If you have had a bone density test that came back with a diagnosis of osteopenia, you probably want to know how worried should you be. Bone density refers to the mass and strength of the bone and “osteopenia refers to having low bone density when compared to others of the same age.” Doctors explain that the biggest risk of osteopenia is it can lead to the more harmful disease of osteoporosis. Patients with osteoporosis have an even lower bone density that results in bones becoming fragile and easily fractured.
The CDC reports that 54 million Americans suffer from osteoporosis but many more have osteopenia. In fact the Harvard Medical School says half of all people over the age of 50 in the US have osteopenia. Risk factors include women, especially those who have gone through menopause; however, one-third of white men and Asian men over the age of 50 have osteopenia. Other risk factors include smoking, excessive consumption of alcohol, a diet low in vitamin D, and certain medications as well as certain medical conditions such as lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, among others. Medical experts warn that most people do not have any idea they have osteopenia until they have a bone density test. Most commonly the test is done by a dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA), and uses a low-energy X-ray to painlessly assess the level of calcium in the bones. Recommendations to improve bone density include eating foods high in calcium such as leafy green vegetables and dairy as well as foods high in vitamin D including oily or fatty fish, mackerel and fortified cereal. Exercise also play a role in preventing the loss of bone density and may even help to improve the situation. Doctors say your regimen should include weight bearing and strengthening exercises. There are medications to deal with the condition but are not typically prescribed until a person has osteoporosis. At the MorningStar of Billings senior living community we offer independent living, assisted living and memory care. We also provide residents with nutritional, tasty meals as well as suitable exercise programs and activities to help them stay fit. Visit our website to see more about the wide range of resort-style amenities and services we provide to ensure the comfort, wellness and security of our residents. MorningStar Senior Living of Billings represents the finest in senior living facilities with our unique mission statement “to honor, to serve, to invest.” Our foundation is built on honoring God, valuing our seniors and hiring staff with a felt calling to serve in order to provide a true home for residents. Please schedule a tour to experience unsurpassed assisted living and independent living in Billings. Several studies are showing links to dietary habits and the risk for Alzheimer’s disease. The Mayo Clinic reports that a hybrid of two diets, the DASH diet that helps reduce high blood pressure and the Mediterranean diet that improves heart health, may protect our brain health.
Known as the "MIND" diet, which is short for Mediterranean-DASH Intervention for Neurodegenerative Delay, the diet consists of lots of natural plant-based foods while limiting red meat, saturated fat and sugar. Based on observational studies, research suggests that following the MIND diet can “reduce the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease by up to 53 percent as well as slow cognitive decline and improve verbal memory.” One category of food at the top of the list is green leafy vegetables with a recommendation of at least six servings a week in dishes such as salads. The diet also includes one serving of other vegetables daily. MIND’s primary fruit is to eat berries at least twice a week. Red meat is reduced to less than four times a week, cheese to less than one serving per week, while poultry and fish are consumed twice or once a week respectively. Other recommended proteins include nuts and beans. Oil should be mainly from olive oil and butter or margarine reduced to less than a tablespoon a day; and fried or fast food eaten less than once a week. MIND includes a glass of wine a day but limits pastries and sweets to less than five times a week. The Mayo Clinic says study results also found you do not have to strictly follow the diet to gain benefits. For example, “adults in the study who followed the diet most closely (an average score of 9.6 points out of 15) saw the biggest drop in their Alzheimer's risk, the ones who scored in the middle (7.5 points) still cut their risk by over a third.” For exceptional memory care, Colorado Springs’ MorningStar at Bear Creek lovingly provides care for seniors with mild to advanced stages of Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia. We are a team of compassionate, professionals who feel privileged to serve our special residents. Please visit our website for more information. MorningStar at Bear Creek brings a unique vision to senior living with our mission statement “to honor, to serve, to invest.” Our foundation is built on honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve. We are dedicated to creating a true home for residents within an ideal setting and encourage you to learn more about the finest memory care Colorado Springs offers. Source:mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/alzheimers-disease/in-depth/15-simple-diet-tweaks-cut-alzheimers-risk/art-20342112 Each February, American Heart Month is celebrated by motivating Americans to adopt healthy lifestyles to prevent heart disease, the leading cause of death for both men and women in the U.S. Many organizations such as the American Heart Association and the National Institutes of Health use this opportunity to raise awareness and spread strategies for preventing the disease.
Some of their suggestions for prevention include small lifestyle changes such as flavoring food with spices rather than using salt as well as adopting overall healthier eating habits. They recommend staying active (or get active) and maintaining a healthy weight. Also, to control cholesterol and blood pressure levels. If you smoke, quit and avoid secondhand smoke. If you drink alcohol, do it in moderation. It is also important to manage stress. Remember you are at a greater risk for heart disease if you have high cholesterol or high blood pressure, are overweight or obese, and are not exercising and following a healthy diet. Genetics may also put you at a higher risk as well as your age. If you had a father or brother with heart disease before age 55 or a mother or sister with the disease before 65, it may indicate a family history. The most common type of heart disease is coronary heart disease (CHD), also known as coronary artery disease. This causes the coronary arteries that carry blood to the heart to become blocked by cholesterol and plaque buildup. Chest pains or a heart attack are a sign of a blocked artery. At MorningStar at Arrowhead, a Glendale, AZ assisted living and memory care community, we take our residents wellbeing very seriously, which is why we serve delicious, nutritional meals prepared largely from scratch using the freshest ingredients. In addition, we have a range of wellness programs and activities that support and enhance physical, mental, and spiritual health. Visit our website to learn what sets our community apart from other retirement homes Glendale offers and why our residents are happy to call MorningStar “home.” Our mission statement of “to honor, to serve, to invest” sets us apart from other retirement homes Glendale, AZ has to offer. We have built a foundation on honoring God, valuing our seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve. Set in a warm, loving atmosphere with beautiful surroundings and resort-style amenities, MorningStar at Arrowhead provides outstanding assisted living and memory care. Source: www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health-topics/education-and-awareness/heart-month While we have heard for years that red wine is good for our heart health, researchers have taken a deeper look to find out if it is really true. Medical experts say the idea probably got started in the late 1980s as a way to explain the low rate of heart disease in the French despite their love for cheese and other fatty foods.
Known as the “French Paradox,” scientists started studying the properties of red and purple grapes used to make red wines, which lead to the discovery of the beneficial plant compounds known as polyphenols including one called resveratrol. In addition research was done around the Mediterranean diet that also appears to lessen the risk for heart disease and strokes as it too includes drinking red wine. However Dr. Kenneth Mukamal, an internist at Harvard-affiliated Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, says actual evidence to support red wine and heart health is not very strong and the research up to now has been more observational. In terms of resveratrol, studies vary on the benefits and doctors say at best you simply eat red and purple grapes. In fact doctors think that earlier studies touting the benefits of red wine did not take into account the other lifestyle habits of the French such as exercise, maintaining a healthy weight and diet. Another reason that points to red wine not offering all of the heart benefits we earlier thought is researchers say Japan has an even lower rate of heart disease than the French. In their case, they “drink a lot of beer and clear spirits, but hardly any red wine.” Medical experts say the bottom line is if you enjoy wine, drink it in moderation. A serving of wine is 5 ounces so measure it out in your wine glasses as most are quite large. Moreover the older we get, we need to watch our consumption of alcohol. The National Institute of Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism and the American Geriatric Society recommend that starting at age 65, men especially should limit their alcohol use to no more than a single drink per day. At the MorningStar of Billings senior living community, we consider serving seniors our calling as well as our privilege. Our beautiful home offers independent living, assisted living and memory care. Please give us a call to learn more and to inquire about availability and pricing. MorningStar Senior Living of Billings represents the finest in senior living with a unique mission statement of: “to honor, to serve, to invest.” Proving a true home for residents, our foundation is built on honoring God, valuing all seniors and hiring staff with a felt calling to serve. Please contact us for more about one of the most trusted senior living facilities in Billings. Source: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/heart-disease/in-depth/red-wine/art-20048281#:~:text=Red%20wine%2C%20in%20moderation%2C%20has,that%20leads%20to%20heart%20attacks. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that each year, one out of every five Americans aged 65 years and older has a fall that results in broken bones or a head injury. However, medical professionals say while it is important for seniors to take precautions to prevent falls as injuries can be serious, they also remind us that regardless of how old we are, it is beneficial for our overall health to keep moving. Experts explain that failing to engage in “mild exercise on a regular basis results in reduced muscle strength, decreased bone mass, loss of balance and coordination, and reduced flexibility.”
They go on to say that despite commonly held beliefs, falls are not a normal part of aging and there are things you can do to help keep you on your feet and mitigate the risk of a fall. Their first advice is to talk to your doctor about your risk and prevention. Tell them if you have fallen and discuss your medications to see if side effects include dizziness or sleepiness that could contribute to falls. While falls are common in seniors 65 years of age and older, individuals with dementia are at an even greater risk. Researchers say there are several reasons for this including gait and balance issues as well as problems concentrating and with staying focused on the task at hand. Other issues that may increase the risk of falls include poor eyesight and chronic diseases such as Parkinson’s, and arthritis or numbness in the feet. If you often feel dizzy or lightheaded upon standing or suddenly sitting up, ask your doctor if you might have postural hypotension, and find out how you can alleviate the symptoms. Further tips to reduce your risk include having your eyes checked annually and updating your glasses when needed. In addition, talk to your doctor about the best footwear for inside the house as well as outside. Check your home for trip hazards (the CDC has a list of tips) and install grab bars in the bathroom. Finally, ask your doctor about exercises to strengthen your leg muscles as well as balance-training exercises to improve balance. If you have a loved one with Alzheimer’s or another dementia-related disease, please visit our website to learn more about the best memory care Colorado Springs offers. Our community was designed from the ground up to provide a secure setting and address the unique needs of our most tender residents to ensure their safety and comfort. We encourage you to learn more about MorningStar and all of the amenities and services we provide to residents and their families alike. MorningStar at Bear Creek brings a unique vision to senior living with our mission statement “to honor, to serve, to invest.” Our foundation is built on honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve. We are dedicated to creating a true home for residents within an ideal setting. Visit our website for more information about the finest memory care Colorado Springs has to offer. Sources: cdc.gov/injury/features/older-adult-falls/ agingcare.com/articles/falls-in-elderly-people-133953.htm alzinfo.org/articles/diagnosis/alzheimers-disease-increases-the-risk-of-falls/ The American Heart Association (AHA) reports that every 40 seconds a person has a stroke and every four minutes someone dies from one. While that is alarming, the AHA says that almost 80 percent of strokes can be prevented.
Did you know that one of the leading causes of strokes is high blood pressure, also called hypertension, and is the most prevalent health condition facing Americans? Statistics show one in four US adults have hypertension, and as people age, their blood pressure goes up. Experts now believe as many as 80% of people 65 years and older have hypertension and should take steps to reduce it. If you fall into that age group or are at risk for HBP, start by regularly monitoring your blood pressure. If high, work with your doctor to find ways to lower it including getting more exercise and eating a healthy diet. Another way to help prevent strokes is to quit smoking. Smoking reduces the amount of oxygen in the bloodstream and forces the heart to work harder, which in turn, increases the likelihood of blood clots. Also, if you are diabetic, you need to manage the disease. The American Diabetes Association reports that diabetics are two to four times more likely to have a stroke than someone without the disease. Exercise is another way to lower your risk. Doctors say 30 minutes of moderate exercise fives a week, like a brisk walk, yoga or dancing are beneficial. Moreover, if you are overweight, try to lose weight as obesity put you at risk for any number of health issues including stroke. And don’t forget to get your cholesterol checked. The AHA recommends everyone 20 years of age and over should have it done at least every 5 years. Check with your healthcare provider regarding other risks for stroke. At MorningStar at Arrowhead, we have 60 stylish suites for assisted living and 25 secure suites for residents with Alzheimer’s disease and other memory impairments. We define health and well-being holistically, and offer services and programming that supports the whole person: body, mind and spirit, which we believe makes MorningStar a destination for successful aging. If you are looking for one of the best retirement communities Glendale, AZ offers; we encourage you to visit our website to learn more about MorningStar at Arrowhead. Our mission statement of “to honor, to serve, to invest” sets us apart from other retirement communities Glendale, AZ has to offer. We have built a foundation on honoring God, valuing our seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve. Set in a warm, loving atmosphere with beautiful surroundings and resort-style amenities, MorningStar at Arrowhead provides outstanding assisted living and memory care. As we begin a new year, let us embrace the quote, "You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream," which some attribute to author and theologian, C. S. Lewis. While 2020 was a challenging year, we need to think ahead of what the coming year will bring and to focus on positive changes in our lives rather than on the negative.
The best news is that seniors may have the chance to be vaccinated against COVID-19 as soon as late winter or spring. However medical experts caution that it will not mean an end to mask wearing just yet. While vaccines have shown to be very effective at preventing symptomatic illness and severe disease, doctors are not sure whether a vaccinated person could still spread the disease. They explain that although you will be protected against getting ill and ending up in the hospital, you may still be able to pass the virus on to an unvaccinated person. CNN Medical Analyst Dr. Leana Wen, an emergency physician and visiting professor at George Washington University Milken Institute School of Public Health, says that, “It's estimated that about 70% of Americans must be vaccinated before we get to herd immunity through vaccination. That's the point where enough people have the immune protection that the virus won't spread anymore.” Experts say to get to the 70%, 230 million Americans must be vaccinated, and they predict that should happen by late spring to early summer! So dream a new dream or set a new goal as 2021 will be the year we can really get back to living our lives and creating new adventures. At the MorningStar of Billings senior living community, our independent living and assisted living offers comfort, wellness and security. For seniors suffering from Alzheimer’s or other dementia-related diseases, we have 36 secure suites in our memory care wing that provide professional, compassionate care. MorningStar Senior Living of Billings represents the finest in senior living with our unique mission statement “to honor, to serve, to invest.” Our foundation is built on honoring God, valuing our seniors and hiring staff with a felt calling to serve in order to provide a true home for residents. As one of the best senior living facilities in the Billings area, we offer independent living, assisted living and memory care. Source: abc7news.com/covid-vaccine-masks-mask-wearing-pfizer/9139874/ Each year millions of elderly seniors fall prey to ruthless schemes that rob them of their money and identity. The sad part it is often a result of a senior’s trusting nature or feelings of isolation and loneliness; or in some cases, a senior may have cognitive issues that impair their judgement and decision-making skills.
Experts explain there are several reasons why seniors are more susceptible to fraudulent schemes starting with the fact they tend to be very trusting. Our elderly population was typically raised be polite and agreeable to others, which in turn can make them more susceptible to fraud. Lonely seniors can easily be preyed upon as they are willing to stay on the phone and engage in conversation with a stranger. The National Council on Aging (NCOA) updates the public to current scams targeting seniors so if you have a parent or other elderly loved ones who may be at risk, take a look at the info and discuss the various schemes used with them. One scam frequently used recently is a phone call, email or in-person approach to collect money for disaster relief. Thieves also scam those who have been the victim of a disaster by trying to collect personal information under the guise of providing some sort of financial relief. The NCOA says there are ways to avoid getting scammed such as never giving out your personal information to anyone but a trusted family member, friend or your professional financial advisor. In addition, never make big financial decisions without consulting with one of those trusted people. Also do not give out personal PIN #s, or Medicare and other financial info over the phone unless you initiated the call or know the person. Other commonsense advice includes being wary of high-pressure sales persons, never signing a contract until you understand it entirely, and to be suspicious of unexpected announcements of winning money, trips, or other prizes. Experts say it is most likely a hoax. Always take your time when making financial decisions and do not give blanket approval to a vendor for medical equipment and other purchases. MorningStar at Bear Creek brings a unique vision to senior living with our mission statement “to honor, to serve, to invest.” With a foundation built on honoring God, valuing seniors and investing in a staff with a felt calling to serve, we offer loving, compassionate care within a beautiful home-like setting. Please contact us to learn more about Colorado Springs’ finest memory care assisted living. Source: ncoa.org/economic-security/money-management/scams-security/protection-from-scams/ By the time February comes around each year, surveys show that as many as 80% of us have already fallen short of sticking to a New Year’s resolution. Despite our best efforts, it is not always easy to keep resolutions, but science may provide a clue as to how we can achieve better results.
A new study recently published in the journal PLOS One, reports on a simple trick that may help us stick to our resolutions. The study found people had more success once they changed the way they looked at what they are trying to accomplish. For instance, rather than commit to something you wish to stop, “simply rephrase your resolution as something positive you’d like to commit to doing.” The study’s lead author, Per Carlbring, explains that it is practically impossible to erase a behavior, but much simpler to replace it with something else.” He advises to think: I will start to do ______. Not, I will quit or avoid ______. The 2017 research involved more than 1,000 participants who were encouraged to make New Year’s resolutions. Participants were divided into three groups with one group getting no support, the second some support, and the third received regular support to help keep their resolution throughout the year. By the end of the study, researchers found no difference between the success rates of the three groups. What did matter was how the resolution had been worded. Nearly 60% of those with a positive approach succeeded as opposed to 47% who took a more “avoidance approach.” While it may not seem like much of a difference, Lynn Bufka, the associate executive director for practice research and policy at the American Psychological Association, says it is in line with what is known about goal setting in the clinical world. She explains that taking a positive approach is typically more successful, as is establishing really specific goals. At MorningStar of Billings, we are one of the area’s finest senior living facilities and provide independent living, assisted living and memory care. Our beautiful home is dedicated to providing residents with a lifestyle of comfort, wellness and community for carefree retirement years. Please visit our website for more information as well as to contact us regarding availability and pricing. MorningStar Senior Living of Billings represents the finest in senior living with a unique mission statement of: “to honor, to serve, to invest.” Proving a true home for residents, our foundation is built on honoring God, valuing all seniors and hiring staff with a felt calling to serve. We invite you to visit our website for more info regarding the area’s top senior living facilities for independent living, assisted living and memory care. Source: entry/trick-to-keeping-new-years-resolution_l_5fe3a988c5b66809cb2fd054 Just as the elderly can suffer in the heat of summer, they can also be adversely affected by the cold. This is due to the fact that as we age, we lose the ability to regulate our body temperature. The CDC reports that both extremes can stress the heart, but that the cold is more dangerous to the elderly as more of them die each year from the cold than the heat.
One of the reasons doctors say is it is harder for a person to realize they are cold is it often happens gradually. While someone younger may not be affected, an elderly person sitting in a too cold room for hours can lead to hypothermia, a condition where the body temperature gets dangerously low. The National Institute on Aging (NIA) warns that for older adults “a body temperature of 95°F or lower can cause many health problems, such as a heart attack, kidney problems, liver damage, or worse.” In addition, medical experts report that certain medical conditions and medications can cause seniors to have a drop in body temperature. These include beta blockers, sedatives, antipsychotics and antidepressants meds as well as stroke, Parkinson’s disease, and Hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid). Alcohol and drug use, nerve damage, and malnutrition and anorexia also cause seniors to be more sensitive to the cold. To help mom or dad stay safe in winter, experts say keep the space a senior spends their time in at least 68 to 70 degrees. Another tip is to make sure the person is dressed warm enough. Keep their feet warm in non-slip house shoes or shoes and socks. If they live alone, have someone check on them regularly during cold weather. If you are looking for memory care assisted living in the Colorado Springs area, we encourage you to consider MorningStar at Bear Creek. Our community is designed to accommodate the needs of our residents and encourages and supports their independence while keeping them safe. If you have a loved one with Alzheimer’s or another dementia-related disease, please visit our website for more information about our experienced, compassionate memory care. MorningStar at Bear Creek brings a unique vision to senior living with our mission statement “to honor, to serve, to invest.” With a foundation built on honoring God, valuing seniors and investing in a staff with a felt calling to serve, we offer loving, compassionate care within a beautiful home-like setting. Please contact us to learn more about the area’s finest memory care assisted living. |
AuthorMorningStar Senior Living’s distinct mission statement “to honor, to serve, to invest” sets us apart from other senior living options. Our foundation is built on honoring God, valuing our seniors and hiring staff with a felt calling to serve. Archives
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