Monthly Archives July 2013

Three Common Myths about Dehydration

Three Common Myths about Dehydration

July 31, 2013 | No Comments

Summer is the time of sunshine, fun outside, and barbecues.  It is also the most common time of dehydration.  Here are some myths surrounding dehydration. “I’ll know if I’m dehydrated.” Many people think that the main symptom of dehydration is thirst, so they will know they are dehydrated when they get really thirsty.  Although thirst is a major symptom, other signs such as headaches, nausea, and drowsiness can be overlooked.  If you have a headache in the summertime, try drinking some extra fluids.  You may just be dehydrated. “Hydrating is all about drinking water.” Depending on what you eat, you
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What Every Senior Should Know About Kitchen Fires

What Every Senior Should Know About Kitchen Fires

July 30, 2013 | No Comments

Kitchen fires are dangerous, frightening, and can be very sudden.  A pot that has been left on the stove for too long can shortly become a ball of flame that can spread throughout the home.  Here are five tips to reduce the risk of fires in the senior’s home. Set a timer.  Anyone can be forgetful.  We set some tea to boil, go to water the flowers, and completely forget that we ever turned on the stove. If you set a timer for 5 minutes once you turn on the stove, you will never forget to turn off the burner.
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Survey Says Seniors are Generally Happier

Survey Says Seniors are Generally Happier

July 29, 2013 | No Comments

Are seniors the happiest age group?  According to one study, it certainly appears that way! Participants spanning in age from 21 to 73, were asked to do a survey about their happiness, stress, and anxiety every day for two weeks.  The results were that seniors were generally happier and less stressed.  They even had less anxiety about shooting self-videos every day as part of the survey. What’s more is that the seniors felt more comfortable with the emotions they were feeling.  While the younger generations felt guilty for feeling stressed and anxious, the seniors accepted their emotions.  That alone could
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Technology Helps Seniors Live At Home

Technology Helps Seniors Live At Home

July 26, 2013 | No Comments

A senior living on his or her own can be worrisome to family members.  Will he remember to turn off the stove burner?  Will he think to call 911 if he is feeling short of breath?  What will happen if he falls? Luckily, new technology is being created to alert family and emergency services when the senior needs help.  Here are some new gadgets to help a senior live on his own for longer. Motion sensors.  Motion sensors can be placed on the door, aimed at the sofa, or even on the refrigerator to detect if and how often the senior
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Simple Senior Home Repairs

Simple Senior Home Repairs

July 25, 2013 | No Comments

Many seniors want to remain at home and maintain their independence.  However, if the senior’s home is in need of repair, it can become dangerous. Simple repairs and renovations can be made to better accommodate the senior.  Here are some simple home repairs to watch out for: Banisters.  Stairs can be very difficult to maneuver for many seniors.  Check to see that the banisters are sturdy enough to hold the senior should he or she need to grab it if they lose balance.  If the banister is loose, you may need to drill new holes to secure it to the
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Researchers Study How Music Affects Senior Health

Researchers Study How Music Affects Senior Health

July 24, 2013 | No Comments

Can seniors sing their way to good health?  The University of California San Francisco has decided to find out. UCSF is conducting a study to see if singing in a community choir will improve the health outcomes of seniors.  They are forming several choirs around the city and will throughout the study monitor senior health, memory and mood. To join these choirs is simple:  one must be over 60 and willing to meet for 90-minutes every week.  No previous singing experience required!  Just a willingness to be a part of something fun. This project is going to span over four
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Tips for Senior Independence on a Budget

Tips for Senior Independence on a Budget

July 23, 2013 | No Comments

As more seniors retire and live on a lower income, a challenge emerges.  The goal is to find a healthy balance between getting adequate care while staying within a budget.  As nursing homes and assisted living facilities can be very expensive, many seniors opt instead to stay at home.  A few small changes can help to maintain senior independence without breaking the bank. 1.  In-home care.  Many adult children are unable to help their parents because of their children or work obligations.  Finding someone to care for the senior by running errands, cleaning, and being a companion can encourage independence
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Summer Health and Safety Tips for Seniors

Summer Health and Safety Tips for Seniors

July 22, 2013 | No Comments

Summer is an excellent time to go outside and enjoy the warmth.  Yet it can also be an especially dangerous time for seniors.  Sometimes it can be especially difficult for a senior to tell if she is getting dehydrated or overheated.  Here are some summer health tips for planning time outside but still staying safe:  1. Consider the time.  In most areas of the country, it is warmest between 10a.m. and 3p.m.  It is also the time when the sun is at its brightest, making it easier to get sunburned.  Try avoiding these times by going outside in the early morning
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Health Benefits of the Sun

Health Benefits of the Sun

July 19, 2013 | No Comments

We often think about avoiding the sun in the summer.  We hide inside until it’s cool at dusk.  Or if we have to go out, we hide under a hat and smears of sunscreen. But the sun can have some fantastic health benefits too, in small doses. According to care2.com, Here are a few benefits to catching rays in moderation: 1. Creates Vitamin D. Through a complex process, the sun helps our body produce Vitamin D.  A pre-cursor vitamin is sent to our skin and when it is hit by sunlight it becomes Vitamin D. This vitamin helps keep many parts of our
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Medicare Blue Button Puts Medical Records in the Hands Of Seniors

Medicare Blue Button Puts Medical Records in the Hands Of Seniors

July 18, 2013 | No Comments

Imagine that you go to the emergency room because of a fall.  When the doctor comes and examines your knee, he notices the scar from a previous surgery. “What was the surgery for?” he asks.  You know it had something to do with a ligament, but can’t remember the rest.  When he asks about your medical history, you don’t remember the official diagnosis of your heart problem.  You also don’t remember the name of the new prescription you are taking.  It’s too late to call the other doctors’ offices, and the emergency room can’t do much without the information. Similar
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