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 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 While many of us love a tasty, fresh salad in the heat of summer, there is nothing more satisfying than a hearty bowl of hot soup on a cold winter day. Moreover nutritional experts say soup is a good way to add more vegetables to our diet as well as help keep us hydrated during the dry winter air.
Soup also can help us lose weight by making us feel much fuller, and thus not consuming as many other calories during the meal. Thick soups even take more time to empty out of our stomachs so we will feel fuller for a longer period of time. In addition the old adage about eating chicken soup when we are sick actually has been backed up by studies that show eating a bowl of chicken soup may help clear nasal congestion and offers a mild anti-inflammatory effect that lessens cold symptoms. It is great comfort food and can be soothing to an upset stomach or a good choice for anyone with chewing problems. However be sure to watch out for the high sodium content in many canned soups, and if salt is a problem, choose a sodium-reduced option. If you are making your own soup, you can use water or low-sodium broth. Experts say eating a bowl of soup also requires mindfulness as you get the chance to savor the flavors as you slowly sip it rather than gulping it down as it is all too easy to do with other types of foods. At the MorningStar of Billings, we offer unsurpassed independent living, assisted living, and memory care. Our beautiful community has 32 free-standing cottages and another 72 bright suites for independent living as well as 70 suites for assisted living. For seniors with Alzheimer’s or other dementia-related diseases, we provide compassionate, professional memory care within our 36 secure suites. Also as a new resident, you will have priority access to the COVID vaccine. MorningStar Senior Living of Billings represents the finest in senior living with our unique mission statement: “to honor, to serve, to invest.” With a foundation built on honoring God, valuing our seniors and hiring staff with a felt calling to serve, we create a true home for residents. Please visit our website for pricing and availability to one of the area’s top senior living facilities. Source: health.usnews.com/health-news/blogs/eat-run/slideshows/reasons-to-eat-more-soup?slide=2 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. 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/ |
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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