin, the benefits of healthy sex are manifold, ranging from stress reduction and improved mood to protection of a woman’s reproductive and pelvic health. Some proof points: a study in “Biological Psychology”-shows the rush of hormones released from sex boosts mood, fosters feelings of closeness and helps manage stress for days.-Another study in the-“Journal of Sexual Medicine”-reveals that regular sexual stimulation is essential for positive sexual functioning – arousal, lubrication and avoidance of pain.
“When a patient is not sexually active, I encourage her to consider a sexual aid like a vibrator to protect the pelvic floor by increasing blood flow to that area of her body,” says Dr. Minkin. “Vibrator use can help prevent certain conditions such as vaginal atrophy – vaginal dryness or a weakening of the muscle tone in the pelvic area that can lead to sexual dysfunction and painful sex.”
Dr. Minkin advises middle-aged or older women who are not getting enough sexual stimulation to try a vibrator like the Thrill by We-Vibe. It ensures regular blood flow to the pelvis, which is particularly important for women who are in the peri-menopausal, menopausal or post-menopausal stages of life.–
What’s more, the use of a vibrator may help some women by increasing their desire for sexual stimulation.-The same study in May uncovered that 63 percent of women ages 55 to 65 shy away from sex because they are experiencing a loss of libido.