Posts by Freedom Home Care

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

Think about Your Future

Think about Your Future

June 14, 2013 | No Comments

As the senior population in the United States reaches 25% of the total population, we are seeing more seniors who are not thinking about the future.  Even the people in the over-65 crowd who are in good health are still not preparing themselves.  What should be in the back of every senior’s mind?  Exercising, eating right, and saving for long-term care. Many seniors claim to be feeling healthy, but they do not regularly exercise.  Even if they are well now, they are putting themselves at risk for cardiovascular problems, diabetes, and high blood pressure.  Even daily light exercise, such as
Read More

Food for Thought…and Memory

Food for Thought…and Memory

June 13, 2013 | No Comments

Many seniors are reading and doing crossword puzzles to fight off Alzheimer’s disease.  But is it enough?  A recent study showed links to healthy behaviors and good memory, no matter the age of the participant.  This study, done via telephone survey by UCLA, examined how eating, exercising, and smoking affected memory. The first result was that healthy eating positively affected memory in all age groups.  Although it clearly helped the younger participants, it was most dramatic among the seniors in the study.  Those older participants who did not eat well were much more likely to report memory loss. Also, although
Read More