The American Academy of Ophthalmology says that early signs of disease or changes in vision can start years before they become a real problem. This is why they recommend “adults with no signs or risk factors for eye disease should receive a baseline comprehensive eye evaluation at age 40.”
They also advise that individuals without any risk factors should have an eye exam by an ophthalmologist every 2 to 4 years. People age 55 to 64 without risk factors should be examined by an ophthalmologist every 1 to 3 years. Seniors 65 years and older without risk factors should be examined by an ophthalmologist every 1 to 2 years as the incidence of unrecognized ocular disease increases with age. Getting regular eye exams and being aware of any changes to your vision is important as many age-related eye problems do not show early symptoms. Furthermore, common health problems including diabetes and hypertension can cause eye-related issues as well as some medications. A thorough eye exam will check your visual acuity and peripheral vision, coordination of eye muscles and the pupils’ response to light and color testing. The ophthalmologist also examines the interior and back of the eye along with the inside and outside of the eyelid. In addition, eye fluid pressure is measured with a tonometer, which blows a puff of air onto the eye. The test is used to check for glaucoma and other diseases. You will additionally be monitored for age-related macular degeneration (AMD) disease. This test uses special instruments to examine the back of your eye to detect and monitor conditions affecting the macula. Since many eye conditions do not develop symptoms until they are quite advanced, it is important to follow the eye exam recommendations. Also, the risk of glaucoma, cataracts and age-related macular degeneration increases as we get older. This post is intended for informational purposes only. Please contact your health care provider with any questions or concerns you have regarding your health. At MorningStar of Fountain Hills, we represent the very best in senior living with our unique mission statement of “to honor, to serve, to invest.” With a foundation built on honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve, we strive to create a true home for residents amid a beautiful, serene setting. Please schedule a tour of our community to see the finest senior assisted living Fountain Hills, AZ has to offer. Source: aao.org/eye-health/tips-prevention/eye-exams-101
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Since February is heart health month, it is a perfect time to increase awareness about heart disease and the things you can do to prevent. Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) is the most common form of heart disease and causes a narrowing or complete blockage of the arteries. This can result in angina or a tightness and discomfort in the chest as arteries are not getting enough blood to the heart, which must work harder. As time goes on, CAD can cause heart failure or an irregular heartbeat.
Recent studies report turmeric, a seasoning that enhances the flavor of food, may also be beneficial to your heart. Research suggests turmeric may help to reduce a person’s total cholesterol as well as the levels of bad cholesterol known as LDL (low-density lipoprotein) in the blood. By reducing the oxidation of LDL, turmeric may help reduce the risk of strokes and heart attacks. Another benefit of turmeric is it is believed to help calm inflammation in the body as its essential oils and curcumin display a wide spectrum of antibacterial, antifungal, antioxidant and other anti-inflammatory properties. Turmeric may also offer a natural protection against Alzheimer’s disease as curcumin can cross the blood-brain barrier and work toward preventing or slowing the progression of nervous-system related diseases. Acai berries are another nutrient-dense super food loaded with antioxidants, which may be good for our heart and brain. High in fat and low in sugar, studies has shown acai may decrease the total and LDL cholesterol in animals, and researchers believe it may do the same for humans. Other studies show the plant compounds in acai may also boost brain function and protect our brains from damage as we age. Current research points to improvement in the memory of rats. At MorningStar at Englefield Green, we specialized in providing residents with holistic, loving dementia care. Our entire team and wellness programs are focused on finding ways to stimulate and enhance our residents’ quality of life. This includes providing meals created with BrainWise foods such as such as acai berries, turmeric, Omega 3 fats, dark chocolate and dark greens. Visit our website to learn more. MorningStar at Englefield Green embodies the very best in senior living with a distinct mission statement of “to honor, to serve, to invest” that sets us apart from other senior living communities. With a foundation built on honoring God, valuing seniors and investing in a staff with a felt calling to serve, we offer loving, compassionate care within a beautiful home-like setting. If you are looking for one of the area’s top Alzheimer’s care homes, please visit our website. Source: healthline.com/nutrition/benefits-of-acai-berries The website, Everyday Health Media reports that you can expect to live on average another 19.3 years if you reach the age of 65. However they explain in order to be one of those lucky enough to live to be 85 years or older, you need to carefully manage your chronic health conditions and follow good health habits.
Aging experts such as Jeanne Wei, MD, the director of the Institute on Aging at the University of Arkansas Medical School, explains, “You need to be physically active and eat a healthy diet and also make healthy lifestyle choices, like quitting smoking and losing weight, to avoid senior health risks.” She adds that it is helpful to include a geriatrician on your health care team. Furthermore, it is never too late to begin improving your health. Whether you are suffering from diabetes, heart disease, or many other chronic health problems, doctors say you can benefit from even a moderate amount of physical activity. Engaging in physical activity helps to make your bones and muscles stronger and can lessen your risk for falls. Also if you do have a fall, your bones will be stronger and less likely to break. Additionally research shows that physical activity is as good for your brain as it is for your body, but before you embark on any new physical activity, please talk to your physician. The FamilyDoctor.org website suggests that walking may be the easiest exercise for seniors as you can start at your own pace and you do not need any special equipment. They also recommend gardening, dancing, swimming, Tai chi or yoga as good exercises for seniors. One of the many benefits of living at MorningStar of Fountain Hills is that we make it easy for seniors to live a healthy lifestyle. Our meals are both tasty as well as healthy and we offer lots of fun physical activities to keep our residents moving. Please see our website to learn more about our exceptional community. This post is intended for informational purposes only. Please contact your health care provider with any questions or concerns you have regarding your health. At MorningStar of Fountain Hills, we exemplify the very best in senior living with our unique mission statement of “to honor, to serve, to invest.” With a foundation built on honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve, we strive to create a true home for residents amid a beautiful, serene setting. Please schedule a tour to experience one of the finest senior living communities in Fountain Hills, Phoenix or Scottsdale. Sources: everydayhealth.com/news/most-common-health-concerns-seniors/ familydoctor.org/familydoctor/en/seniors/staying-healthy/good-health-habits-at-age-60-and-beyond.html According to the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD), hearing loss is one of the most common conditions affecting older adults. They state that, “Approximately one in three people between the ages of 65 and 74 has hearing loss and nearly half of those older than 75 have difficulty hearing.”
Hearing loss may result in difficulty following a conversation as well as the danger of not properly hearing a doctor’s advice. Many older adults cannot hear the doorbell or may have trouble responding to alarms and other warning devices such as a smoke detector. The NIDCD lists several signs that may indicate you are suffering from hearing loss. These include things like having problems hearing the TV or radio at levels that are loud enough for others or a reluctance to attend family gatherings and church services. Common causes of hearing loss are a condition called presbycusis, which is gradual hearing loss that seems to run in families or exposure to loud noise over an extended period of time. Other things that can increase your risk for hearing loss include earwax build-up, diabetes, listening to music with earbuds, and being overweight. Your hearing loss may also be due to your medication. The AARP reports that according to the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, “more than 200 drugs, ranging from over-the-counter medications to chemotherapy, can damage hearing.” Even common pain medications such as ibuprofen and acetaminophen have been linked to a higher risk of hearing loss when taken for six or more years as reported by a Brigham and Women’s Hospital 2016 study. If you feel you may be experiencing hearing problems, you will need to see a doctor to be tested. Furthermore since there are many reasons for hearing loss, treatment options will vary depending on the cause. At MorningStar of Rio Rancho, we are proud to offer the best assisted living with our distinct mission statement - “to honor, to value, to invest.” With a foundation built on honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve, we create a true home for residents in a beautiful setting. Our community will open in the spring of 2019. In the meantime, visit our Information Center to talk to our team about unparalleled senior housing in Rio Rancho NM. Source: nidcd.nih.gov/health/hearing-loss-older-adults aarp.org/health/conditions-treatments/info A cataract is the clouding of the lens inside the eye causing blurred or tinted vision, seeing double, impaired night vision, and extra sensitivity to light. The vision loss from cataracts happens slowly over time and cannot be corrected with glasses or contact lenses or with corneal refractive surgery such as Lasik. Cataracts are typically an age-related disease, and according to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, “cataracts affect more than 24.4 million Americans age 40 and older. By age 75, approximately half of all Americans have cataracts.”
Cataract removal is one of the most common operations in the US. The surgery is typically performed as an outpatient procedure, and while cataract surgery may sound scary, most people get excellent results. During surgery, the affected lens is removed and replaced with an artificial lens called an intraocular lens (IOL). The procedure has been improved over the last several years by the use of a high-frequency ultrasound device, which has resulted in faster healing times and less complications. Before you have the surgery, your ophthalmologist will perform tests on your eye to determine if you have any risk factors as well as what size and type of IOL will give you the best outcome. You will also have input into the type of IOL you want to get that will depend on your needs and personal preferences. One type of lens is an advanced presbyopia-correcting IOL that improves your reading vision without interfering with your distance vision. The actual procedure typically takes about 15 minutes but you will be there for a couple of hours to get prepped and a small recovery period afterward. Your doctor may have you wear an eye patch for a short time, and you should expect your vision to be distorted for at least a few days. Other common issues include feeling as if your eye is dry and itchy but you will be advised to not scratch or rub it. Doctors also recommend if you choose to wear glasses after surgery, you pick lenses with anti-reflective coating or photochromic lenses. At MorningStar of Fountain Hills, we exemplify the very best in senior living with our unique mission statement of “to honor, to serve, to invest.” Our foundation is built on honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve…all of which contributes to creating a true home for residents amid a beautiful, serene setting. Please call to schedule a visit to see firsthand the finest assisted living in the Scottsdale/Fountain Hills area. Sources: aplaceformom.com/blog/what-to-expect-from-cataract-surgery/ nei.nih.gov/health/cataract/cataract_facts When we open in the spring of 2019, MorningStar of Rio Rancho will provide a loving, compassionate home to seniors who require a little extra assistance with their daily care activities. By offering 51 stylish, private assisted living suites in a variety of configurations, we are certain to have a floor plan that meets your needs. For seniors suffering from memory loss due to Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia, our Reflections Neighborhood has 26 secure suites devoted to their individualized care.
We encourage you to visit our website as we have lots of information available along with many architectural renderings that capture the full beauty and inviting warmth of our new community. Starting on our home page and continuing with our extensive Gallery pictures, you will see an interior artfully designed by the award-winning senior living specialist, Thoma-Holec Design that will create a true “home” for our residents. Your private suite has been designed with all of the conveniences and safety precautions needed to ensure both your comfort and safety. Each bathroom is handicapped accessible and all apartments have an emergency call system and wireless Internet service. Throughout our large common areas, we offer amenities such as a bistro, full bar, art studio and workshop, demonstration kitchen, spa bath and massage, fitness center and more. Set on 5.5 acres, we will have expansive outdoor areas with artfully decorated courtyards, strolling paths, raised gardening beds, and an outdoor kitchen, barbecue and fire pit. Along with our gorgeously designed facility, our community is also putting together a team of seasoned care providers who are experienced in every facet of senior living. Furthermore the MorningStar Rio Rancho property is a part of MorningStar Senior Living, which just celebrated its 15th year anniversary. Our community will have it all! We are pet friendly as well as conveniently located to medical facilities, malls, banks and restaurants. Please stop by our Information Center at the northwest corner of Westside Boulevard and Golf Course Road in Rio Rancho or visit our website for contact information. At MorningStar of Rio Rancho, we are proud to offer the best senior living with our distinct mission statement - “to honor, to value, to invest.” With a foundation built on honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve, we create a true home for residents in a beautiful setting. Opening in the spring of 2019, we invite you to visit our Information Center to learn more about the finest senior living in Rio Rancho. According to the American Heart Association, heart attack warning signs involve discomfort in the center of the chest that lasts more than a few minutes (or that goes away and comes back). They describe it like an “uncomfortable pressure, squeezing, fullness or pain.” Signs can also include discomfort in other areas of the upper body such as one or both arms, the back, neck, jaw or stomach. Other symptoms may include shortness of breath, sweating, nausea or lightheadedness. As heart disease is the number one killer for both men and women in the U.S. as well as globally, it is important to know the facts and a great resource for up-to-date information is the American Heart Association’s website.
The site has lots of current information on the causes and treatment for atherosclerosis, which is the disease that develops when plaque builds up inside the arteries. Once plaque has built up and narrowed the arteries, it is more difficult for the blood to flow through and increases the chance of a blood clot forming that can stop blood from flowing altogether. Atherosclerosis is one of the leading causes of heart attacks, strokes, and peripheral vascular disease. Ischemic strokes are the most common type of strokes and occur when a blood vessel that feeds the brain is blocked (typically from a blood clot). Hemorrhagic strokes are caused when weakened blood vessels rupture. There are two types of weakened blood vessels that are typically responsible: aneurysms and arteriovenous malformations (AVMs). Congestive heart failure occurs when the heart is not pumping blood as effectively as it should, and thus, not meeting the body’s blood and oxygen needs. It is one of the most common causes of hospitalization in adults 65 years and older. Treatment includes medications, surgery and lifestyle changes. If left untreated, the problem can worsen. This post is intended for informational purposes only. Please contact your health care provider with any questions or concerns you have regarding your health. At MorningStar of Fountain Hills, we exemplify the very best in senior living with our unique mission statement of “to honor, to serve, to invest.” Our foundation is built on honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve…all of which contributes to creating a true home for residents amid a beautiful, serene setting. Please call to schedule a visit to see firsthand our exceptional community. Source:heart.org/HEARTORG/Caregiver/Resources/WhatisCardiovascularDisease/What-is-Cardiovascular-Disease_UCM_301852_Article.jsp# Now that we are in the middle of summer, it bears repeating that we need to wear sunscreen in order to protect our skin from sunburn, early skin aging and skin cancer. Experts note that the sun’s ultraviolet rays can damage our skin in as little as 15 minutes. The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) recommends everyone uses a water-resistance sunscreen with broad-spectrum protection (protects against UVA and UVB ray) of SPF 30 or higher. You need to wear it every day if you plan to be outside as the sun emits harmful UV rays year-round even on cloudy days.
Along with wearing sunscreen, the AAD says to avoid being in the sun from 10 AM to 2 PM when rays are the strongest, and to wear protective clothing even in the shade. Whenever possible, wear a lightweight long-sleeved shirt, pants, a wide-brimmed hat, and sunglasses. To get optimal coverage from a hat, the brim should go all the way around and have at least a three-inch brim. Also it should be made of a tight, synthetic weave without visible perforations. Keep in mind you need to take extra precautions if you plan to be near water, sand, or snow as they reflect the damaging rays of the sun, and can increase your chance of a sunburn. To apply sunscreen properly, put on a thick layer on all parts of exposed skin. Ask for help in hard to reach areas. Furthermore check the sunscreen’s expiration date; typically sunscreen has a shelf life of no more than three years and is shorter if the product has been exposed to high temperatures. Finally keep an eye on your skin, and if you notice any changes or itching or bleeding on your skin, see a board-certified dermatologist. Skin cancer is highly treatable when caught early. MorningStar at Englefield Green embodies the very best in senior living with a distinct mission statement of “to honor, to serve, to invest” that sets us apart from other senior living communities. With a foundation built on honoring God, valuing seniors and investing in a staff with a felt calling to serve, we offer loving, compassionate care within a beautiful home-like setting. Please set up a tour to see for yourself our unique approach to memory care. Source: aad.org/media/stats/prevention-and-care/sunscreen-faqs Good nutrition plays a major role in the quality of life for the elderly including providing better physical, mental, and social health. Many older adults are less active than younger people and therefore do not need to consume as many calories each day and/or may have a decreased sense of appetite. This means that it is even more critical that the calories seniors are getting each day are rich in nutrients and vitamins and they avoid filling up on unhealthy food options.
The USDA has put together a list of 10 healthy eating tips for people age 65+ called “Choosing Healthy Meals as You Get Older.” The first tip is to make a point to drink plenty of liquids throughout the day, because as we age, we can lose our sense of thirst. They recommend drinking water often and limit beverages that have lots of added sugars or salt. They advise that you get into the habit of using spices and herbs to flavor food instead of salt and to have sliced fruits and vegetables available for snacks and meals. Even if you have dental problems, you can always eat cooked or canned foods like unsweetened fruit, low-sodium soups, or canned tuna. The USDA suggests seniors vary the color of vegetables at each meal to benefit from the different vitamins each one offers. Another tip is to make eating a social event and to try and eat with others. Every day seniors need food fortified with vitamin B12 such as fortified cereals, and 3 cups of fat-free of low-fat milk or yogurt and hard cheeses. Choose lactose-free foods if you cannot tolerate dairy. Another thing the USDA mentions to look out for are portion sizes and to try and eat as much food each day in order to maintain a healthy weight. Guidelines for the National Institute of Aging state that physically inactive women 50 years and older need to consume about 1600 calories a day and moderately active women need about 1800 calories. If you are a 50 year or older woman leading a very active lifestyle, you need to consume approximately 2,000 calories daily. Inactive men 50+ only need 2,000 calories, somewhat active men about 2200-2400 and very active men about 2400-2800 calories. At MorningStar of Fountain Hills, we exemplify the very best in senior living with our unique mission statement of “to honor, to serve, to invest.” Our foundation is built on honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve…all of which contributes to creating a true home for residents amid a beautiful, serene setting. Please call to schedule a visit to see firsthand our exceptional community. Sources: Choosemyplateprod.azureedge.net/sites/default/files/tentips/DGTipsheet42ChoosingHealthyMealsAsYouGetOlder.pdf, nihseniorhealth.gov/eatingwellasyougetolder/benefitsofeatingwell/01.html The COPD Foundation states that, “Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is an umbrella term used to describe progressive lung diseases including emphysema, chronic bronchitis, refractory (non-reversible) asthma, and some forms of bronchiectasis.” As COPD progresses, it results in increasing breathlessness as the lungs are further damaged. The damage is permanent and is the 4th leading cause of death for people 65 to 84 years old.
Often in the early stages, people mistake the symptoms of COPD with fatigue and getting older. In addition, many people may have the disease for years before experiencing the symptoms of COPD that includes breathlessness, wheezing, or a chronic cough. You may be at risk for COPD if you have a history of long-term smoking, a job that exposed you to dust or chemicals or other indoor air pollutants, second-hand smoke exposure, or lots of exposure to outdoor air pollution. You may additionally be at risk if you had lots of respiratory infections as a child or have a genetic risk factor for emphysema that is related to a deficiency of the Alpha-1 Antitrypsin protein in the bloodstream. COPD is diagnosed with a simple procedure known as a spirometry test that measures how well your lungs are working. If your results show signs of COPD, you will need to consult with your doctor regarding treatment. It is important for anyone with COPD to get a yearly flu shot and a vaccine for pneumonia as they can help to prevent some infections. Good nutrition and staying as active as possible is also important. The Mayo Clinic reminds anyone diagnosed with COPD that is not the end of the world. They say most people have a mild form of the disease and require little therapy other than to quick smoking. For more advanced cases, there are effective therapies available to “control symptoms, reduce your risk of complications and exacerbations, and improve your ability to lead an active life.” This post is intended for informational purposes only. Please contact your health care provider with any questions or concerns you have regarding your health. At MorningStar of Fountain Hills, we exemplify the very best in senior living with our unique mission statement of “to honor, to serve, to invest.” Our foundation is built on honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve…all of which contributes to creating a true home for residents amid a beautiful, serene setting. Please schedule a visit to experience firsthand our beautiful assisted living community. Source: copdfoundation.org/What-is-COPD/Understanding-COPD/What-Causes-COPD.aspx |
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