Monthly Archives September 2013

Modern Times Give Seniors More Choices

Modern Times Give Seniors More Choices

September 30, 2013 | No Comments

Years ago, a senior would live at home until she was unable to care for herself or her house became unmanageable.  She would then move into a nursing home.  Often the senior would miss her home and her independence, but there was not much to be done. But today, seniors have many more options.  Many seniors, an estimated 89%, would prefer to remain at home.  And with some changes, it is not only a possibility but often a reality. That’s where Freedom Home Care comes in. We offer exceptional services for seniors allowing them to stay safely in their home.
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Illinois Senior Health Ranks Surprisingly Well After Evaluation

Illinois Senior Health Ranks Surprisingly Well After Evaluation

September 26, 2013 | No Comments

The results are in!  The United Health Foundation has evaluated each state for how it fares with senior health.  So how does Illinois measure up with the rest of the nation? The good news is that our state ranks well for non-smoking, as more than 92% of those over 65 are non-smokers.  Also, we have the lowest prevalence of under-weight seniors at only 1.1%.  We also do very well with senior pain management and hospice care. However, there are some things that our state needs to work on.  Illinois has a high rate of obesity and a high-percentage of low-care
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The Dangers of Acetaminophen for Seniors

The Dangers of Acetaminophen for Seniors

September 24, 2013 | No Comments

What’s the most widely used medication in the United States?  I’ll give you a hint:  it’s a pain killer for everything from headaches to arthritis, and it’s safe enough that even children take it.  If you said acetaminophen, you would be correct. Acetaminophen is in many medications, the most common being Tylenol.  But it can also be in prescriptions and over the counter medications alike.  It is considered one of the safest ways to alleviate pain and control fevers.  But it does have some risks too, especially for seniors. If a person takes too much, it can result in liver
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How to Preserve Eye Sight in Seniors

How to Preserve Eye Sight in Seniors

September 23, 2013 | No Comments

One-third of Americans have some sort of vision-impairing eye disease by the age of 65.  And many don’t even know it.  They simply think that their eyes are worsening because of old age. But a senior can improve his or her chances of keeping their vision clear by getting an eye exam every year and working with their doctor.  The earlier eye diseases are caught, the more likely that the eventual effects may be slowed or even stopped. The four most common conditions that affect senior eye health are cataracts, glaucoma, age-related macular degeneration, and diabetic eye disease.  Each of
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How to Choose the Best Doctor for You

How to Choose the Best Doctor for You

September 20, 2013 | No Comments

A good relationship with your doctor is essential.  The difference between a bad doctor and a great doctor could be the difference in your level of health. Here are some guidelines you can use to find the best primary care physician for you: Do the research.  Make a list of three doctors who may be a good fit.  Call your local medical society to see if any complaints were filed against any of them.  If you’re Internet savvy, check reviews online.  Get a good idea of what you’re walking into. Visit the office.  Visit the office of each and talk
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Get Screened for Heart Damaging Conditions

Get Screened for Heart Damaging Conditions

September 19, 2013 | No Comments

Nearly 800,000 Americans die each year from heart disease.  This is nearly 30 percent of all deaths.  And it is estimated that a quarter of these deaths, around 200,000, could have been avoided with proper screening and treatment for preventable causes. Physicians nowadays are aware of the risks associated with certain conditions and how critical it is to get them under control. Here are two conditions that should regularly get screened to keep a healthy heart. High blood pressure.  High blood pressure, also called hypertension, can have many causes and many devastating effects on the body.  The high pressure of
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Dogs Monitor Owners’ Blood Sugar

Dogs Monitor Owners’ Blood Sugar

September 18, 2013 | No Comments

Dogs have long been used to help the blind, the physical and psychological disabled, the hearing impaired, and even the allergic navigate their surroundings safely.  Now, we can add “diabetics” to that list. Service dogs are being trained to detect if their owner’s blood sugar is too high or low. Amazingly, the dogs can perceive this by just smelling the person’s breath.  Seniors whose blood sugar levels are erratic and have been given a service dog report that the dog has probably saved their life on at least one occasion. cash advance cash advance This is truly an amazing life-saving
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Could Washing Your Hands Cause Alzheimer’s Disease?

Could Washing Your Hands Cause Alzheimer’s Disease?

September 17, 2013 | No Comments

Could Alzheimer’s disease be so prevalent in the United States because of our good hygiene?  Some scientists think so. The “hygiene hypothesis” has been thrown around to explain many different ailments – everything from allergies to autoimmune conditions.  The idea behind it is that because we live in such a “clean” society that our bodies are not exposed to the normal bacteria, viruses, and parasites it would normally be. Because of that, they theorize, our immune systems don’t get the exercise that they should be and so we become overly sensitive.  Essentially, our immune systems get bored and start acting
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The Dementia-Fighting Secrets of the Mediterranean Diet

The Dementia-Fighting Secrets of the Mediterranean Diet

September 16, 2013 | No Comments

We know that eating healthy foods can help our bodies stay strong through old age, but are we eating the right healthy foods?  For several years, doctors have been touting the “Mediterranean Diet” to increase health and stave off heart problems.  And now there is research that indicates it can also reduce the risk of dementia. More studies need to be done before there is a definitive link between this diet and decreased dementia, but that doesn’t mean that you can’t start eating these healthy foods today.  Here are some tips to eating a Mediterranean diet: Know the pyramid.  The
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Broccoli Boasts Big Benefits

Broccoli Boasts Big Benefits

September 13, 2013 | No Comments

Not only is broccoli delicious in everything from soups to side dishes, it is incredibly healthy for you too.  Packed with nutrients and low in calories, it is one of the most tastiest and easiest-to-prepare super foods.  Here are a few things that you may not have known about broccoli: It’s packed with nutrients.  From Vitamin C to Folic Acid, this super food is a good source of a variety of vitamins and nutrients.  For those who do not eat dairy, broccoli is a wonderful source of osteoporosis-fighting calcium.  It also has loads of beta-carotene that promotes eye health and
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