Although it is first-hand, it is not always easy to describe what is going on regarding medical problems to a doctor. Describing various symptoms is quite all-together different from getting the results of actual lab tests or a doctor’s opinion after a physical exam.
Relating symptoms clearly can help narrow down the problem, and medical experts share some advice on how to best do it. They start by telling patients to skip the medical jargon and just use their own words to describe what they are feeling. Dr. Lisa Ravindra, an assistant professor in the department of internal medicine and a primary care physician at Rush University Medical Center in Chicago, says, "Avoid using vague terms for timing like 'for a while' or stating that a symptom occurs 'once in a while' since these mean different things to different people." She explains it is helpful to be as precise as possible when talking about symptoms including the amount of time you have had them for such as three days, or on and off for a week. Doctors say it is helpful to rate your pain from one to ten. Other helpful things you can do include using a blood pressure monitor to chart your blood pressure, and if you feel feverish, take your temperature. Keep track of other important symptoms such as sore throat, earache, coughing, vomiting, diarrhea, etc. Be sure to mention unexpected weight loss, fatigue when doing things you typically do, or specific type and location of pain, i.e. a constant, sharp pain in the front of the right knee. If you have a chronic condition, doctors say it helps to keep a journal of symptoms to discuss with your doctor during your next visit. At MorningStar of Billings we are proud to be one of the top senior living facilities in Montana. We attribute our success to God’s grace and to staying true to our mission of servant-leadership. To help us accomplish these lofty goals, we are blessed to have a team of individuals with big hearts and a true love for seniors. Contact us today to see how we can help support the seniors in your life, and use our online Virtual Assistant to inquire about pricing, to set up a tour, or to ask questions. We look forward to hearing from you. Source: health.usnews.com/health-care/patient-advice/slideshows/how-to-describe-medical-symptoms-to-your-doctor?slide=3&src=usn_nl_yourhealth&utm_campaign=Your%20Health-Thu%20May%2027%2006%3A29%3A00%20EDT%202021&utm_medium=email&utm_source=Sailthru&utm_term=Your%20Health With summer bringing hotter, steamier temperatures, it is a good time to remind everyone, especially seniors to protect themselves from dehydration, which happens when our bodies lose more fluid than it takes in. Dr. Samuel Keim, a professor and head of the department of emergency medicine at the University of Arizona, explains one of the reasons adults 70 and older are more at risk for dehydration is “a diminished thirst mechanism and a decreased ability to compensate for high-temperature environments.” He adds this means seniors are less likely to feel thirsty or realize they are becoming dehydrated.
Moreover, many seniors suffer from medical conditions such as respiratory ailments, diabetes, high blood pressure and heart disease exacerbating the problem. Also medications like anticholinergics or antihistamines disrupt the body’s natural reflexes and reduce its heat tolerance causing a person to sweat less. Other problematic drugs include diuretic medications that increase the amount of water and salt expelled from the body as urine or beta blockers that interfere with the body’s natural response to becoming dehydrated. Heat-exhaustion symptoms can include fatigue, thirst, profuse sweating, lightheadedness, cramps, nausea and weakness, and need to be addressed immediately as they can lead to heat stroke, which can be deadly. Dr. Keim says, "A heat index over 100 degrees is a high-risk environment for heat stroke." Treatment includes getting the person out of the heat into a cool location and removing heavy clothing. Spraying the person with water and directing a fan on them also helps. Seek emergency attention if the person is confused or fainting but continue to treat the person until help arrives. MorningStar of Billings is proud to be one of the state’s finest senior living facilities and offers independent living, assisted living and memory care. Conveniently located in western Billings, we are situated in a beautiful, park-like neighborhood and offer spectaculars views of the Rockies. Please visit our website for more information regarding our community, amenities and care services as well as inquire about our “Special Deals” and availability. Source: health.usnews.com/wellness/articles/hot-weather-health-tips?src=usn_nl_yourhealth&utm_source=Sailthru&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Your%20Health-Thu%20May%2027%2006:29:00%20EDT%202021&utm_term=Your%20Health The government first published nutritional recommendations in 1941, which became known as the Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDAs). At the time, recommendations were more concerned on ensuring the population “as a whole was adequately fed and free from scurvy, rickets and other wartime diseases of malnutrition.” These early guidelines did not address long-term issues such as heart disease and diabetes.
Since then, we have learned we need to focus on maintaining good nutritional habits well into our senior years to avoid or mitigate our risk for chronic diseases. One example is type 2 diabetes, which occurs when the body’s muscle, fat and liver cells stop responding well to insulin resulting in consistently high blood sugar. Doctors say type 2 diabetes can be caused by too much sugar and refined-carbohydrates in our diet, and to lessen our risk, we should maintain a healthy weight and minimize blood-sugar spikes as well as add more fiber to our diet. Another thing an older adult should be aware of is muscle loss. Along with resistance training, weight-lifting, Pilates, and yoga, nutritionists say to maintain strength we need to include protein in our diet. Christine Ritchie, director of research for the division of palliative care and geriatric medicine at Massachusetts General Hospital and a professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School, says older adults’ diet should include more protein than when they were younger. A man in his 50s needs “about 25 to 30 grams at each meal (like a medium chicken breast or burger, a 5-ounce can of tuna mixed with mayo, 2 cups of cooked rice and beans, or a cup of low-fat cottage cheese).” Government dietary guidelines report that we burn approximately 200 fewer daily calories after age 50, so if you keep eating like you did in your thirties or forties, you will probably gain weight. Also, as bone loss starts sometime in our early thirties and continues into old age, seniors should consume foods with calcium and vitamin D. The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons recommends 1,200 milligrams a day of calcium for women and 1,000 mg for men. Additionally, eat fruits and vegetables in a bright range of colors for heart-protecting antioxidants. At MorningStar at Arrowhead, we recognize that good nutrition is especially important to the wellbeing of seniors. Our meals are prepared largely from scratch and feature the freshest of ingredients from high-quality producers, locally sourced when possible. Our beautiful home offers 60 bright suites for assisted living and another 25 secure suites devoted to the individualized care of residents with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia. Visit our website to see what sets our community apart from other retirement communities Glendale, AZ offers and why our residents are happy to call MorningStar “home.” MorningStar at Arrowhead offers the very best in assisted living and memory care with our distinct mission statement of “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 to create a true “home” for residents. Visit our website to learn more about one of the finest retirement communities Glendale, AZ has to offer. Source: aarp.org/health/healthy-living/info-2020/nutrition-after-age-50.html The Mayo Clinic reminds older adults it is important they take proper precautions to prevent falls. Medical conditions, the resulting medications needed, and a more sedentary lifestyle can result in weaker muscles and balance problems that can lead to a fall. Also please keep in mind, a fall for an older adult can cause injuries that are very serious such as a broken hip, head trauma, or in the most severe cases, death.
However, the solution to preventing falls is not to stop moving. The medical experts at the Mayo Clinic explain being inactive is bad for our health regardless of how old we are and it is vital that we keep moving. To that end, they suggest a commonsense six-part plan to keep seniors safely mobile. Their first recommendation is to set up an appointment with your doctor. Bring to the visit a list of all your medications, and be prepared to discuss with your doctor any side effects of the drugs that may put you more at risk for a fall such as anti-depressants or sedatives. It may be possible to eliminate or substitute the medication for something else. Also, talk to your doctor about whether you have fallen and if it was due to your medical condition. In addition, discuss with your healthcare provider what type of exercise would be best for you. Typically walking, swimming and something like tai chi are gentle exercises that are safe for most; and offer the benefit of strengthening muscles, improving balance, and gait. Other ways to lessen your risk for a fall begins by reviewing your home with an eye to fall prevention. Start by checking hallways and stairways for adequate lighting, and add more if needed. Secure loose rugs and make sure you have wide clear paths for walking around your home. Wear proper fitting shoes with nonskid soles and use assistive aids like a cane or walker if needed to help maintain your balance. Install grab bars and railings where needed. MorningStar at Arrowhead’s goal is to be one of the finest retirement communities Glendale offers, and our beautiful home is designed from the ground up to serve our residents’ every need. Our number one priority is our residents’ safety and wellbeing. We provide 24-hour care, a licensed nurse on call 24/7, and provide suites equipped with wall-to-wall carpeting, handicapped-accessible bathrooms, emergency call systems and more. Please visit our website for more information. Our mission statement of “to honor, to serve, to invest” sets us apart from other retirement communities Glendale, AZ offers. 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: mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/healthy-aging/in-depth/fall-prevention/art-20047358 A study from the Lifestyle Interventions and Independence for Elders (LIFE) trial concluded that if you want to remain mobile and healthy in old age, you should start walking. Furthermore, it says even if you are already well into old age, it is not too late to reap the benefits.
The 2½ year trial included more than 1,600 men and women between the ages of 70 and 89, of whom none had exercised regularly; and all were relatively frail. The study authors say half of the participants took part in a daily exercise plan that included walking in addition to strength and balance exercises. The other half of the group did some gentle stretching routines and took part in healthy aging educational workshops. Researchers found that those who were assigned to the exercise group were “28% less likely to have become disabled (defined by the inability to walk about 400 yards without help) compared to those in the education group. They were also 18% less likely to have had any episode of physical disability.” The study’s authors believe the results would be even more marked if those in the “healthy aging workshops” had not discovered the benefits of exercising on their own. Walking is easy to do and does not require special equipment other than a pair of good walking shoes. If you are a senior who wants to start exercising, medical professionals say consult your healthcare provider, and slowly and gradually work your way toward longer distances. At MorningStar Memory Care at Bear Creek, we understand how devastating it is when a loved one receives a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s or another memory loss disease, and we want you to know we are here to help. MorningStar leverages the power of dance, music, art, exercise, animals and aromatherapy in order to heal and comfort, and provides meaningful wellness programs and activities that engage our residents. Visit our website to see what sets our community apart from other memory care Colorado Springs offers. 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: health.harvard.edu/blog/walking-exercise-helps-seniors-stay-mobile-independent-201405287173 Several studies over the last couple of decades have provided evidence suggesting pet ownership offers a range of health benefits for seniors. One of the most consistent findings is the fact that owning and caring for a pet may help seniors feel less lonesome, and with almost 1/3 of all seniors saying they are lonely, this is a good thing. In one study of pet owners ages 50 to 80: “88% said their pets help them enjoy life; 86% said their pets make them feel loved; and 79% said their pets help reduce stress.”
In addition to a pet’s unconditionally love, caring for the animal provides an older person with a sense of purpose as their pet needs to be feed and cared for daily. For example, a dog encourages seniors to get outside and exercise both themselves and the animal. Studies show pets can help improve seniors’ cardiovascular health and their mental and emotional health. Other studies have shown benefits such as improved mobility, a longer life span, pain relief and a better heart attack recovery. While a pet can be a loving companion, it is important to pick one suited to the person’s physical health and their budget as vet bills can be costly. Cats and dogs make loyal friends but you may enjoy putting together and caring for an aquarium of exotic fish or raising songbirds. Whatever the choice, a pet is sure to bring a smile to the person’s face and help to keep them engaged on a daily basis. MorningStar of Billings’ various senior living options meet the needs of area seniors with 5-star amenities, wellness programs and activities. In addition to compassionate assisted living and memory care, we are the area’s top choice for independent living. Our community is situated on a beautiful, park-like campus but near shopping centers and medical facilities. Please visit our website for more information regarding trusted assisted living and memory care as well as independent living Billings’ active seniors’ love. Source: aplaceformom.com/resources/pets-for-seniors The Mayo Clinic explains atrial fibrillation or a-fib is “an irregular and often rapid heart rate that occurs when the two upper chambers of your heart experience chaotic electrical signals. The result is a fast and irregular heart rhythm. The heart rate in atrial fibrillation may range from 100 to 175 beats a minute.” The danger of a-fib is it can increase your risk for heart failure, stroke and other heart-related diseases. Symptoms of a-fib include shortness of breath, heart palpations, fatigue and weakness, dizziness and lightheadedness.
A person with the condition may experience episodes that come and go, while others have it on-going. Medical experts say a-fib is not generally life threatening but it is a serious condition and sometimes requires emergency medical treatment. One such emergency is the potential to develop blood clots in the upper chambers of the heart. These type of blood clots can circulate to other organs and cause ischemia (an inadequate blood supply to an organ or part of the body, especially the heart muscles). Doctors say along with medications and treatments, patients should try to lead a healthy and active lifestyle. Recommendations include quitting smoking, controlling high blood pressure, maintaining a healthy weight and consuming alcohol in moderation or not at all. They also say if you have sleep apnea get treatment for it and to exercise regularly. It is important to keep cholesterol and triglycerides in a healthy range, and be sure to get recommended vaccinations especially if you have heart disease. At MorningStar of Billings, we are honored to provide the area with independent living, assisted living and memory care. As the pandemic is waning, we are back to all-day, restaurant-style dining with increased room capacity and greater accessibility to all amenities and common areas. Residents now enjoy in-person family visits with fewer restrictions, a calendar of activities and engagement (including entertainers and group outings) and same-day personal outings without strict quarantine protocols. We expect to continue in the same forward-moving direction over the next few months. Please visit our website to learn more about one of the most trusted senior living facilities in Billings. The Mayo Clinic reminds older adults it is important they take proper precautions to prevent falls. As we age, medical conditions, the resulting medications needed, and a more sedentary lifestyle can result in weaker muscles and balance problems that can lead to a fall. Also please keep in mind, a fall for an older adult can cause injuries that are very serious such as a broken hip, head trauma, or in the most severe cases, death.
However, the solution to preventing falls is not to stop moving. The medical experts at the Mayo Clinic explain being inactive is bad for our health regardless of how old we are and it is vital that we keep moving. To that end, they suggest a commonsense six-part plan to keep seniors safely mobile. Their first recommendation is to set up an appointment with your doctor. Bring to the visit a list of all your medications, and be prepared to discuss with your doctor any side effects of the drugs that may put you more at risk for a fall such as anti-depressants or sedatives. It may be possible to eliminate or substitute the medication for something else. Also talk to your doctor about whether you have fallen and if it was due to your medical condition. In addition, discuss with your healthcare provider what type of exercise would be best for you. Typically walking, swimming and something like tai chi are gentle exercises that are safe for most; and offer the benefit of strengthening muscles, improving balance, and gait. Other ways to lessen your risk for a fall begins by reviewing your home with an eye to fall prevention. Start by checking hallways and stairways for adequate lighting, and add more if needed. Secure loose rugs and make sure you have wide clear paths for walking around your home. Wear proper fitting shoes with nonskid soles and use assistive aids like a cane or walker if needed to help maintain your balance. Install grab bars and railings where needed. At the MorningStar at Bear Creek memory care assisted living community, our beautiful home is devoted to residents with mild to advanced stages of Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia. Our extensive experience and training have given us a deep understanding of the disease, and we are proud to be designated as one of the Alzheimer’s Association’s “Recognized Leaders in Dementia Care.” Please visit our website to learn more. 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 for more information about Colorado Springs’ finest memory care assisted living. Source: mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/healthy-aging/in-depth/fall-prevention/art-20047358 It turns out some unexpected habits and lifestyle choices can affect the way we age. Andrew Steele, scientist and author of the new book, “Ageless: The New Science of Getting Older Without Getting Old,” says the younger the better it is when it comes to preparing for our senior years. He points to the vast amount of research being done in aging biology, which shows that in theory, we can slow the aging process.
One way is to take care of our teeth as studies indicate a correlation between good oral health and heart disease, perhaps even dementia. Steele explains poor oral hygiene creates bacteria in the mouth leading to gum and tooth decay as well as inflammation. “Chronic low-level inflammation causes your immune system to become less effective at dealing with actual threats, such as age-related disease.” A recent study out of Scotland reports people who brushed their teeth twice a day had a lower risk for heart attacks. The current recommendations from the American Dental Association are to brush your teeth at least two times a day for two minutes and to use toothpaste with fluoride and floss daily. Another step Steele says we can take to reverse aging and essential to overall good health is to get enough sleep. He explains that while we sleep; the brain flushes out toxins of which some are associated with Alzheimer’s disease. Research shows too little sleep is linked to an increased risk of death but too much sleep (11 hours or more) is linked to an even higher risk. Experts say seven to eight hours is optimal for most adults. Please visit MorningStar of Billings’ website for more information regarding one of the area’s finest senior living facilities offering independent living, assisted living and memory care. For pricing and availability or to set up a tour, please contact us. Source: cnbc.com/2021/03/28/andrew-steele-how-to-fight-aging-and-live-healthier.html Type 2 diabetes is the most common form and is what 90% of Americans with the disease have. In Feb, 2020, the CDC reported 34.2 million Americans—just over 1 in 10—have diabetes; and 88 million American adults—approximately 1 in 3—have prediabetes. With such a prevalence of the disease, the Medical News Today website explores some common myths surrounding the cause and treatment of the disease.
One common misconception about type 2 diabetes is that it is caused by eating too much sugar. While not strictly true, diabetes can be a result of a poor diet that includes too much sugar and leads to obesity, which is a risk factor for the disease. However, to complicate the case, doctors do say there is evidence that suggests a high consumption of soda pop is a risk factor for type 2 diabetes, although they are not sure why. There is also concern that too many people think diabetes is not a serious disease. This thinking can lead to someone not managing the disease as they should, and result in dangerous complications. Another myth is that obesity always causes diabetes. Again medical professionals say while being overweight and obese are risk factor, the CDC’s National Diabetes Statistic Report, 2020, says “11% of people with type 2 diabetes in the U.S. are neither overweight nor obese.” Managing the disease well plays a huge role in outcomes. For those who follow a good diet, maintain a healthy weight, control their blood pressure and cholesterol, stop smoking, and stay physically active, they can usually can avoid dangerous complications. Doctors also say by following a healthy diet and getting regular exercise, it is not inevitable that those with prediabetes have to develop type 2 diabetes. At MorningStar at Arrowhead, an assisted living and memory care community, we are committed to creating a home that promotes a healthy, engaged lifestyle, while providing security and independence. Our residents enjoy healthy meals that are prepared largely from scratch and are modified to accommodate low sodium, sugar free, no sugar added, vegetarian and low-fat diets. We recognize that staying physically active is one of the healthiest things we can all do for ourselves, so our community has a variety of exercise opportunities. Please visit our website to see what sets us apart from other retirement homes Glendale, AZ has to offer. Our mission statement of “to honor, to serve, to invest” sets us apart from other retirement homes Glendale, AZ offers. 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: medicalnewstoday.com/articles/medical-myths-all-about-diabetes |
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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