Important Information on Colds and Flu

Seniors must be able to recognize the different symptoms that are associated with the flu and common colds. This is important because many seniors will have to seek medical attention if they have either of these. Knowing which one it is will help seniors be able to deal with their illness in an effective manner. The list below contains some important information on recognizing symptoms.

1. Flu symptoms will include fever, sore throat, congestion, muscle aches and cough. Colds usually include a stuffy or runny nose.

2. There are different strains of the flu and seniors need to be aware of these as well. The swine flu shares many symptoms with the regular flu but patients will also experience vomiting and diarrhea.

3. Most people will not develop a fever when they have a cold. With the flu, patients will typically run a fever between 100-102.

4. The flu will cause a lot of fatigue and will last for many weeks. Seniors with a weak immune system or chronic disease could battle the flu for more than a month.

5. Headaches are not reliable indicators of the flu or a cold.

6. Seniors with lung issues need to be cautious of getting the flu because it could turn into pneumonia.

7. A sore throat can be a symptom of colds and the flu, so seniors need to make note of other symptoms they have to determine what they have.

Source: WebMD

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Dental Health and Tips for Seniors

Seniors still need to take care of their teeth even in older age. Many seniors still have their own teeth, which makes dental care even more important. When seniors begin to neglect the care of their teeth, they could be at risk for other medical problems. Below is a list that provides seniors with some tips that will help them maintain their dental health and practice good oral hygiene.

1. Have a healthy diet. This will help improve oral health. Eating green and raw vegetables will be beneficial.

2. When brushing teeth, do not forget about the tongue. Daily brushing of the teeth on a daily basis is not as effective unless the tongue is also brushed at the same time.

3. Omit refined sugars from your diet. There are many products that will provide seniors with a sweet tooth the satisfaction they are looking for without the sugar intake.

4. Always provide your dentist with medical records. This will ensure you receive the proper medications if necessary.

5. Just because dentures are not real teeth, they should not be treated any differently. Brush and clean them daily.

6. No matter what the circumstances are, never decrease brushing. Always make sure to brush on a regular basis to maintain oral health.

7. Be sure to keep those dental visits. Routine cleanings are just as important for seniors as they are for young adults.

Source: Health.Priguide.com

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How Seniors Can Cope with an Illness

Seniors who have a chronic illness can have difficulty dealing with health issues. This is common for many. Below is a list of tips that help to cope with illnesses. The list can be beneficial to help seniors find the positive and to deal with their health conditions.

1. Tend to your spirit. Try to find things to do that provide a positive outcome. Participate in activities that make you feel whole.

2. Always speak your mind and never be afraid to express yourself. Many seniors will have regrets over something they wish they would have said while they had the chance.

3. Accept the situation and take things one hour at a time. Chronic illness often prevents seniors from making long-term plans, but they should live for the moment.

4. Laughter and humor can heal. Seniors with a chronic illness should try to expose themselves to light-hearted humor.

5. Try to avoid stress.

6. Spend time with those who are important. These people will often raise spirits and bring smiles to seniors.

7. Eat a healthy diet and make sure foods are nutritious.

8. Exercise as much as possible. Short walks can be beneficial and can help seniors clear their mind.

9. Be part of your health care. Try to get as much information as possible and be involved in decisions that are made.

10. Learn as much as you can about your illness. This will help seniors understand their situation and can help them cope better.

Source: Healthy Holistic Living

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Sleeping Tips Benefit Seniors

Sleep is essential in order for seniors to maintain their health. When seniors do not sleep well at night, their whole life will be affected. They will be drowsy during the day, have the inability to concentrate and may become anxious and stressed. The list below provides seniors with some useful tips that can help them get better sleep and begin to enjoy the days better.

1. Do not drink coffee or tea before going to bed. Some doctors suggest stopping drinking caffeine by 2 in the afternoon so it has time to leave the body.

2. Do not eat a heavy meal before going to bed. Some foods can help seniors sleep, such as whole wheat pasta, fresh vegetables and chicken breast. Late night snackers should choose cottage cheese with fruit slices.

3. Avoid wine before retiring for the night. Have a glass of wine at dinner, but no later.

4. Take baths earlier in the day. While some people may become relaxed after a bath, it will raise the body temperature and make it difficult to sleep.

5. Gentle stretching may help seniors sleep better. Avoid excessive exercising before bed, but yoga can help relax the body and the mind.

6. Keep the room dark and cool. Dim lights around the house a few hours before bedtime, using the least amount of light as possible.

7. Shut off cell phones and computers at least an hour before bed. This will help seniors unwind and let the day end.

Source: CNN

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How to Eat Healthy on the Road

Finding something healthy to eat while traveling can be somewhat of a challenge for seniors. Many times, seniors will want a light and quick meal to hold them over. When traveling, the options are slim, so the list below can help seniors choose foods that will be healthy. Eating healthy is important for seniors, so even while on vacation, they need to find healthy foods.

1.    Try to avoid the temptation of junk food from convenience stores. Eating junk food will fill the body with calories and fat, leaving seniors feeling fatigued and irritable.

2.    When eating breakfast in the road, try to avoid foods that have high amounts of sugar. A meal that is high in carbs will elevate the mood, but a high amount of sugar can cause drowsiness. If the senior is driving, this is never a good combination.

3.    In a restaurant, choose a meal that is as healthy as possible. Opt for an omelet with vegetables and whole-grain toast.

4.    Oatmeal with fruit is a great breakfast and snack during the day. It will provide the body with nutrients and energy.

5.    For seniors who are craving something sweet, try a bran muffin or whole-wheat toast with a little jelly.

6.    Fresh fruits, hard boiled eggs and yogurt are great in the hotel or for snacking.

7.    If seniors have to eat at a service station, avoid sugars. Try a protein bar or a breakfast sandwich.

8.    Try to avoid fast food. Go for soup, salad, vegetables and fish for dinner or lunch.

Source: http://nutrition.about.com/od/foodfun/a/healthyeating.htm

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Active Seniors are Healthy Seniors

It has been proven that seniors who are active have far fewer health problems than those who do not exercise at all. While it may be difficult for many seniors to begin exercising, more seniors have trouble sticking with it. To help with this issue, the list below offers some useful tips that can be beneficial to seniors.

1.    Seniors need to set goals for exercise and stick to them. They should start with small goals, such as exercising a few times a week. The goals should be realistic and achievable.

2.    Make a purchase! Buying a new bathroom scale can help seniors monitor their weight. Many newer scales will also display the body fat percentage. Seniors should set goals to reduce body fat. Seniors should also use the scale to keep track of their results from exercise. Most scales will have a built in memory, so seniors can monitor weight loss and gain.

3.    Do not think of exercise as a chore. It can actually be a social event if done in groups. Get together with other seniors for a walk. Socialization is linked with many health benefits, so seniors who combine exercise with a social activity will reap many benefits.

4.    Seniors do not have to engage in rigorous exercise routines. They should set short-term goals that are realistic. Most seniors will benefit from just 2 ½ hours of exercise each week.

Source: Consumer Healthday

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A Few Questions to Ask Your Senior’s Eye Care Provider

If you are concerned about your aging loved one’s eye-sight, you may want to set up an appointment with their usual eye care provider to test for glaucoma and cataracts. Help your senior by accompanying them and asking the doctor the following questions:

• If he/she uses Medicare, will it cover the cost of cataract surgery? Does Medicare cover the cost of new glasses after surgery?
• How long can he/she take to decide about cataract surgery?
• If he/she waits a year or more before having surgery, will this make it more likely that surgery won’t restore his/her vision?
• How will he/she know if the cataracts are getting worse?
• He/she has _____ other health conditions. How can he/she best manage them together?
• Are there any restrictions that he/she needs to follow?
• Should he/she see a specialist? What will that cost, and will his/her insurance cover it?
• Are there any brochures or other printed material that he/she can take with him/her? What Web sites do you recommend?
• What will determine whether he/she should plan for a follow-up visit?

Source: The Mayo Clinic

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Information on Wandering

Wandering patients is a major problem, especially Alzheimer’s patients. These individuals have a tendency to wander off trying to find something or someone that is familiar. Many senior Alzheimer’s patients get lost and disoriented, unable to find their way back. The list below provides some useful information on how to prevent wandering.

1. Some patients may wander to escape something that is causing them stress and anxiety. This could be too many conversations or a lot of noises. Try to minimize conversations and reduce background noises as much as possible.

2. In many cases, Alzheimer’s patients will wander it an attempt to relive the past. This is especially true for those who had a strict schedule for many years.

3. Wandering can also be triggered by certain medications.

4. To prevent wandering, address triggers, such as offering food and water, encouraging physical activities. Providing a family photo can also help reduce wandering.

5. Use visual cues to help the patient notice where they are. This can be done by putting photos on doors and walls to identify objects and areas of the home.

6. Try to keep them active and involved. The more interested a patient is in something, the less apt they are to wander off.

Source: Mayo Clinic

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Men and Testosterone – Link to Frailty

When men age, their levels of testosterone will begin to decrease. This is actually a normal part of aging, but it can also be the cause of frailty in many men. It is important to monitor testosterone levels, especially if men begin to experience loss of strength. Below is a list that contains some additional information that senior men should be aware of.

1. It is normal for testosterone levels to begin to deplete with age.

2. When levels are too low, men will begin to lose bone density, muscle mass and some of their physical strength. Also, red blood cell production will begin to slow down.

3. Various studies are being conducted to prove the link between low levels of testosterone and these medical issues. Currently, there is no way to determine if frailty in senior men is actually caused by the lack of the hormone.

4. Some recent research has shown that men who have a lower level of the hormone will be more likely to become frail within the next four to seven years.

5. At this time, it is not known if testosterone replacement therapy will be beneficial. Unfortunately, the hormone levels could be masked by another disease or illness that could be the primary cause of frailty.

Source: Reuters

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Dementia Facts and Information

Each year, more seniors are diagnosed with dementia. With no available cure, these seniors are at the mercy of the disease and its progression. Despite the facts that many people do not believe the disease exists, the millions of seniors that are affected is proof. The following list provides some facts about the disease.

1. In 2050, more than 14 million people will be affected by this disease.

2.  This increase will cause huge cost increases for the healthcare system.

3. There are a few medications that are being used to help slow the progression of the disease. Some patients report positive changes, but many do not notice a difference at all.

4. The actual cause of the disease has not yet been discovered. There has been many research projects conducted and the results indicate that there could be many factors involved in the development of dementia.

5. In the case of dementia, each senior will react differently. They will have different symptoms, different progression rates and will react differently to medications. Doctors are now focusing on the individual instead of the disease as a whole.

Source: Ultra Wellness Center

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