Posts by Freedom Home Care

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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Reasons Why Seniors May Not Be Suited for a Dog

Reasons Why Seniors May Not Be Suited for a Dog

September 12, 2013 | No Comments

Many seniors love having a dog in their house. The pups are friends and companions. They can lower our blood pressure and provide us laughs and love. But caring for a pet does not suit every senior. Here are four reasons a senior should not get a dog: Cost. Caring for a pet can be expensive. Not only do they need food, dogs also need annual vet visits, vaccinations, grooming, and equipment such as leashes, toys, and dishes. Some seniors with limited funds may not be able to afford to buy a dog everything that he needs. Falls. Anyone who
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Hormone Therapy Can Prevent Disease for the Elderly: Interview with Dr. Cheryl Perlis, M.D.

Hormone Therapy Can Prevent Disease for the Elderly: Interview with Dr. Cheryl Perlis, M.D.

September 11, 2013 | No Comments

In a recent interview with Dr. Cheryl Perlis, M.D., we learned a lot about the benefits of hormone therapy and supplements in preventing everything from serious diseases like dementia and heart disease, as well as preventing more common every day symptoms like fatigue, weight gain, sleeping difficulties, and thinning hair.  How did you get into the field of hormone therapy, and what are the basics that we should know about how it works?  I founded Perlis Wellness Center in 2004, after practicing conventional obstetrics and gynecology for 15 years.  I became interested in cosmetic medicine and trained with the elite physicians in using Botox and dermal
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Start Planning Now To Avoid the Worst

Start Planning Now To Avoid the Worst

September 10, 2013 | No Comments

No one likes planning for the future.  It’s tedious, frustrating, and forces us to think about things that we perhaps would rather not.  However, when you plan long-term care for seniors early, you will be less likely to have to make snap decisions or miss something later on. When you begin to plan for the senior’s future, keep these key items in mind: Paperwork: Even though organizing paperwork doesn’t sound like fun, it can avoid headaches in the future.  Make sure that family members not only know where wills are located, but also know about bank accounts, insurance information, doctor
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Study Finds Genes from Mom Affect Aging

Study Finds Genes from Mom Affect Aging

September 9, 2013 | No Comments

Want to know why you’re aging so well?  You can look to your mother for the answer. Recent studies have shown that the genes that moms contribute to their children directly affect how well the child will age.  If the mom happens to pass on certain mutations, then the child will age more quickly. But whether or not your mother passed along good genes or bad, there are some ways to help yourself age well: Sleep.  When you sleep, your body has the chance to restore itself.  It also forms new connections and memories in the brain.  So if you
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Link Discovered between Sugar and Alzheimer’s Disease

Link Discovered between Sugar and Alzheimer’s Disease

September 6, 2013 | No Comments

In the Unites States alone, there are over 5 million Alzheimer’s patients, and that number is poised to double within the next 20 years.  Why so high?  That’s what scientists are trying to figure out. As a newly published study suggests, we may have more answers as to what causes Alzheimer’s disease.  The newest culprit?  Sugar. There has long been a link between diabetes and Alzheimer’s disease, but it seems that even adults who do not have diabetes but have higher blood sugar run a greater risk.  Blood sugar levels rise and fall throughout the day in everyone.  The problem
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Are You a Super Ager?

Are You a Super Ager?

September 5, 2013 | No Comments

Do you have a brain that puts you in the pristine category of Super Ager?  If so, Northwestern University is looking for you!  They are going to begin researching exactly what makes a super ager so, well, super.  They will be doing brain scans, running tests, and eventually examining the brains of the super agers after they have passed. Do you have what it takes to do this study?  Northwestern scientists are being very selective and have only found 35 super agers out of the over 400 applicants. But even if you aren’t a super ager, what can you do
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