Archives for healthy diet

Valuable advice on how to avoid the flu

Valuable advice on how to avoid the flu

January 15, 2013 | Comments Off on Valuable advice on how to avoid the flu

According to a video news report posted on the ABC News website, 47 U.S. states have reported widespread flu outbreaks. And although the worst may be behind us, it will continue to be important for Americans – regardless of age – to take measures to prevent a flu attack. To decrease the chances of getting hit with the flu this season, the Huffington Post published an article with a handful of tips and suggestions. They are as follows: 1. Wash your hands One of the most effective and easiest methods of flu prevention is something we should all do several
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10 methods for caring for someone with Sundowner’s Syndrome

10 methods for caring for someone with Sundowner’s Syndrome

December 18, 2012 | No Comments

For those unfamiliar with Sundowner’s Syndrome, according to AgingCare.com, it occurs in people with Alzheimer’s disease or severe dementia and typically happens at sundown or at sun-up. During these times, the elder is prone to agitation, confusion or fear. For those who have a loved one experiencing Sundowner’s Syndrome, here are 10 suggestions from Caring.com to help cope with the situation: 1. Establish a routine. As Alzheimer’s and dementia progresses, the patient’s ability to reason and perform normal daily activities diminishes. “Different functions and capabilities are lost, creating confusion and frustration. Establishing a routine of behavior management strategies will not only
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Living past 100 – secrets of centenarians

Living past 100 – secrets of centenarians

December 13, 2012 | No Comments

Yesterday, we here at Freedom Home Care reported that the world lost its oldest member. Besse Cooper peacefully passed away after 116 years on the planet, and in an interview with Guinness World Records, she attributed her long life to minding her own business and not eating junk food. And although only eight others have ever lived to such an age, many do live past 100. The question, therefore, surrounds the secrets of their longevity. In an article published by Everyday Health, “researchers believe that both genetics and lifestyle behaviors play an important part in a centenarian’s health and longevity.”
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Exploring oatmeal – a powerhouse food

Exploring oatmeal – a powerhouse food

November 18, 2012 | No Comments

Oatmeal has been a long-running go-to breakfast item for all walks of life. And it’s an especially great choice for seniors due to its ability to lower cholesterol and reduce the risk of heart disease. Oatmeal, however, doesn’t have to be bland and mushy to be healthy. In the following video, produced by the Dr. Marion Caregiver Training & Resources YouTube channel, oatmeal is given a new face. In it, caregivers and elderly individuals alike can garner a handful of good ideas to up the oatmeal ante. Overall, the suggestions are delivered from a health and medical stance, offering viewers
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Video spotlight: Meals On Wheels

Video spotlight: Meals On Wheels

October 25, 2012 | No Comments

This week, we here at Freedom Home Care have focused on helping the elderly loved ones in our lives maintain a healthy weight. Therefore, we thought it was only natural for us to stop for a moment to sing the praises of the Meals On Wheels Association of America. The organization has been working hard to keep the needy senior population healthy and happy since 1954. What began in Philadelphia more than 50 years ago has grown to be America’s largest national organization, which represents about 5,000 community-based senior nutrition programs across the States as well as the U.S. territories.
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Understanding weight loss in older individuals

Understanding weight loss in older individuals

October 22, 2012 | Comments Off on Understanding weight loss in older individuals

Weight loss in the older population is a common issue. As functions in the body begin to slow down – alongside activity levels – appetite also decreases. This, of course, is a simplistic explanation of why some of the aging individuals in our lives may look skinnier and skinnier as years pass. To truly understand weight loss later in life, however Livestrong.com, a website dedicated to healthy living, laid out the changes that take place in the body from a medical standpoint. As most know, the human body is composed primarily of bone tissue, lean muscle and organ tissue, fat tissue,
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Helpful advice from the CDC on stroke prevention

Helpful advice from the CDC on stroke prevention

October 18, 2012 | Comments Off on Helpful advice from the CDC on stroke prevention

According to the U.S. Center for Disease Control, strokes are a leading cause of death in the United States. Approximately 130,000 Americans die each year because of strokes, which accounts for 1 of every 18 deaths. The CDC goes on to explain that “every year, more than 795,000 people in the United States have a stroke. About 610,000 of these are first or new strokes. One in four are recurrent strokes.” Despite the numbers, however, there are many ways to prevent strokes from happening. Here are a few recommendations from the CDC to lower your risk for stroke: Eat a healthy diet. Choosing healthful meal
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