Monthly Archives June 2013

Seniors Star in New Video Game

Seniors Star in New Video Game

June 28, 2013 | No Comments

One of the biggest fears of a senior is falling and getting injured.  One video game company saw this problem and set out to find a solution.  Now the company Blue Marble Game Co. has created a game they are confident will revolutionize fall prevention. The best way to minimize falls is through balance and strength exercise.  If the muscles are strong, they will prevent the fall.  So Blue Marble created a video game called Zoezi Park that will help the senior exercise specifically aiming at building the muscles to maintain balance. This fun and educational game takes place in a virtual
Read More

Doctors Come Together with 'Accountable Care Organization'

Doctors Come Together with 'Accountable Care Organization'

June 27, 2013 | No Comments

If you or someone close to you has multiple health problems, you know how frustrating it can be when doctors won’t talk with one another.  Prescription mistakes happen, time is wasted going over the same information, and perhaps there is an extraneous emergency room trip due to miscommunication.  It is a massive problem, and one that is costing Medicare millions each year. To solve this, Obama put into motion the Accountable Care Organization model.  If all of the doctors work together to care for the patient and avoid emergencies, they are rewarded with keeping some of the money that was saved
Read More

Study Finds High Blood Pressure Linked to Cognitive Decline

Study Finds High Blood Pressure Linked to Cognitive Decline

June 26, 2013 | No Comments

An estimated 67 million American adults have high blood pressure – that is a third of the adult population!  We know that hypertension can cause conditions such as strokes, aneurysms, and kidney damage.  But now we can add another condition to the list:  decreased cognitive abilities. A recent study found at Huffington Post was done in Australia to determine if there was a relationship between high blood pressure and cognitive abilities.  It was found that those with hypertension fared worse with visual processing, recognition, and processing speed. Why do they think this is happening?  Our arteries are the blood vessels
Read More

Talk with Your Parent About Driving

Talk with Your Parent About Driving

June 25, 2013 | No Comments

Has your elderly parent had a few auto accidents lately?  Perhaps a new medical condition has you concerned that they are behind the wheel?  Whatever the reason, having the conversation about having a senior hand over his keys is difficult.  Here are some ways to make that discussion go a little easier. 1. Pay attention.  Ride as a passenger while your parent drives and pay attention to their driving.  Make notes of any driving errors that occur. And try not to cheat by prompting them to use their turn signal or reminding them of an upcoming stop sign.  Bring this list
Read More

How to Reduce Medication Errors

How to Reduce Medication Errors

June 24, 2013 | No Comments

Nearly a quarter of all seniors make a mistake with their medications.  That mistake can be very serious if it has to do with dosage or confusion with strong medicines.  Here are some tips to prevent seniors from making dangerous medication errors: 1. Make a list. Seniors are seven times more likely to make a medication error than younger people.  Often the problem is the number of medications being taken leading to confusion.  Make a list of all the medications and their doses. 2. List the expiration dates. Many medications can degrade over time.  If it is used after the expiration date, the medication
Read More

Healthy Living One Day at a Time  

Healthy Living One Day at a Time  

June 21, 2013 | No Comments

Want to lead a healthier life but just don’t know where to begin?  Dedicate one day to well-being and see the benefits.  A few small changes will make a world of difference.  1. Drink more water.  Our bodies need water for many functions and getting enough water is essential.  Have an extra glass with lunch to boost your energy for the afternoon.  2. Hug someone.  When you hug someone your body releases a hormone called oxytocin.  This hormone builds relationships and wards off depression.  3. Meditate.  Having a moment to yourself to clear your head can boost your mood and improve memory.  Add
Read More

Eating Oranges Boosts Health

Eating Oranges Boosts Health

June 20, 2013 | No Comments

Last month we talked about the benefits of eating green. Now here are some advantages of eating orange! Not only are oranges delicious but they also provide many nutrients we need to keep our bodies healthy.  We all know that they have high levels of Vitamin C to boost our immunity, but oranges also contain a Vitamin A precursor, calcium, potassium, pectin, citrus limonoids, and fiber.  This combination of vitamins and nutrients benefits our bodies in many ways. Eating oranges has been linked to preventing and fighting cancers of the liver, skin, breast, lung, colon, and stomach.  Each glass of orange juice
Read More

Con Artists Target Seniors

Con Artists Target Seniors

June 19, 2013 | No Comments

You’ve just won $25,000!  Just send $200 and buy a worthless trinket.  It’s all worth it for the prize, right? Exploitation schemes targeting the elderly are a multi-billion dollar business.  Nearly 7% of seniors will fall prey to these ploys.  The best way to prevent elder financial abuse is to be aware of common cons today.  Here are a few: 1. Sweepstakes schemes: Entering in sweepstakes is fun and most of the contests are legitimate.  However, beware of any contest that asks you to send money to receive a prize you have “won”.   2. Grandparent scams: A con artist will call and impersonate
Read More

4 Tips on Getting Better Sleep

4 Tips on Getting Better Sleep

June 18, 2013 | Comments Off on 4 Tips on Getting Better Sleep

Have you had too many nights when you are awake at 3 a.m., staring at your ceiling fan?  Well, you’re not alone.  Nearly 30% of the population has some form of insomnia.  But don’t pop a sleeping pill just yet.  Here are some suggestions to help you get a full, restful night of sleep. 1.   Catch a catnap.  Are you afraid that if you nap during the day you will have a harder time falling asleep that night?  Not so, say sleep specialists.  Taking a 20-40 minute nap during the day will make you ready for sleep come nighttime.  However, a nap longer than 40 minutes will have
Read More

After the Dreaded Alzheimer’s Diagnosis

After the Dreaded Alzheimer’s Diagnosis

June 17, 2013 | Comments Off on After the Dreaded Alzheimer’s Diagnosis

When the doctor says that fateful word, “Alzheimer’s”, it can be devastating not only to the patient but also to the family.  Once a family member is diagnosed with the condition, the question often is what to do next. cash advance First, get more information.  Write down as many questions as you can think of for the next doctor’s visit.  Are there more tests to be done?  What specialists will be involved?  What is the normal progression?  What are medication options?  The doctor will be happy to get you any information that will help you and the patient. Next, begin to research national, state, and local support
Read More