New Braunfels Non Medical Care help seniors live happy, healthy, and independent lives in their own homes.

Senior diabetics may be at a higher risk for experiencing memory loss if they are stressed. A recent study has revealed that there is a link between stress and memory loss in individuals who have diabetes. Since many seniors do in fact have diabetes, their risk for memory loss is increased if they are under stress. The list below contains some important facts from the study.

1. The study focused on more than 1000 men and women who had type-2 diabetes. All of the people involved in the study were between the ages of 60 and 75. This type of diabetes has been linked to memory issues, but the reason was never clear until this study was performed.

2. The study revealed that diabetic patients who have high levels of stress are at a much higher risk of experiencing memory loss and cognitive decline. The levels of cortisol in the blood may play a role in memory function.

3. Cognitive decline in patients with type-2 diabetes may be controlled by regulating the levels of cortisol.

4. Prior studies have revealed that patients with diabetes may be at risk of memory loss that is associated with Alzheimer’s disease.

5. Cortisol may be the key factor in regulating memory loss. This hormone is responsible for much of the brain’s function. If patients with type-2 diabetes have high levels of this hormone, they will be at risk for memory loss.

Source: telegraph.co.uk

Home Care San Marcos, New Braunfels, Schertz, Canyon Lake, Seguin. Call 830-624-8380.

New Braunfels Home Care help seniors live happy, healthy, and independent lives in their own homes.

The list that is provided below contains some useful tips on food safety for seniors. Any senior who prepares their meals at home should be aware of the things that can be done to prevent a foodborne illness. Preparing and storing foods properly is very important. Seniors should be aware of at home food safety and know how to use these tips to prevent any possible illness from occurring.

1. Always wash your hands often when cooking and handling any raw foods. Make sure to wash before, during and after preparation. This will reduce the risks of cross-contamination and will help ensure food is being prepared safely.

2. After shopping, be sure to store foods separately. Never keep raw and cooked foods stored together. When preparing meals, do not use the same cutting board or knife on meats and poultry on breads and vegetables.

3. Always make sure that foods are cooked to the proper temperature. Undercooked foods can pose a health threat to seniors. Consuming raw and undercooked foods, such as meats and eggs, could increase the chances of illness.

4. When buying perishable foods, make sure they are put away quickly. Never leave perishable foods on the counter. Place them in the refrigerator as soon as you return home to make sure they do not spoil.

Source: eatright.org

Image: organic.kysu.edu

Home Care San Marcos, New Braunfels, Schertz, Canyon Lake, Seguin. Call 830-624-8380.

Our New Braunfels Caregivers help seniors live happy, healthy, and independent lives in their own homes.

A foodborne illness could bring about serious medical problems for seniors. By taking the necessary precautions, the chances of getting ill from food are greatly reduced. The list below provides seniors with tips about food safety. By following some of these tips, seniors will be able to prepare food and not worry about an illness.

1. Older individuals, newborns and pregnant women are more susceptible to foodborne illnesses. This is because they usually have a weaker immune system than a healthy young adult. People in these groups need to be very careful of the foods they ingest.

2. To protect yourself from becoming ill from a food, make sure that all food is stored properly.

3. When cooking food, make sure that the food has reached the proper temperature. This can be done by inserting a thermometer into the food as it is being prepared. This is very important when cooking meat and poultry.

4. When preparing food, be sure to wash your hands often. This will help prevent cross-contamination. This is important when coming in contact with raw fish, meat and poultry.

5. Some foods are more prone to carrying bacteria. This is common in chicken and some red meat. Try to avoid preparing or eating these foods, especially if they are undercooked.

Source: eatright.org

Home Care San Marcos, New Braunfels, Schertz, Canyon Lake, Seguin. Call 830-624-8380.

New Braunfels Home Care helps seniors live happy, healthy, and independent lives in their own homes.

Senior food allergies are important to understand. If a senior ingests a food they are allergic to, they could experience serious reactions. Intolerances can also cause reactions, but they are usually not as severe. No matter what type of food allergy or intolerance a senior has, it is important that they are always aware of what they are eating. The following list contains some important facts about food allergies.

1. Food allergies are more common in children, but they do affect seniors as well. Family history plays an important role. Seniors should be aware of any other family members who have allergies or intolerances.

2. Food allergies can be mild or severe. Seniors need to know how they react to specific foods and be prepared for the worst possible reaction at all times.

3. The most common allergies include those to milk, peanuts, eggs, fish, shellfish, wheat, soy and tree nuts.

4. The best way to cope with food allergies and intolerances is to avoid the foods that trigger a reaction. Most seniors will be tested by a doctor to determine what foods cause a reaction and how severe that reaction may be.

5. Anyone with a food allergy or intolerance should know what is in the foods they eat. Since some food allergies are to common ingredients, this is very important when managing allergies.

6. When preparing food at home, always read the labels. Even if you are familiar with an ingredient in a recipe, it may contain traces of an allergen.

7. Make everyone informed of your allergies and intolerances. This includes family members, caretakers and friends.

Source: eatright.org

Image Via: healthinlife.com

Home Care San Marcos, New Braunfels, Schertz, Canyon Lake, Seguin. Call 830-624-8380.

Our New Braunfels Caregivers help seniors live happy, healthy, and independent lives in their own homes.

Food intolerances are common among seniors. Usually, a senior will have an intolerance to dairy products. This can cause abdominal discomfort and other problems. An allergy is much more severe. It is very important for seniors to be aware of the facts relating to intolerances and allergies. Below is a list that provides facts about both conditions.

1. There are eight foods that account for more than 90% of all food allergies. These include eggs, peanuts, milk, soy, wheat, tree nuts, fish and shellfish. Many people can have an anaphylactic reaction when they ingest a food they are allergic to.

2. Anyone with a food allergy or intolerance should know what foods make them ill and do their best to avoid these foods. It is important to make mention of any food allergies to anyone who is preparing food you will be eating.

3. Food allergy symptoms appear almost immediately after eating the food. The symptoms can include itchy nose and throat, watery eyes, shortness of breath or hives. There are many symptoms, but these are the most common.

4. Food intolerance is when the body cannot digest the food components. This is common with foods that contain lactose or sulfides. The symptoms may include abdominal pain and cramping, diarrhea or nausea. Unlike food allergies, food intolerance is not life-threatening.

5. If you have a food intolerance or allergy, make sure to meet with a dietician to understand what foods you need to avoid. You also need to learn about food ingredients so you know what to watch for. Make sure to read all labels on packaged foods and inform family members and friends of the intolerance or allergy.

Source: eatright.org

Home Care San Marcos, New Braunfels, Schertz, Canyon Lake, Seguin. Call 830-624-8380.

Even though caregivers often think they are indestructible, there are some factors that need to be taken into consideration. Caretakers should make time to rest and relax. The career is demanding and is usually stressful, which is why it is so important for caregivers to take a break when needed. The list below contains some useful tips for New Braunfels caregivers.

1. Caregivers should remember that they are not alone. The role of a caregiver can be stressful, exhausting and demanding. Many times, caregivers suffer from depression. While it may seem like the caregiver must do this alone, family and friends can offer much support and make a big difference.

2. Caregivers need to know their strengths. It is important to reward yourself for a job well done. Knowing your strengths as well as your limitations will help you become a better caregiver.

3. Many caregivers neglect their own health because they are so preoccupied with caring for a senior. Your personal health should be your number one priority. Never put aside your own health needs.

4. It is ok to ask for help. If you begin feeling overwhelmed, there is no shame asking for help. This could be as simple as words of encouragement. Family members may also be able to help you care for an elderly relative. This can make a huge difference because you will not be responsible for every aspect of care. It is ok to take a break!

5. Caregivers need to be an advocate for seniors. It is important for every caregiver to know their own rights in addition to the rights of the senior receiving assistance or treatment.

Source: thefamilycaregiver.org

Home Care San Marcos, New Braunfels, Schertz, Canyon Lake, Seguin. Call 830-624-8380.

Our New Braunfels Caregivers help seniors live happy, healthy, and independent lives in their own homes.

Diabetes can strike at any age, however, seniors are at a higher risk. Age can play a significant role in the development of Type 2 diabetes. The list below contains other risk factors that should be taken into consideration. If you recognize any items on the list, it is best to speak with a doctor regarding your risk of developing the disease.

1. If you are over the age of 45, you are at a higher risk of developing Type 2 diabetes. Family history also plays a large role in the risk factor.

2. If you are over-weight, you will be at a risk. Individuals who are not physically active will be at risk. Try to exercise daily and maintain a healthy weight.

3. Females who have had babies weighing more than 9 pounds, or who have had diabetes during a pregnancy will be at a higher risk.

4. High blood pressure is a risk factor for Type 2 diabetes. If your HDL cholesterol level is below 35 mg/dL, your risk factor is increased.

5. Previous diagnoses of metabolic syndrome and an impaired glucose tolerance both play a role in the development of Type 2 diabetes.

6. Polycystic ovarian syndrome and acanthosis can affect Type 2 diabetes. If you have been diagnosed with either of these conditions, you will be at a high risk of developing the disease.

Do you have a parent with diabetes? The American Diabetes Association offers these tips on how to help your parent manage their diabetes.

Source: www.nlm.nih.gov

Home Care San Marcos, New Braunfels, Schertz, Canyon Lake, Seguin. Call 830-624-8380.

Home Care New Braunfels helps seniors remain active and healthy in their own homes.

Seniors are often concerned with heart health. Since so many seniors are affected with heart disease, many are looking for new ways to reduce the risks. Statin doses, which are in cholesterol medications, can effectively reduce risks. In addition, an increased dose can also help prevent other heart issues, including heart attack and stroke. The list below contains some important information for seniors about statin and heart health.

1. Increased doses of Lipitor or other cholesterol lowering medications has been shown to reduce the risk of developing heart related health problems.

2. In combination with medication, lowering bad cholesterol can reduce the chances of heart disease.

3. Seniors who have coronary heart disease should try to get their bad cholesterol levels below 100mg per each deciliter of blood.

4. High doses of statin has been shown to lower cholesterol levels to 70.

5. In addition to reducing the chances of developing heart disease, seniors can also reduce the likelihood of stroke and heart attack.

6. Regardless of the current heart condition, lowering bad cholesterol can have many health benefits for seniors, including lower blood pressure, lower mortality rates and the reduction of risks of coronary heart disease.

7. Seniors who are currently taking medication to lower their cholesterol should speak to a doctor regarding the possible benefits of increasing the dosage.

If you are a caregiver, or know anyone with a heart condition, you could benefit from watching the following clip, which features a modified form of CPR called CCR that is easier to learn, easier to do and can save even more lives!

Source: reuters.com

Home Care San Marcos, New Braunfels, Schertz, Canyon Lake, Seguin. Call 830-624-8380.

Home Care New Braunfels cares for a number of older adults and sees many seniors who are affected by high blood pressure each year. It is important for them to be aware of risks associated with the disorder. High blood pressure can cause other serious problems. The following list provides symptoms that all seniors should know about and be able to recognize.

1. High blood pressure is the primary risk factor for heart attack and stroke. It can also cause kidney damage, blindness and heart disease.

2. The symptoms of high blood pressure can be different for each person. Some seniors will never experience any symptoms. Symptoms include dizziness, blurred vision, headaches and fatigue.

3. If the heart has been affected, the following symptoms may be present: chest pain, heart palpitations, shortness of breath and dizzy spells.

4. If the kidneys are affected by high blood pressure, patients may experience frequent urination, urinary tract infections, pain in the lower abdomen, increased glucose and protein in the urine or blood.

5. Should high blood pressure affect your eyes, you will experience loss of vision, blurred vision, headaches or double vision.

6. Malignant hypertension is caused by the rapid onset of high blood pressure and may cause shortness of breath, severe headaches, nausea, chest pain, confusion or seizures.

7. Talk to your doctor if any symptoms are present. Then work on a solution to lower your blood pressure, either by diet changes, medications, exercise or a combination of all three.

Source: hearthealthyonline.com

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Home Care San Marcos, New Braunfels, Schertz, Canyon Lake, Seguin. Call 830-624-8380.

At Home Care New Braunfels, we’re seeing more and more seniors taking steps each year to reduce their chances of developing heart disease. This disease is very common in the senior population. There are some simple diet changes that can be made. These changes could drastically reduce the chances of developing the disease. The following list provides some steps to alter a diet so that risks are reduced.

1. Reduce the intake of cholesterol and unhealthy fats. This is one of the most important steps to lower cholesterol as well as the risk of heart disease.

2. Eat foods with low-fat protein. This can include fish, poultry and egg whites. Flaxseed, walnuts, beans and peas are high in protein and low in fat.

3. Increase the intake of fruits and vegetables. These foods are rich in fiber and low in calories. They also contain substances that can reduce the risk of heart disease.

4. Eat whole grains instead of bread with refined flour and cereals with sugar.

5. Reduce salt intake. Don’t forget that processed foods contain high amounts of salt. Reduce the intake of processed foods and avoid the addition of salt while cooking and eating at the table.

6. Eat in moderation and avoid filling your plate. Keep portions of food balanced.

7. Create daily menus to help you plan ahead.

Source: mayoclinic.com

Image Source: sxc.hu

Home Care San Marcos, New Braunfels, Schertz, Canyon Lake, Seguin. Call 830-624-8380.