Home Care Assistance of North Houston

Positive Effects of Meditation

hcanorthhouston — Wed, 07 Dec 2011 16:02:08 +0000

A mind is a terrible thing to waste and as we age it becomes easier to do so. If we stop stimulating our minds, older adults become susceptible to several diseases such as Alzheimer’s, or other disorders, like ADHD.

However, there is a way to keep our minds stimulated in pursuit of healthy longevity: “a brain imaging study at Yale University shows how people who regularly practice meditation are able to switch off areas of the brain linked to daydreaming, anxiety, schizophrenia and other psychiatric disorders.”

Meditation has many health related benefits including coping with cancer to quitting smoking. It can put people at ease with themselves and their situation. One very interesting aspect of the Yale study is that the part of the brain most positively affected by meditation has “been linked to the accumulation of beta amyloid plaques in Alzheimer’s disease.” In other words, the more individuals meditate, the lower their risk of developing Alzheimer’s, according to this study.

To read more about these findings, click here: http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/238093.php

Fish May Help Protect Against Alzheimer’s!

hcanorthhouston — Mon, 05 Dec 2011 17:02:37 +0000

A new study has shown that people who eat at least one half serving of fish a day, one to four times a week, have a lower risk of Alzheimer’s and larger brains in general. Fried fish did not show the same results; baked or broiled fish was the only one showing a capability of staving off this deadly disease.

Fish has other health benefits as well, and though it’s advisable not to eat too much based on the risk of mercury poisoning, it has been defined as a super food. Just one more reason to eat this delicious sea creature!

Mozes, Alan. “Non-Fried Fish Might Help Ward Off Alzheimer’s: Study – Yahoo! News.” Yahoo! News – Latest News & Headlines. Web. 05 Dec. 2011. .

Depression or Alzheimer’s?

hcanorthhouston — Wed, 30 Nov 2011 15:43:29 +0000

Aging adults are at a higher risk for both Alzheimer’s and depression. Some of the symptoms of these two mirror each other closely, and it’s difficult to tell exactly what’s wrong. There are a few tips for telling the two diseases apart.

Depressed adults often have trouble concentrating and focusing on the tasks in front of them. However, it doesn’t necessarily mean they can’t remember things, a sign of Alzheimer’s. It’s important to figure out why you are struggling to remember things – the causes could be important in determining if it’s Alzheimer’s or depression.

Disorientation and apraxia – the inability to remember how to preform learned and routine tasks – is another sign of Alzheimer’s rather than depression. Depressed adults are usually aware of their surroundings, even if they do not react to them. Those with Alzheimer’s often struggle to remember who they’re talking to and where they are.

The best way to decide, however, is to talk to a doctor. Depression and Alzheimer’s are both serious diseases with dangerous consequences, and it’s important to diagnose them properly.

Pinkowish, Mary. “How Is Depression in the Elderly Different From Dementia? – Depression – Health.com.” Health.com: Health News, Wellness, and Medical Information. Web. 30 Nov. 2011. .

Weight Loss: An Early Sign of Alzheimer’s?

hcanorthhouston — Mon, 28 Nov 2011 15:48:15 +0000

A recent study suggests that an early warning sign of Alzheimer’s could be weight loss. Underweight seniors are far more likely to be exhibiting other early warning sings of the disease.

This isn’t the first connection between weight and Alzheimer’s; earlier studies have shown that those who are overweight to obese when middle-aged are far more likely to contract Alzheimer’s; conversely, those who are overweight to obese in their elder years are less likely to contract the disease. Scientists aren’t sure where this link to weight comes from, but they suggest that it could mean that Alzheimer’s affects the hippocampus, which is responsible for your body’s metabolism.

It’s important to eat right every day, regardless of your age and health.

Gardner, Amanda. “Could Weight Loss Be Early Sign of Alzheimer’s? – Yahoo! News.” Yahoo! News – Latest News & Headlines. 21 Nov. 2011. Web. 28 Nov. 2011. .

Consistent Exercise Prevents Muscle Loss As We Age

hcanorthhouston — Mon, 21 Nov 2011 15:23:21 +0000

As we age, our bodies become more frail and we begin to lose muscle tissue. Some “studies have [even] found that as [we] age, [we] not only lose muscle, but the tissue that remains can become infiltrated with fat, degrading its quality and reducing its strength.”

So what can we do to prevent this?

A recent study found that consistent exercise not only keeps you healthy as you age, but it also prevents muscle loss. A study was conducted among people (ranging in age from 40-70) who exercise 4-5 times a week and the results were encouraging.

“There was little evidence of deterioration in the older athletes’ musculature. The athletes in their 70s and 80s had almost as much thigh muscle mass as the athletes in their 40s, with minor, if any, fat infiltration. The athletes also remained strong.”

“What we can say with certainty is that any activity is better than none,” Dr. Wright says, “and more is probably better than less. But the bigger message is that it looks as if how we age can be under our control. Through exercise, you can preserve muscle mass and strength and avoid the decline from vitality to frailty.”

With New Year’s resolutions around the corner, make a concerted effort to get outside and to the gym, if you belong to one. Any activity is better than none, so take a hike with a friend, plant a new garden or walk to the grocery store instead of driving to pick up that cartoon or milk you will need for your cereal in the morning!

To read more about this study click here: http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/11/09/aging-well-through-exercise/?ref=elderly

Increase in Fiber Intake Helps Prevent Colorectal Cancer, Study Shows

hcanorthhouston — Fri, 18 Nov 2011 15:38:31 +0000

Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer diagnosed in America. The lifetime risk of developing this type of cancer is roughly 1 in 20, according to the American Cancer Society.

A recent compilation of previous studies shows that a diet high in fiber is indicative of a reduced risk of colorectal cancer. The researchers found that with each 10-gram a day increase in total fiber, a 10% reduction in colorectal cancer arose. Even a small increase from 5 to 15 grams of fiber a day can make a huge difference in protecting oneself against such a devastating cancer.

While colorectal cancer cannot be fully avoided or warded off, preventive measures such as increasing one’s fiber intake can help.
Below are ten common sources of fiber that you can incorporate into your daily diet:

Avocado – 17 grams
Artichoke – 10 grams
Raspberries – 8 grams
Blackberries – 8 grams
Lentils – 8 grams
Black Beans – 7 grams
Broccoli – 6 grams
Vegetable Soup – 7 grams
Pear – 4.5 grams
Apple – 4 grams

To read more about colorectal cancer research click here: http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-500368_162-57323169/high-fiber-diet-linked-to-lower-colon-cancer-risk/

National Home Care and Hospice Month!

hcanorthhouston — Wed, 16 Nov 2011 15:27:20 +0000

Home care services ensure seniors can age in place in the comfort of home. Seniors can maintain their independence while staying safe with the assistance of a caregiver.

In recognition of National Home Care and Hospice Month, we would like to share several ways that you can celebrate this month in your local community:

•    Honor the different types of home care providers (based on area of specialty) on specific days or weeks in November
•    Air a PSA or paid ad on a local radio or television station in recognition of this month
•    Ask patients and families to sign a giant thank you card for staff and volunteers!
•    Host an “Employee and Volunteer of the Year” awards event
•    Cater a special meal for your patients or clients, incorporating their favorite foods
•    Ask employees, volunteers, or the local Humane Society to participate in a share-a-pet day and request that carefully screened pets be brought to client’s homes for companionship

For more ideas, read online: http://www.nahc.org/HCHPCMonth/10/celebrate_hospice.html

10 Things Baby Boomers Won’t Say

hcanorthhouston — Mon, 14 Nov 2011 15:37:11 +0000

As the Baby Boomer generation ages, it’s important to start planning for the future. Whether this is determining they need to start receiving home care services or even that they would prefer to live in an assisted living or independent living facility, a plan needs to be created. This is a generation that has collectively made $3.7 trillion in their lifetime, so the question remains, where will it go?

Catey Hill wrote an article entitled “10 Things Baby Boomers Won’t Say” to illustrate the unwritten expectations of the boomer generation. The overarching theme of the story was that what happens in the lives of our parents will be based primarily on what they want to do.

While some of these statistics may be unsettling, according to Miss Hill, these are the facts:

1. Less than half of millionaire boomers say leaving money for their kids is a priority. They would rather spend it on themselves and travel in their waning years.

2. The boomers are expected to live longer than any previous generations, and they expect to stay at home throughout their senior years. Children of this generation should expect to support their parents while spending roughly $6,000-$10,000 on them annually. A great way to keep older adults safely at home is with the help of a qualified caregiver from a reputable home care agency. In contrast it will require $60,000-$100,000 to put your parents in a nursing home.

3. 27% of Americans in their 50s say they did not save for retirement because they had children. They equate this to paying for their schooling and other necessities. Even if a parent cannot afford it, they feel their children deserve the financial support needed to attend college.

4. Americans over 50 “can’t face [the] reality” of post retirement life. Health deterioration is expected, but only 13% of pre-retirees expect their health to get worse in retirement.

5. “The divorce rate for people over 50 has double in the past 20 years.” It is estimated that in 2030 more than 400,000 couples will get a divorce after the age of 50.

6. Boomers are the least happy of all age groups. When asked to rate their happiness on a scale of one to ten, an average score of 6.2 was reached.

7. Nearly one out of every three 50-59 year old Americans is obese. Obesity at a young age means higher medical bills as older adults age.

8. “Boomers are drinking and drugging their way into old age at a rate much higher than their parents’ generation. Between 1992 and 2008, the proportion of substance abuse treatment admissions involving Americans 50 and older nearly doubled, according to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.”

9. The national debt is expected to grow as the boomer generation begins to receive social security and Medicaid.

10. Anti-aging products are expected to yield a $114 billion profit in 2014. 55% of all surgical procedures were done to people aged 40 and up.

While this information could potentially paint a bleak picture of the next ten to twenty years, what is important to take away from this is that the comfort and happiness of the boomer generation is largely dependent on younger generations. It is the duty of the adult children to provide care for their parents and loved ones. Continue to integrate your loved ones into your daily lives rather than focusing solely on your own life.

Work hard and save your money so that you are able to help support your parents as they did for you growing up. Through marital, monetary and health issues there can always be one constant for older adults: the intrinsic worth of having raised a child.

Healthy Twist on Holiday Classic Pumpkin Pie

hcanorthhouston — Fri, 11 Nov 2011 15:32:15 +0000

Holiday season is right around the corner which means get-togethers with family and loved ones, fires, cold weather and delicious holiday feasts that are not very forgiving when it comes to one’s waistline.

According to a New York Times article, individuals who were surveyed said they gain, on average, around five pounds between Thanksgiving and Christmas. This news is not ideal since the average weight gain during adulthood is about one to two pounds a year, which means that much of midlife weight gain can be explained by holiday eating.

No one wants to skimp when it comes to holiday food and other specialties that are consumed only during this time of year. However, there are ways to cut the calories without the flavor!

That said, I would like to share a healthy twist on a holiday classic. pumpkin pie:

Low Fat Pumpkin Pie

Ingredients

•1 (15 ounce) can solid pack pumpkin

•1 (14 ounce) can fat free sweetened condensed milk

•1/2 cup egg substitute

•1/2 teaspoon salt

•1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

•1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg

•1/2 teaspoon ground ginger

•1 (9 inch) unbaked pastry shell

Directions

In a large mixing bowl, combine the first seven ingredients; beat just until smooth. Pour into pastry shell. Bake at 425 degrees F for 15 minutes. Reduce heat to 350 degrees F; bake 25-30 minutes longer or until a knife inserted near the center comes out clean. Cool on a wire rack. Store in the refrigerator.

Caregivers: Protect Your Health!

hcanorthhouston — Wed, 09 Nov 2011 15:17:39 +0000

Many are aware of the debilitating effects Alzheimer’s, but what about the health of those caring for a loved one with this disease? “After learning of a loved one’s diagnosis, family members can sometimes become so focused on their loved ones’ everyday needs that they overlook their own physical and mental health.” So how can caregivers make time for themselves while providing care for another?

The California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists developed a list of suggestions to provide good health for caregivers. Often, the easiest solution is to slow down and share mutual respect with your loved one.

For specific suggestions you can reference this list:

1) Put health first: Take time to ensure your own well-being. Eat a healthy meal, go out for the day, take a brief break from caregiving, or read a book!

2) Plan visits to sit and talk: Take your loved one out to a park and pick up food that is already prepared such as a sandwich. This eliminates the stress that accompanies you running around the kitchen preparing a meal. Your loved one will also be put more at ease because they can spend more time conversing with you, rather than watching you prepare food.

3) Be positive and set limits: Inform them of what you can and cannot do. By setting limits in a positive tone, you can create an environment more conducive to understanding.

Just remember, caring for yourself and caring for another person is not as daunting as it seems. A day trip to a park, taking some time for yourself and building a relationship.