July 20, 2009 | Posted by: Carebuzz | Posted in: Health and Nutrition for Houston Seniors | Tagged: Aging issues, Houston elders, Varicose veins
My mother in law has had problems in her legs from quite a number of years, primarily due to the extra weight that she carries, which has put a strain on her legs which are the bulk of her support. In her 50s, she received two knee replacements, and while that helped her regain some semblance of mobility, in recent years that's began to decline again. She's had a number of issues, including what the doctor believes is tendonitis in the thighs, and has had leg infections when scrapes and other injuries have refused to heal. After multiple diagnoses and ineffective treatment methods for many of the problems with her legs, she still has not found a solution and is practically immobile, which is tragic since she is only in her early 60s.
Recently, she was sent to a masseuse in order to help treat what is believed to be tendonitis in her legs. However, after taking one look at her, the masseuse said that she doesn't want to do too much, because it appears as though she has a varicose vein and pressure could further aggravate it. She has been examined multiple times by her doctor, but this has never been brought to her attention before; however, after looking into it further, she believes that this might explain many of the problems she's been having; including the inability to heal, itchy legs, swelling in the legs (which the doctor said was due to a medication), and the severe leg cramps. After examining her again when she approached her doctor about the issues she was having and the belief that it might be a varicose vein, he determined that in fact not all of her problems are attributed to the presence of a varicose vein, but that many of her symptoms are correct. She's currently undergoing a few different treatment methods in an attempt to alleviate her problems.
Sources:
1. Wrong Diagnosis
Image Source: pro.corbis.com
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July 17, 2009 | Posted by: Carebuzz | Posted in: Health and Nutrition for Houston Seniors | Tagged: Aging adult's diet, houston senior health, Hypertension in elders
Hypertension is known as the "silent killer" amongst American seniors, because for many Houston older adults, the potentially fatal illness can go undetected. As a result, when a diagnosis of primary hypertension is made by a doctor, it's crucial that seniors make adjustment to their lifestyles in order to reduce their blood pressure and make sure that it doesn't harm their health. While medication can help reduce blood pressure, there are more favorable natural methods that seniors can use in order to make their health a priority.
• Aerobic Exercise - this is an easy way to reduce blood pressure. Whether it's beginning a routine fitness regimen or making simple changes, like taking the stairs instead of the elevator, or parking father from the entrance to a store to walk a little bit further
• Lose weight - blood pressure and obesity naturally go hand-in-hand, so in order to lower blood pressure, start losing weight!
• Diet plan - seniors with high blood pressure should not only reduce the calories in their diet in order to help with weight loss; but they should also change their diet so that it's low in saturated fats and rich in fruits and vegetables chalk full of nutrients
• Reduce sodium intake - sodium intake should be no more than 2,400 mg per day, so seniors should cut sodium down in their diets by avoiding especially salty foods. Sodium can exasperate high blood pressure or make symptoms worse
• Quit smoking - those who smoke can make high blood pressure much worse and potentially deadly. Inhaling smoke damages blood vessel walls and hardens the arteries
Before implementing any of the following tips in their life, seniors should talk to a doctor about safe methods to reduce blood pressure, incorporating the above, based on their health and fitness level.
Sources:
1. Suite101
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July 13, 2009 | Posted by: Carebuzz | Posted in: Health and Nutrition for Houston Seniors, Senior Activities in Houston | Tagged: Aging Adults, Benefits of exercise, Houston senior physical activity
Houston seniors are aware of the benefits of exercise, but for many reasons, seniors find that they just can't get themselves started. Here are a few of the common reasons that seniors avoid exercise, and ways that they can get over the hurdles and introduce physical activity into their lives.
• Seniors are afraid that they're just too old - in reality, a fit 70 year old can be stronger and in better health than a senior who is sedentary
• Seniors are afraid that they might injure themselves - while this can be a reality, seniors need to choose activities that are well-suited to their physical abilities; and if they are concerned can talk to a doctor and a fitness expert who has experience working with seniors
• They are afraid it will harm their health - while overexertion can have negative health repercussions, seniors who pay close attention to the signs and symptoms generated from their bodies and know when to take it easy will likely avoid the risks
• They get bored - seniors should choose activities that they enjoy - this can be through trial and error - but generally, any physical activity is beneficial. By varying their routine and sticking with the exercises they enjoy, they will be more likely to keep it up
Sources:
1. Mature Fitness
2. MedicineNet
Image Source: pro.corbis.com
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July 10, 2009 | Posted by: Carebuzz | Posted in: Health and Nutrition for Houston Seniors | Tagged: Ballroom dance, Elderly heatlh concerns, Houston senior activites
Q. I am a care recipient for an elderly gentleman in Houston; for years, we have taped episodes of Dancing with the Stars and watched it during the day during our time together. Since this is one of the few interests that we share, I've been thinking about introducing my senior to ballroom dancing through lessons at a local community center in Houston; however, I'm wondering if it is a safe activity for a 82 year old man with a history of arthritis?
A. Dancing with the Stars has made many seniors and their caregivers across the United States consider ballroom dancing as a fun activity that is great for entertainment as well as exercise. Studies have shown that ballroom dancing can reduce instances of Alzheimer's and dementia, increase flexibility, stimulate the mind and improve overall cardiovascular health. While you are right to be cautious about pursuing any physical activity, it can be a very safe activity for seniors of any age when learned under the supervision of an experienced ballroom dancing instructor who has a background working with seniors. When engaging in any physical activity with a senior, you should always be aware of any signs that they are struggling physically as a result of the activity. Shortness of breath or extreme perspiration my may be signs of overexertion, and if he mentions unusual pain in any of his joints or muscles it may be time to ease off the dancing. Otherwise, start dancing like your favorite stars, and he'll be well on his way to better health!
Sources:
1. Suite 101
2. Global Action on Aging
Image Source: pro.corbis.com
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July 6, 2009 | Posted by: Carebuzz | Posted in: Senior Activities in Houston | Tagged: Benefits of technology, Computers and elders, Houston seniors
All seniors are different, but in my experience, teaching a senior about computer use isn't always easy. When my grandfather had a computer brought into his home, we felt that it was necessary to teach him only the bare minimum; showing him skills he would need in order to get himself online, send email, and access his favorite websites. We created shortcuts, and had the web browser automatically save his login details so everything would happen simply and automatically. We also wrote down step-by-step instructions for every action so he'd have something to fall back on in case his memory failed him when performing a specific task on the computer. We knew when he got the computer that this would not be easy on him, or on the rest of the family; but we were also certain that the benefits he would receive would outweigh the negatives.
Within weeks of the computer being brought into my grandfather's home, the phone calls started. With his limited knowledge of technology, anything out of the box that happened would leave him totally lost. If a different message box popped up while he was checking his email; everything would have to be put on hold. If the internet disconnected, he would worry that he had somehow broken the computer. Despite the complications, we knew how important that having the computer and internet access was to him; he was finally connecting with family members he could no longer speak with because of his limited hearing, and he had regained a sense of self through finding activities he enjoyed, that he could do at home, since he had to give up some of the physical things that his life had formerly revolved around, and that made it all worth it.
A Personal account by Beth Hodgson, writer for Carebuzz
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June 29, 2009 | Posted by: Carebuzz | Posted in: Choosing the Best Care Option in Houston, Houston CAREGiver's Corner | Tagged: Caregiver help, Elderly challenges, Houston aging relatives
Families in Houston all struggle with the decision of when it's the right time to get help for an aging relative. No one wants to admit that someone they love is getting older, because that brings them face to face with the concept of mortality and the idea that the important person in their life might not be part of it for much longer. However, by suggesting home care when the time seems right, families can give their loved ones the benefit of safety and health in their own homes. There is no definite equation for when it's the right time for home care, but some ideal situations can be used as signs that it might be time to start talking about it.
Situations when Home Care is Ideal
• Seniors who struggle with Activities of Daily Living- seniors who struggle with dressing, bathing, preparing meals, taking their medications, or keeping up with chores around the home are ideal candidates for in-home senior care
• Seniors with declining mobility - seniors who are having changes with their balance and mobility may be at a greater risk of falling or having an accident in the home when trying to perform ADLs . By hiring a caregiver, safety issues can be addressed and prevented through additional help
• Seniors who have had to give up driving - seniors who no longer drive for whatever reason, would greatly benefit from the help of a caregiver who can take them to run errands or to appointments
• Seniors who don't have family nearby - seniors who have the above problems but do not have family nearby to help them can benefit from in home care when there's no one else out there to help them
• Seniors who have come out of the hospital or rehab - after seniors have been released from the hospital or rehab program and are in recovery, it's better for seniors to have the help of a caregiver so they don't put too much of a burden on their bodies by trying to care for themselves or their homes
• Seniors who suffer from Alzheimer's or dementia - safety may be an issue for seniors who struggle with their memories
Sources:
1. Elder Issues
Image Source: pro.corbis.com
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June 26, 2009 | Posted by: Carebuzz | Posted in: Choosing the Best Care Option in Houston, Houston CAREGiver's Corner, Safety Concerns for Houston Seniors | Tagged: Elder home safety, Family caregivers, Houston Senior Care
Since family caregiving is so common today, with more seniors and their families opting for home care instead of traditional nursing home care, people often fail to see the risks that can come with it due to improper training in senior care techniques. Although agencies like Home Instead Senior Care in Houston don't provide medical care, they are better trained than most family caregivers. Professionals are well versed in caregiving techniques, home safety, and specific care for Alzheimer's, and they are trained to identify potential signs of illness.
When family caregivers are selected over professional senior caregivers, there are a number of risks that can be presented to the health and safety of a senior. Their homes may be ill-equipped for their level of physical mobility, and safety hazards in the home may be left unidentified, leaving more room for in-home accidents. When helping seniors with mobility around the home, family caregivers may not be aware of proper techniques for lifting or moving seniors, which could potentially put the senior at risk of injury. Very few home caregivers think they need to know CPR, believing that help is only a phone call away; while this might be true, training in basic first aid is essential, and this is a reassurance that can be provided by Home Instead Senior Care's professional non-medical caregivers.
Sources:
1. Seniors Daily
2. Home Instead Senior Care
Image Source: pro.corbis.com
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