tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-42408582617772952702024-03-18T21:24:24.861-07:00Senior Agenda with Lisa StockdaleWhere we discuss all things senior. No topic is taboo. Nothing is too boring. Nothing is off limits. Bottom line, if it matters to seniors, we will talk about it.Lisa Stockdalehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12353797028874106667noreply@blogger.comBlogger131125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4240858261777295270.post-12402760876238427782018-08-20T19:31:00.000-07:002018-08-20T19:31:27.296-07:00Five Tips for Better Sun Safety <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAWyPVA8FvCxUe3jy8FLsy5GNa_Bt-Wj2ksmP3kO0W0SDnIODcW0vZ4VU2A90OySjWuVCcQUfM-jKZODzYyTW484kydSEA5LaAv8USc_zAHUB2dClTev1Apr3_YAhrD111GFQIXNdvFsM/s1600/images.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="168" data-original-width="300" height="356" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAWyPVA8FvCxUe3jy8FLsy5GNa_Bt-Wj2ksmP3kO0W0SDnIODcW0vZ4VU2A90OySjWuVCcQUfM-jKZODzYyTW484kydSEA5LaAv8USc_zAHUB2dClTev1Apr3_YAhrD111GFQIXNdvFsM/s640/images.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Summer is winding down but UV rays and heat may still pose a threat for seniors. Below are five precautionary steps seniors can take to improve their safety during the remainder of the warmer summer temperatures. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: x-large;">1. <b>Stay hydrated.</b> Drink 6 to 8 glasses of water per day. By the time you feel thirsty, your body is already dehydrated. For seniors, the feeling of thirst decreases with age so be sure to increase your water intake with prolonged physical activity. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: x-large;">2. <b>Use your air conditioning.</b> Some seniors are hesitant to turn on their AC because of the increased coat but your health is worth it. During a heat wave, if you don't have AC, spend time at locations with AC like a senior center or movie theater. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: x-large;">3. <b> Be an early bird or night owl</b>. The sun and heat are strongest between 10 am and 4 pm. Limit your outdoor activity to early morning and/or late evening when temperature are not as high. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: x-large;">4. <b> Know your medications</b>. many seniors use medications daily. Some medications can cause side effects, like increased sensitivity to UV rays. Review all medications and check with your pharmacist with questions. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: x-large;">5. Wear sunscreen. Sunscreen helps prevent sunburns. Look for a sunscreen that blocks both UVA and UVB rays, and has a sun protection factor (SPF) of 15 or greater. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Enjoy the rest of your summer and stay safe while doing it! </span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span>
<br />Lisa Stockdalehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12353797028874106667noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4240858261777295270.post-46777354819315408582018-02-07T19:21:00.000-08:002018-02-07T19:21:23.034-08:00Understanding Congestive Heart Failure <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxKcuFllwP_OvDs1cIXwZ3fzVpl409AFqK1TlW97bWJXEO2NeYwvDXAV-HU7hfYoJjElHjy4IY5h0EX4CVK6hLnQgGKvAf_gUg0WJ6wgAM2U4jz-oJrU5gZ37l7HMY8ky5jKOyvo6H9QM/s1600/tips-for-healthy-lungs-934744934744.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="360" data-original-width="640" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxKcuFllwP_OvDs1cIXwZ3fzVpl409AFqK1TlW97bWJXEO2NeYwvDXAV-HU7hfYoJjElHjy4IY5h0EX4CVK6hLnQgGKvAf_gUg0WJ6wgAM2U4jz-oJrU5gZ37l7HMY8ky5jKOyvo6H9QM/s400/tips-for-healthy-lungs-934744934744.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">February is American Heart Month! Make a difference in your community by helping raise awareness about heart disease and encourage people to live heart healthy lives. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>Congestive Heart Failure </b>(CHF) affects nearly 6 million Americans and is the leading cauise of hospitalization in people 65 and older. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">What is Heart Failure? </span></b><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Heart failure does not mean that your heart has stopped or is about to stop working. It means that your heart can't pump enough blood (oxygen and nutrients) to meet your body's needs. The chambers of the heart may respond by stretching to hold more blood or by becoming stiff and thickened, but eventually the heart muscle walls weaken. As a result, the kidneys respond by causing the body to retain fluid (water) and salt. When fluid builds up in the arms, legs, ankles, feet, lungs or other organs, the body becomes congested, and congestive heart failure (CHF) is the term used to describe the condition. </span><br />
<b><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></b>
<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Signs and symptoms of heart failure are: </span></b><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Shortness of breath or trouble braething</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Fatigue (tiredness) </span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Swelling in the ankles, feet, legs, abdomen, and veins in the neck </span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: x-large;">According to the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, when symptoms start, you may feel tired and short of breath after a routine physical effort, like climbing stairs. As your heart grows weaker, symptoms get worse. You may begin to feel tired and short of breath after getting dressed or walking across the room. Some people have shortness of breath while lying flat. Fluid buildup from heart failure also causes weight gain, frequent urination, and a cough that's worse at night and when you're lying down. The cough may be a sign of acute pulmonary edema, a condition in which too much fluid builds up in your lungs which requires emergency treatment. </span><br />
<b><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></b>
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>Common causes of CHF include:</b> </span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Coronary Artery Disease </span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">High Blood Pressure </span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Thyroid Disease </span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Heart Valve Disease </span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Kidney Disease </span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Diabetes </span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Congenital Heart Defects </span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Fortunately, heart failure can be treated. Seeing your doctor regularly, taking your medication as prescribed and following a heart healthy diet and exercise program can help you successfully manage heart failure. </span><br />
<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
Lisa Stockdalehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12353797028874106667noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4240858261777295270.post-28188438699019467042018-01-29T12:41:00.001-08:002018-01-29T12:41:17.013-08:00Aging In Full Bloom - The Best Part of Caregiving <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCfA08GE-sGvShRDBe9TJL17AbJ1E41WjjUCW9v8ne0wSQViKH_Y1Su4GuTIi23mPLOYQ-0GPZz9edQqEwb8nNMTJ3LddZ1Bq0iN6YWQvrLgzxDspUsnEmRY2Ut97fcHV1tJcx2-RdqQ8/s1600/AgingInFullBloom_1500x1500.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1500" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCfA08GE-sGvShRDBe9TJL17AbJ1E41WjjUCW9v8ne0wSQViKH_Y1Su4GuTIi23mPLOYQ-0GPZz9edQqEwb8nNMTJ3LddZ1Bq0iN6YWQvrLgzxDspUsnEmRY2Ut97fcHV1tJcx2-RdqQ8/s320/AgingInFullBloom_1500x1500.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Here is our most recent podcast...The Best Part of Being a Caregiver. Let us know what you think. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://www.spreaker.com/show/aging-in-full-bloom"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Listen here! </span></a><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Lisa Stockdalehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12353797028874106667noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4240858261777295270.post-8834209774560136882017-11-05T01:19:00.000-07:002017-11-07T18:54:01.820-08:00Five Ways Gratitude Can Improve Your Life <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2mZi7kn0czb1DBzyc6zodu2rhxg52LV2sDZqUTJ5KS_Fn3jEj3KvU0lh1RgEQhDeNCUa5G8FzBQTpYokc6Ib15vrzg4hZOmnysdgax3muXmDNqgjN0E-stTVDkyA8i4JTo9Tk4TUhKl0/s1600/f9ac66e16dbe03a8e89230de1c5c9fc8--practice-gratitude-attitude-of-gratitude.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="640" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2mZi7kn0czb1DBzyc6zodu2rhxg52LV2sDZqUTJ5KS_Fn3jEj3KvU0lh1RgEQhDeNCUa5G8FzBQTpYokc6Ib15vrzg4hZOmnysdgax3muXmDNqgjN0E-stTVDkyA8i4JTo9Tk4TUhKl0/s400/f9ac66e16dbe03a8e89230de1c5c9fc8--practice-gratitude-attitude-of-gratitude.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
by Lisa Stockdale </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">"We can complain because rose bushes have thorns, or rejoice because thorns have roses." </span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">-Alphonse Karr, <u>A Tour Round My Garden</u></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><u><br /></u></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The holidays
are upon us and we kick them off with Thanksgiving which began as a day of
giving thanks for the blessing of the harvest and of the preceding year. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Did you know that practicing an “attitude of
gratitude” daily has the ability to improve your overall quality of life? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">It’s
true! Researchers from Harvard Medical
School to the Mayo Clinic and beyond all agree that practicing gratitude will
significantly increase your well-being – including improved physical, mental
and emotional health. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Here are
five ways gratitude can positively impact your life, according to the
research: <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">1.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Improved Sleep<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">A 2009 study
in the<i> Journal of Psychosomatic Research </i>found
that grateful people (those who express gratitude) sleep longer and better than
those who do not practice gratitude.
Simply writing down a list of a few things to be grateful for before
bedtime has been shown to improve quality of sleep, according to a 2011 study
published in <i>Applied Psychology: Health
and Well-Being</i>. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">2.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> Improved Physical Health <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Grateful
people report fewer aches and pains, exercise more regularly and attend regular
medical check-ups more often than ungrateful people, according to a 2012 study
published in <i>Personality and Individual
Differences</i>. Amit Sood, M.D. from
the Mayo Clinic reports that practicing gratitude boosts immunity and decreases
the risk of disease. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">3.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Increased Empathy and Decreased
Aggression <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">“Gratitude
motivates people to express sensitivity and concern for others,” researchers
wrote in a 2012 paper in <i>Social
Psychology and Personality Science.</i> Gratitude
was attributed to an increase in empathy and a decrease in aggression. A 2012 study by the University of Kentucky
demonstrated that people who ranked
higher on gratitude scales were less likely to retaliate against others. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">4.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Increased Happiness and Decreased
Depression <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Robert A.
Emmons, Ph.D., a leading gratitude researcher, has concluded that gratitude
reduces an array of toxic emotions like envy, resentment and frustration which
works to improve overall psychological health.
For example, grateful people are less likely to become resentful of
others and more likely to show appreciation for other people’s
accomplishments. A 2014 study published
in the <i>Journal of Applied Sport
Psychology</i> linked gratitude to improved self-esteem. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">5.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> Increased Resilience <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Numerous
studies, including a 2006 study in <i>Behaviour
Research and Therapy</i>, found that Vietnam War veterans with high levels of
gratitude were less likely to be impacted by post-traumatic stress disorder. Generally speaking, research has demonstrated
that gratitude reduces stress and improves one’s ability to overcome
trauma. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
Lisa Stockdalehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12353797028874106667noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4240858261777295270.post-88424802792913252172017-09-09T21:52:00.003-07:002017-09-20T14:23:36.792-07:00Patient Advocacy <div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-outline-level: 1;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiepNyAmacEX9MzJH3OOmj45_H3_pAZSZrdVsAMvRqTww25oLgsFb49oOekj5C3wuKK4sfYPR4vxCDLUsr52S67_lugmefw0ZwnkKTYQmJFEO8wneWYPpd06w2zxgXPss8NHi-bd7t-GHo/s1600/AAEAAQAAAAAAAAMyAAAAJDI5ZTg2YTJiLTMzZTAtNDYyYi1hZWQ5LTE4ZTk4MDVmM2Q1Yw.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="698" height="366" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiepNyAmacEX9MzJH3OOmj45_H3_pAZSZrdVsAMvRqTww25oLgsFb49oOekj5C3wuKK4sfYPR4vxCDLUsr52S67_lugmefw0ZwnkKTYQmJFEO8wneWYPpd06w2zxgXPss8NHi-bd7t-GHo/s640/AAEAAQAAAAAAAAMyAAAAJDI5ZTg2YTJiLTMzZTAtNDYyYi1hZWQ5LTE4ZTk4MDVmM2Q1Yw.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 24.0pt;">The Important Role of the Patient Advocate<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-outline-level: 1;">
<b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">by Lisa Stockdale <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-outline-level: 1;">
<b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">The health care system continues to
grow more complex and difficult to navigate. As complexity swells, consumers are
increasingly reaching out to private, independent patient advocates to get the
help they need. </span></span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-large;">Patient advocates offer a wide array
of services ranging from accompanying clients to their doctors’ appointments, being
present during a hospital stay, providing information to help make decisions
about treatment options, reviewing and negotiating medical bills – and
everything in between.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<b style="font-size: xx-large;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;">Who Can Be a Patient Advocate?</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">A family member, a close friend or
relative, or even a trusted co-worker can act as a patient advocate. If you
find yourself in need of someone with a working knowledge of the healthcare
system or perhaps more of a clinical background, it might make sense to look at
professional advocacy services. Consider
the following local (central Ohio) providers:<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="line-height: normal; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-outline-level: 2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: "symbol";">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;">IKOR is a Dublin-based company offering healthcare and
financial advocacy plus life management services. IKOR is operated by Dublin resident Melanie
Hankinson who has a degree in Physical Therapy, is a Certified Senior Advisor
and an Aging Life Care Professional™ with support from Sandy Miller, BSN, RN,
graduate of the Ohio State University College of Nursing with 40 plus years
serving central Ohio patients. </span><b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="line-height: normal; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-outline-level: 2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="line-height: normal; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-outline-level: 2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: "symbol";">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;">Guided Patient Services (GPS) is a Westerville-based company
specializing in patient advocacy and navigation to clients of all ages facing new
or challenging healthcare issues. GPS
was founded and is operated by Annette Ticoras, MD, graduate of Wright State
University Boonshoft School of Medicine.
GPS is a member of The Alliance of Professional Health Advocates. </span><b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="line-height: normal; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-outline-level: 2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-outline-level: 2;">
<b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Who
pays for the advocates’ services?<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-outline-level: 2;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Professional patient advocates are usually paid
directly by the client. A few employers have begun providing patient advocacy
support to their employees, but private health insurance companies do not pay
for these services.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-outline-level: 2;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Not everyone can afford to hire an advocate, but
many can and do. </span></span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Many of us would not attempt to purchase a home without the
advice and guidance of a realtor. Fewer would consider walking into a courtroom
without the expertise of a lawyer, and many Americans have come to rely on a
financial planner to help them manage their wealth and safeguard their
financial well-being. As the healthcare system continues to evolve, patient
advocates will become more common. Research is already starting to demonstrate
the valuable role a patient advocate can play in improving patient outcomes and
experience. </span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
Lisa Stockdalehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12353797028874106667noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4240858261777295270.post-10913656438737098202017-07-23T06:51:00.000-07:002017-07-23T06:51:17.565-07:00Practice Prevention to Stay Hydrated and Healthy <div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRUOYm039Iy3UcjYzYz3u_srR18N9XFWFeZbLMA0RYN4hj7DvBZ_rDcd-2jV-kejdBj24Ja5poBuH2Rh7TG64fwRQhvcTw3KKTUu2Ao-z90J82HBtNSXI_3AHRjDJxNRegF1Y0Wf3Lc8c/s1600/water-hydration.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="398" data-original-width="595" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRUOYm039Iy3UcjYzYz3u_srR18N9XFWFeZbLMA0RYN4hj7DvBZ_rDcd-2jV-kejdBj24Ja5poBuH2Rh7TG64fwRQhvcTw3KKTUu2Ao-z90J82HBtNSXI_3AHRjDJxNRegF1Y0Wf3Lc8c/s640/water-hydration.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: x-large;">It’s official! We are
now in the midst of the dog days of summer.
This year the dog days commence on Saturday, July 22<sup>nd</sup> and
end of Tuesday, August 22<sup>nd</sup>.
The “dog days of summer” refer to those sultry, humid, long, hot summer days
that are said to be the most uncomfortable part of the season. The concept dates back to the ancient
Egyptians who believed the energy from the star Sirius combined with the sun’s
energy to produce heat waves, drought, thunderstorms, fever, mad dogs and bad
luck. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">After being cooped up all winter, it’s tempting to spend as
much time as possible outside despite the heat and humidity. Still, we need to practice prevention to stay
healthy and hydrated. Too much exposure
can lead to dehydration, heat exhaustion and even heat stroke. Heat stroke is less common but obviously more
serious. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">The key is to stay hydrated. Consuming at least 64 ounces of fluid per day is the best way to ensure proper hydration. Water is the best choice but it certainly isn't the only option that counts towards the 64 ounces per day guideline. Most fluids (except alcohol) and many foods also count. Foods with high water content include the following: </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">Oranges</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">Watermelon</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">Yogurt</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">Strawberries </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">Blueberries </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">Grapefruit </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">Broth-based soups </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">Pineapples </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">Cucumbers </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">Tomatoes</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">Grapes</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">Bell peppers </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">Cantaloupe </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">Apples </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>How do you know if
you’re dehydrated?</b> Understanding the
signs and symptoms of dehydration is important. One sure way to monitor hydration is to pay
attention to the color of your urine. Generally
speaking, the lighter the color, the more hydrated you are. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l3 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: "symbol"; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->Pale yellow to clear indicates that you are
well-hydrated. </span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l3 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: "symbol"; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->A yellow, cloudy color means you need water.</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l3 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: "symbol"; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->A darker yellow-amber color means you are
dehydrated. </span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l3 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: "symbol"; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->Orangish-yellow and darker means you are
severely dehydrated. Contact your
physician immediately. </span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l3 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l3 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<br /></div>
Lisa Stockdalehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12353797028874106667noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4240858261777295270.post-80536124585583304822017-06-18T19:23:00.000-07:002017-06-18T19:23:04.496-07:00Choose Hospice - Because Every Chapter Counts <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfTPxzRgYL5SQHFYCJtcBQnITf_ihRejiMfHeZIjLMiQZ380szwEyU_jFU3VwlPR2h8a0Tq3bm0NfWuFS5VdgRXUSqo_F0wrf9p6WbhXbfXpFJwAJbJ5bJMiEsNQHE02sgm5cIBdCMWgc/s1600/9b004be48c941b883a39cfed01a16c2e.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfTPxzRgYL5SQHFYCJtcBQnITf_ihRejiMfHeZIjLMiQZ380szwEyU_jFU3VwlPR2h8a0Tq3bm0NfWuFS5VdgRXUSqo_F0wrf9p6WbhXbfXpFJwAJbJ5bJMiEsNQHE02sgm5cIBdCMWgc/s640/9b004be48c941b883a39cfed01a16c2e.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS", sans-serif; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS", sans-serif; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Choosing
hospice is a personal decision that depends on the patient’s individual values,
preferences and priorities. It means
transitioning from one set of goals (working to extend life) to another set of
goals (working to ensure quality of life for the time remaining). Hospice is about alleviating suffering so
that the focus can be on more personal aspects of dying like one’s legacy, relationships
and achieving a sense of closure. Too
many people wait to receive hospice care until the last few weeks or days
causing them to miss out on months of helpful care and quality time. Most all insurance plans, including Medicare
and Medicaid, cover the cost of hospice.
<b><o:p></o:p></b></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS", sans-serif; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<ul>
<li><b><span style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS", sans-serif; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Where
is hospice?</span></span></b></li>
</ul>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS", sans-serif; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS", sans-serif; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Hospice is a philosophy of care, not a
place. You can receive hospice services
in an assisted living community, at a nursing home, at the hospital or wherever
you call home. We bring the care to
you. We understand that most people
prefer to be at home in the days leading to end of life. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS", sans-serif; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS", sans-serif; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<ul>
<li><b><span style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS", sans-serif; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">How
do I qualify for hospice?</span></span></b></li>
</ul>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS", sans-serif; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS", sans-serif; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Two physicians must certify that you have a
life-altering diagnosis with an expected prognosis of six months or less. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS", sans-serif; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<ul>
<li><b><span style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS", sans-serif; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Can
my primary care physician continue to see me?</span></span></b></li>
</ul>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS", sans-serif; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS", sans-serif; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Absolutely!
Your personal physician is welcome and encouraged to continue your
direct care. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS", sans-serif; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<ul>
<li><b><span style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS", sans-serif; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Does
hospice hasten death with the use of pain medications? </span></span></b></li>
</ul>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS", sans-serif; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS", sans-serif; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">No. There
is no evidence that opioids like morphine hasten the dying process. In fact, research suggests that using opioids
to treat pain or shortness of breath may help a person live a bit longer. Pain medications provide relief and comfort
improving quality of life during the dying process. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS", sans-serif; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<ul>
<li><b><span style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS", sans-serif; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">What
if I accept hospice services and then change my mind? </span></span></b></li>
</ul>
<br />
<div style="background: white; line-height: 16.8pt; margin-bottom: .2in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; vertical-align: baseline;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS", sans-serif; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">It is always your choice to enter or leave
hospice. If you find that your illness
improves or you decide to seek curative treatment or you are unhappy with
services, you may leave hospice care at any time, returning if and when you
choose. </span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
Lisa Stockdalehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12353797028874106667noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4240858261777295270.post-37371153940819507872017-06-11T15:57:00.000-07:002017-06-14T18:17:14.503-07:00 Dementia Capable Providers Make the Joy Rides Possible<div class="Default">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmSuKWuCl5NDFHQUe9V16gL_8BVAKfcLxR57Kpp6caTOd5C278kqZeelPQ2awuX7HMyM8AwN2bf54zNxgrf35pEHuWGoV-nAc9qnttXRbk1aWXYO-Cx7_LLTMoqb64Chh07pa3U7zYhJI/s1600/Fotolia_56320608_XS.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="344" data-original-width="348" height="395" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmSuKWuCl5NDFHQUe9V16gL_8BVAKfcLxR57Kpp6caTOd5C278kqZeelPQ2awuX7HMyM8AwN2bf54zNxgrf35pEHuWGoV-nAc9qnttXRbk1aWXYO-Cx7_LLTMoqb64Chh07pa3U7zYhJI/s400/Fotolia_56320608_XS.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></div>
<br />
<div class="Default" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "candara" , sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b></span></div>
<div class="Default" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "candara" , sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">There
are two types of people in the world, those who would take a dementia patient
for a joy ride and those who would say it’s a waste of gas.</span></b></span></div>
<div class="Default" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "candara" , sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "candara" , sans-serif; line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>Healthcare providers who are serious and committed to caring for
Alzheimer's and dementia patients should want to make the joy rides
possible. The focus should be on optimizing quality of life and
working to make memorable moments possible. <o:p></o:p></b></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "candara" , sans-serif; line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>Dementia Specialty Programs should be purpose-driven,
structured, holistic, visionary and evidence-based. Taking the time to
get to know patients and clients in the present and in the past is necessary
because it makes developing holistic plans of care based on client’s individual
values, preferences and priorities possible. Dementia care involves
the whole person – body, mind, spirit and emotions. <o:p></o:p></b></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "candara" , sans-serif; line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>Objectives should include: <o:p></o:p></b></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-family: "candara" , sans-serif; line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>·
Identifying the disease-specific needs of individuals and families<o:p></o:p></b></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-family: "candara" , sans-serif; line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>·
Specifying the roles and responsibilities of members of
inter-disciplinary teams<o:p></o:p></b></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-family: "candara" , sans-serif; line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>·
Providing on-going education and integrating best practices in the
delivery of care<o:p></o:p></b></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-family: "candara" , sans-serif; line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>·
Engaging in community outreach to help combat misconceptions and
the stigma<o:p></o:p></b></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="Default">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "candara" , sans-serif; line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>Begin by screening and selecting experienced caregivers that
exemplify qualities like patience, the
ability to solve problems, kindness, creative-thinking and
respectfulness. Focus on education including Certified Dementia
Practitioner training, cultural sensitivity training and other on-going
educational opportunities. The success of any program hinges on
continuous learning and adaption as the disease progresses. </b></span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="Default">
<br /></div>
<div class="Default">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
Lisa Stockdalehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12353797028874106667noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4240858261777295270.post-84939260045081166892017-04-25T08:58:00.001-07:002017-04-25T09:00:34.515-07:00Telehealth & Home Safety Equipment to Make Aging at Home Possible <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhTSlNzQsuONHvXAlKDy98kXE38XsRnOQPKoNQFgnHIl7DZnexx1p8zmkLcH-DQENXrr547SK3-vzelkVsYaXs7oZBkMw0XH4YvD9X8FRCsWW-UgodgyyaPWhh0qr3wA3rK7LMpi5ZdUs/s1600/home-insurance.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhTSlNzQsuONHvXAlKDy98kXE38XsRnOQPKoNQFgnHIl7DZnexx1p8zmkLcH-DQENXrr547SK3-vzelkVsYaXs7oZBkMw0XH4YvD9X8FRCsWW-UgodgyyaPWhh0qr3wA3rK7LMpi5ZdUs/s640/home-insurance.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Your best opportunity to stay home safety is to receive the extra support and care you deserve. Telehealth and home safety equipment make it possible for seniors to remain at home with increased confidence and peace of mind. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Telehealth is a way of delivering health care remotely by means of telecommunications. It includes a wide variety of technologies to deliver virtual medicine and health care. The types of technologies utilized include live video, secure electronic communications, remote patient monitoring and communication supported by mobile devices such as cell phones, tablets and laptops. Telehealth is not a specific service, but rather a collection of means to deliver care, monitoring and education. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Telehealth is most often used to deliver the following range of health care services and information: </span><br />
<br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-size: x-large;">Dentistry </span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: x-large;">Counseling </span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: x-large;">Physical and occupational therapy </span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: x-large;">Home health </span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: x-large;">Chronic disease monitoring and management </span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: x-large;">Disaster management </span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: x-large;">Consumer and professional education </span></li>
</ul>
<div>
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>Telehealth & Home Safety Services for Consideration</b> </span> </div>
<br />
<div class="Pa3" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><b><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: "wingdings";">ü<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span class="A6"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">Personal Emergency Response System</span></span></span></b><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="Pa3">
<span class="A6"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">This portable emergency call system can be set up
through a landline or cellular phone line. This system sends an alert out in an
emergency to notify the designated first responder.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<div class="Pa3">
<br /></div>
<div class="Pa3" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><b><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: "wingdings";">ü<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span class="A6"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">Medication Monitoring</span></span></span></b><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="Pa3">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="A6"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">The medication monitoring unit organizes and
dispenses medications according to the physician-prescribed schedule.</span></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="Pa3">
<br /></div>
<div class="Pa3" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><b><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: "wingdings";">ü<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></b><span class="A6"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Fall Detection Button Fall </span><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></b><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></span></span></div>
<div class="Pa3" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="A6"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">Fall detection is an additional safeguard for</span></span></span></div>
<div class="Pa3" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="A6"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">situations when an individual falls and is</span></span></span></div>
<div class="Pa3" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="A6"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">unable to push the help button. </span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="A6"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; line-height: 115%;"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></b></span></span></div>
<div class="Pa3" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><b><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: "wingdings";">ü<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></b><span class="A6"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Mobile Care / GPS Tracking </span></b><b style="font-size: x-large;"> </b></span></span></div>
<div class="Pa3" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span class="A6"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">This</span> <span style="font-size: x-large;">discrete, wearable device makes GPS</span></span></span></div>
<div class="Pa3" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span class="A6"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">tracking & location, available alongside two</span></span></span></div>
<div class="Pa3" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span class="A6"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">way automated and hands-free </span></span></span></div>
<div class="Pa3" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span class="A6"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">communication, from virtually anywhere via</span></span></span></div>
<div class="Pa3" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span class="A6"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">cellular networks. </span></span></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="A6"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="A6"><b><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Home Safety Equipment for Consideration<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="A6"><b><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></span></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="A6"><span style="font-family: "symbol"; line-height: 115%;">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span class="A6"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">Riser for the toilet seat <o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="A6"><span style="font-family: "symbol"; line-height: 115%;">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span class="A6"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">Grab bars for the bathroom<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="A6"><span style="font-family: "symbol"; line-height: 115%;">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span class="A6"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">Hand-held shower head<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="A6"><span style="font-family: "symbol"; line-height: 115%;">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span class="A6"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">Bath bench <o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="A6"><span style="font-family: "symbol"; line-height: 115%;">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span class="A6"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">Bedroom products (hospital beds,<b>
</b>over-bed tables, pads)<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="A6"><span style="font-family: "symbol"; line-height: 115%;">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span class="A6"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">Medicine droppers and spoons <o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="A6"><span style="font-family: "symbol"; line-height: 115%;">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span class="A6"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">Button loopers and zipper pulls for easier dressing <o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="A6"><span style="font-family: "symbol"; line-height: 115%;">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span class="A6"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">Single-lever faucets for kitchen and bath<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="A6"><span style="font-family: "symbol"; line-height: 115%;">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span class="A6"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">Touch-tone telephones, calculators and clocks with large numbers <o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="A6"><span style="font-family: "symbol"; line-height: 115%;">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span class="A6"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">Kitchen</span></span><span class="A6"><b><span style="color: red; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; line-height: 115%;"> </span></b></span><span class="A6"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">tools to make opening cans, peeling, cutting and
dicing food easier <o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="A6"><span style="font-family: "symbol"; line-height: 115%;">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span class="A6"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">Reachers to eliminate bending and help offset a weak grasp or limited
mobility<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
Lisa Stockdalehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12353797028874106667noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4240858261777295270.post-68435826866062751952017-04-02T04:19:00.000-07:002017-04-08T18:43:32.770-07:00Aging in Full Bloom: Three Empowering Aspects of Aging <div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV2Ga9NJNXoG9XUW6AmbJXOnkI_hWRnuqglDFvwOlEfYvc63SX1teW_uEx2Pz87mLqTfx23te2FUuEsIKhaLoCOKg2MPivFpS6QEGss7G9fMeRVIUfTwt4CzNDdfwuEwPQEBVhyqYUIBo/s1600/44744892-pictures-of-spring-flowers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV2Ga9NJNXoG9XUW6AmbJXOnkI_hWRnuqglDFvwOlEfYvc63SX1teW_uEx2Pz87mLqTfx23te2FUuEsIKhaLoCOKg2MPivFpS6QEGss7G9fMeRVIUfTwt4CzNDdfwuEwPQEBVhyqYUIBo/s640/44744892-pictures-of-spring-flowers.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "century" , serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: "century" , serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">by Lisa Stockdale </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "century" , serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "century" , serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Enough with all the negativity!
It's high time we learned to celebrate, honor, respect, cherish and
embrace the aging process. Put away your anti-aging mindset and open your eyes
to possibility of living out loud instead of accepting the so-called reality of
getting old. Know that you have survived every challenge that life has
delivered to your doorstep thus far, and look to the future with the confidence
and know-how that experience brings. Make decisions that bring you peace
and happiness and strength. Continue to takes chances, create, learn, engage
and explore. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "century" , serif; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "century" , serif; font-size: x-large;">If you are reading this, your ending has not been written.
You owe it to yourself to live with your eyes and arms wide open greeting each
new day as your own personal opportunity for growth, happiness and new
beginnings. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "century" , serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Growing old is one thing but getting
old is out of the question. To grow old is to continue to pave a path
through learning and leadership in the family, workplace and community.
To get old is to stand by and watch things happen as if you are powerless
in the experience. The challenges that aging presents are admittedly obstacles
associated with aging, but there have always been obstacles associated with
aging from puberty to adolescence to young adulthood to mid-life crisis and
beyond. We are constantly evolving and making adaptations along the way. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "century" , serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br />
<b>What are the benefits of aging? </b> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b style="font-size: xx-large;"><span style="font-family: "century" , "serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Aharoni; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b style="font-size: xx-large;"><span style="font-family: "century" , "serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Aharoni; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">A NEW KIND OF FREEDOM COMES WITH AGING...</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b style="font-size: xx-large;"><span style="font-family: "century" , "serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Aharoni; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: "century" , serif;">Freedom from the grind of all the
demands associated with earlier stages of life like the challenges of building
a career or being a caregiver. Consider the following quote from an email
entitled </span></span><a href="http://www.echopress.com/content/echo-press-editorial-freedom-comes-aging" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Aging and Friendship </span></b></a><span style="font-family: "century" , serif; font-size: x-large;">submitted to the Echo Press:</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "century" , serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br />
"Whose business is it if I choose to read, or play on the computer, until
4 a.m., or sleep until noon? I will dance with myself to those wonderful
tunes of the 50s, 60s and 70s, and if I, at the same time, wish to weep over a
lost love, I will.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "century" , serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br />
I will walk the beach, in a swim suit that is stretched over a bulging body,
and will dive into the waves, with abandon, if I choose to, despite the pitying
glances from the jet set. I know I am sometimes forgetful. But
there again, some of life is just as well forgotten. And, eventually, I
remember the important things." </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b style="font-size: xx-large;"><span style="font-family: "century" , "serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Aharoni; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b style="font-size: xx-large;"><span style="font-family: "century" , "serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Aharoni; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">A RETURN TO HAPPINESS COMES WITH AGING...</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b style="font-size: xx-large;"><span style="font-family: "century" , "serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Aharoni; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "century" , serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Research
indicate</span></span><span style="font-family: "century" , serif; font-size: x-large;">s that people report being happiest in their youth and then again
in their 70s and early 80s. People report being least happy during those
years associated with mid-life.</span><span style="font-family: "century" , serif; font-size: x-large;">
</span><span style="font-family: "century" , serif; font-size: x-large;">Why?</span><span style="font-family: "century" , serif; font-size: x-large;"> </span><span style="font-family: "century" , serif; font-size: x-large;">Maybe it’s because older
people have come to understand the value of happiness, and they have learned
how to be happy along the way.</span><span style="font-family: "century" , serif; font-size: x-large;"> </span><span style="font-family: "century" , serif; font-size: x-large;">They
know that happiness is a personal choice.</span><span style="font-family: "century" , serif; font-size: x-large;">
</span><span style="font-family: "century" , serif; font-size: x-large;">It is not contingent upon circumstances or the things that have happened
in life.</span><span style="font-family: "century" , serif; font-size: x-large;"> </span><span style="font-family: "century" , serif; font-size: x-large;">It’s a way of thinking and
knowing.</span><span style="font-family: "century" , serif; font-size: x-large;"> </span><span style="font-family: "century" , serif; font-size: x-large;">It is closely connected to
one’s ability to appreciate the small pleasures like taking a warm bath or a
watching the sun set.</span><span style="font-family: "century" , serif; font-size: x-large;"> </span><span style="font-family: "century" , serif; font-size: x-large;">It is also closely
connected to purposeful living which generally includes maintaining close
social ties and engaging in meaningful activities that promote the greater
good.</span><span style="font-family: "century" , serif; font-size: x-large;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "century" , serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "century" , serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">These days everyone
seems to be researching happiness.
There’s even a </span></span><b><span style="font-size: x-large;"><a href="https://www.happinessresearchinstitute.com/">Happiness Research Institute</a>,</span></b><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: "century" , serif;"> which is an independent think tank, working to improve quality of life by
exploring human happiness.</span><span style="font-family: "century" , serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: "century" , serif;">Scholars and
universities are also focusing on the topic.</span><span style="font-family: "century" , serif;">
</span><span style="font-family: "century" , serif;">According to </span></span><span style="font-size: x-large;"><a href="http://my.happify.com/hd/what-is-happiness-anyway/" style="font-weight: bold;">Acacia Parks</a>,<b> </b><span style="font-family: "century" , serif;">Assistant Professor of Psychology at Hiram
College, who researches and teaches on the science of happiness, happiness is
not about feeling good all the time but instead is associated with a more
even-keeled mood.</span><span style="font-family: "century" , serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: "century" , serif;">Parks cites recent
research that indicates that those who focus on feeling good all the time
actually undermine their ability to be happy by trying to achieve an
unrealistic goal.</span><span style="font-family: "century" , serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: "century" , serif;">Parks writes, “You
have the ability to control how you feel – and with consistent practice, you
can form life-long habits for a more satisfying and fulfilling life.”</span><span style="font-family: "century" , serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: "century" , serif;">It seems the researchers are working hard to
confirm or prove what many older adults already know.</span></span><span style="font-family: "century" , serif; font-size: 11pt;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<b style="font-size: xx-large;"><span style="font-family: "century" , "serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Aharoni; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">NEW OPPORTUNITIES COME WITH AGING...</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<b style="font-size: xx-large;"><span style="font-family: "century" , "serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Aharoni; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "century" , serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Many seniors report
the opportunity to focus on hobbies and talents that had to be put on hold in their
earlier years. Some return to the university
to earn advanced degrees or audit classes without the pressure of exams and
assignments. Others discover hidden
talents they never knew they had. For example,
my own mother discovered that she is a talented painter late in life. Some are blessed with grandchildren and describe
being a grandparent very differently than being a parent. Eva
Figes wrote in </span></span><b><span style="font-size: x-large;"><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2003/feb/24/gender.uk" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">It's a Nan's World</a> </span></b><span style="font-family: "century" , serif; font-size: x-large;">that the difference between being a mother
and a grandmother is like the difference between marriage and a love
affair.</span><span style="font-family: "century" , serif; font-size: x-large;"> </span><span style="font-family: "century" , serif; font-size: x-large;">Apparently, she is enjoying
being a grandmother quite a lot.</span><span style="font-family: "century" , serif; font-size: x-large;"> </span><span style="font-family: "century" , serif; font-size: x-large;">Others report
becoming more assured in their faith or spirituality.</span><span style="font-family: "century" , serif; font-size: x-large;"> </span><span style="font-family: "century" , serif; font-size: x-large;">One of my favorite articles on the
opportunities associated with aging comes from Loren Olson, a retired
psychiatrist, entitled </span><span style="font-size: x-large;"><a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/finally-out/201609/the-opportunities-aging" style="font-weight: bold;">The Opportunities for Aging: Freedom from the Tyranny of Ambition</a><b>. </b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Consider the following excerpt: </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "century" , serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "century" , serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"> “We can either measure time or we can
experience time. For me, time still
carries a sense of urgency, but the urgency of time has been transformed from a
seemingly endless series of appointments and moving from one goal to the next
to an urgency for experiencing every moment and not wasting the time that remains. I decided to stop wearing neck ties. I promised never to sit through a boring
meeting or lecture. I stopped going to
cocktail parties to ‘network’ with people I didn’t really like but who might do
something for me. I moved things from my
bucket list to my un-bucket list and began to get rid of things I once
treasured but increasingly felt like just some burdensome ‘stuff.’ <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "century" , serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "century" , serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">I stopped doing
what I thought I <i>should</i> do to meet
someone else’s expectations of me. I
deconstructed my old value system and reconstructed one of my own. I realized that good relationships are always
U-shaped, and to hang on to them sometimes requires a lot of work to get to a
richer place. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "century" , serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">I stopped seeking relationships
based on what the other person could do for me.
I discovered that whom I dined with was more important than what is on
the menu. I began to shed myself of
stuff that had lost its meaning. I have
learned to appreciate my experiences and the <u>wisdom</u> that has come from
my successes but also from the mistakes I’ve made” </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<br />
<br />Lisa Stockdalehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12353797028874106667noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4240858261777295270.post-22476389960945533062017-03-26T09:14:00.000-07:002017-03-26T09:14:44.609-07:00Helping Seniors Understand and Achieve Wellness <div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK4-KIErPl5rQG1C12YB3a4yCwu0SEzA5NBtiBAPyxtZOK2h9f401i5FeuPu_Hw2fjOL3zOfBILx4zRoLiYGV5z53wk9C_P-_av9aO8HiwBlfJ9qzr_IukBqT8kqQddlcl_CEs-g13cxs/s1600/nutrition-fruit-stethoscope-300x209.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="445" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK4-KIErPl5rQG1C12YB3a4yCwu0SEzA5NBtiBAPyxtZOK2h9f401i5FeuPu_Hw2fjOL3zOfBILx4zRoLiYGV5z53wk9C_P-_av9aO8HiwBlfJ9qzr_IukBqT8kqQddlcl_CEs-g13cxs/s640/nutrition-fruit-stethoscope-300x209.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "century" , serif; line-height: 200%;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: "century" , serif; line-height: 200%;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">The importance of proper
nutrition cannot be overstated. It is
vital for older adults looking to stay healthy and maintain their varying
degrees of independence. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: "century" , serif; line-height: 200%;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: "century" , serif; line-height: 200%;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Older adults are negatively
impacted by poor eating habits and a lack of nutritional understanding for
seniors. Understanding the changing
nutritional needs of older adults is critical due to the overlap of several age-related
challenges. Seniors have higher rates of
chronic diseases like diabetes, hypertension and heart disease. Others live with chronic pain, osteoporosis
and various forms of arthritis. Many
face daily challenges of managing complicated medication regimes. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: "century" , serif; line-height: 200%;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: "century" , serif; line-height: 200%;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Studies show that proper senior
nutrition reduces the risk of the following:<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="line-height: 200%; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: "symbol"; line-height: 200%;">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "century" , serif; line-height: 200%;">Compromised immune system <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: "symbol"; line-height: 200%;">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "century" , serif; line-height: 200%;">General muscle and body weakness leading to more
falls <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: "symbol"; line-height: 200%;">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "century" , serif; line-height: 200%;">Osteoporosis <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: "symbol"; line-height: 200%;">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "century" , serif; line-height: 200%;">High blood pressure <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: "symbol"; line-height: 200%;">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "century" , serif; line-height: 200%;">Diabetes <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: "symbol"; line-height: 200%;">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "century" , serif; line-height: 200%;">Heart disease<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: "symbol"; line-height: 200%;">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "century" , serif; line-height: 200%;">Certain types of cancer <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="line-height: 200%; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: "symbol"; line-height: 200%;">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "century" , serif; line-height: 200%;">Certain types of arthritis <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="line-height: 200%; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-family: "century" , serif; line-height: 200%;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: "century" , serif; line-height: 200%;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">But making dietary changes is
difficult. It can be especially
overwhelming for older adults who are set in their ways and resistant to
change. What can be done to encourage
change? <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: "century" , serif; line-height: 200%;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="line-height: 200%; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: "symbol"; line-height: 200%;">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "century" , serif; line-height: 200%;">Incorporate changes slowly. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: "symbol"; line-height: 200%;">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "century" , serif; line-height: 200%;">Be mindful of medication side effects that by
alter appetite. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: "symbol"; line-height: 200%;">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "century" , serif; line-height: 200%;">Plan to share meals as often as possible. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: "symbol"; line-height: 200%;">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "century" , serif; line-height: 200%;">Know the signs of constipation.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: "symbol"; line-height: 200%;">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "century" , serif; line-height: 200%;">Address signs of dysphagia or difficulty
swallowing. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: "symbol"; line-height: 200%;">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "century" , serif; line-height: 200%;">Be sure dentures are in good repair and fit
properly.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: "symbol"; line-height: 200%;">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "century" , serif; line-height: 200%;">Consider other dental issues like gum disease.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="line-height: 200%; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: "symbol"; line-height: 200%;">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "century" , serif; line-height: 200%;">Understand sudden or on-going weight loss as
cause for concern. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="line-height: 200%; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-family: "century" , serif; line-height: 200%;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b><span style="font-family: "century" , serif; line-height: 200%;">Do
not hesitate to consult a physician</span></b><span style="font-family: "century" , serif; line-height: 200%;">. Your doctor will help
identify the underlying causes of loss of appetite, weight loss or
malnutrition. He or she can test for a
number of treatable culprits including ulcers, sinusitis, zinc deficiency,
thyroid disease, dementia and depression.
<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: "century" , serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: "century" , serif;">In the meantime, here are three
helpful hints:</span><span style="font-family: "century" , serif;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="line-height: 200%; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: "wingdings"; line-height: 200%;">ü<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><b><span style="font-family: "century" , serif; line-height: 200%;">Choose a variety of healthy foods.</span></b><span style="font-family: "century" , serif; line-height: 200%;"> Eating the same foods day after day is boring
and monotonous. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: "wingdings"; line-height: 200%;">ü<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><b><span style="font-family: "century" , serif; line-height: 200%;">Become better informed.</span></b><span style="font-family: "century" , serif; line-height: 200%;"> Understanding senior nutrition includes
taking the side effects of medication into consideration, and it empowers
seniors to tailor a nutritious plan with their special needs in mind. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
</div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="line-height: 200%; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: "wingdings"; line-height: 200%;">ü<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><b><span style="font-family: "century" , serif; line-height: 200%;">Stay hydrated.</span></b></span><span style="font-family: "century" , serif; line-height: 200%;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"> Staying hydrated will require a conscious effort
because as we age, we tend to get thirsty less often even though we still
require the same amount of liquids as we ever did. </span><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
Lisa Stockdalehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12353797028874106667noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4240858261777295270.post-10486183144375218472017-03-11T23:03:00.000-08:002017-03-11T23:04:32.106-08:00Eight Ways to Help Seniors Achieve Nutritional Wellness <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: center;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjym-QxJGua7Lze5yzQ6LAt7Y_X4xsdW00MOwQtMB2A6C7YDxIGqykTsWnpEAun-ZZqVG5wsj8bcHQdLcqZE8-jZJ8FY__uPLI4D1z7aMYiLdC2q8tbeuYq47ZsTVF0MGrN7u_bYh_llss/s1600/senior-nutrition.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="475" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjym-QxJGua7Lze5yzQ6LAt7Y_X4xsdW00MOwQtMB2A6C7YDxIGqykTsWnpEAun-ZZqVG5wsj8bcHQdLcqZE8-jZJ8FY__uPLI4D1z7aMYiLdC2q8tbeuYq47ZsTVF0MGrN7u_bYh_llss/s640/senior-nutrition.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="color: white; font-size: large;">The importance of proper nutrition cannot be overstated. It is vital for older adults looking to stay
healthy and maintain their varying degrees of independence. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="color: white; font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="color: white; font-size: large;">Making dietary changes is difficult. It can be especially overwhelming for older
adults who are set in their ways and resistant to change. What can be done to encourage change? <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="color: white; font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="line-height: 200%; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: white; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "symbol"; line-height: 200%;">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="line-height: 200%;">Incorporate
changes slowly. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: white; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "symbol"; line-height: 200%;">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="line-height: 200%;">Be
mindful of medication side effects that by alter appetite. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: white; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "symbol"; line-height: 200%;">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="line-height: 200%;">Plan
to share meals as often as possible. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: white; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "symbol"; line-height: 200%;">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="line-height: 200%;">Know
the signs of constipation.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: white; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "symbol"; line-height: 200%;">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="line-height: 200%;">Address
signs of dysphagia or difficulty swallowing.
<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: white; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "symbol"; line-height: 200%;">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="line-height: 200%;">Be
sure dentures are in good repair and fit properly.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: white; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "symbol"; line-height: 200%;">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="line-height: 200%;">Consider
other dental issues like gum disease.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="line-height: 200%; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: white; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "symbol"; line-height: 200%;">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="line-height: 200%;">Understand
sudden or on-going weight loss as cause for concern. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="line-height: 200%; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<b><span style="color: white; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="line-height: 200%; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="color: white;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="line-height: 200%;"> Do not hesitate to
consult a physician</span></b><span style="line-height: 200%;">.
Your doctor will help identify the underlying causes of loss of appetite,
weight loss or malnutrition. He or she can
test for a number of treatable culprits including ulcers, sinusitis, zinc
deficiency, thyroid disease, dementia and depression. Doctors can also screen for loss of taste and
smell which diminish at variable rates with aging. Taste and smell affect the desire to eat and
impact thirst mechanisms. </span></span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;"> </span></span></div>
Lisa Stockdalehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12353797028874106667noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4240858261777295270.post-47192837298267215742017-03-11T21:39:00.000-08:002017-03-11T21:39:34.657-08:00Mindset Matters <div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;"><span style="color: white;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjstfjUt60BW5hFCVVvIpbCLid4-VAFiHWq8tVKrjeSKO7LgWahLs2idFhrRcOCQYqRum4nsNtpQEnviNj5HO_i9hnIUIm_WymlHZ2wvZXSLRpH13seOO243jbZ3LYVjTS3gZPjgY5bB6o/s1600/Poitive-thinking.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="434" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjstfjUt60BW5hFCVVvIpbCLid4-VAFiHWq8tVKrjeSKO7LgWahLs2idFhrRcOCQYqRum4nsNtpQEnviNj5HO_i9hnIUIm_WymlHZ2wvZXSLRpH13seOO243jbZ3LYVjTS3gZPjgY5bB6o/s640/Poitive-thinking.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;"><span style="color: white;">Did you know that positive
people live longer, happier, healthier lives?
According to our trusted friends at the Mayo Clinic, the benefits of
positive thinking include: <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: white;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 200%;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 200%;">Increased life span<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: white;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 200%;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 200%;">Lower rates of depression<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: white;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 200%;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 200%;">Lower levels of distress<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: white;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 200%;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 200%;">Greater resistance to the common cold<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: white;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 200%;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 200%;">Better psychological and physical well-being<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: white;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 200%;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 200%;">Reduced risk of death from cardiovascular disease<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: white;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 200%;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 200%;">Better coping skills during hardships and times of stress<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 200%;"><span style="color: white;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 200%;"><span style="color: white;">Most experts agree that these benefits are connected to the
positive person’s ability to better manage and cope with hardship including
everything from daily stress to grief and/or trauma. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;"><span style="color: white;">We are all capable and
worthy of making positive changes in our lives regardless of age or
circumstance. We each have the power to
change or modify our own dispositions. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;"><span style="color: white;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="line-height: 200%; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: white;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 200%;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;">We can start by counting our blessings
instead of focusing on our disappointments.
</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 200%;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: white;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 200%;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;">We can commit to being more active and
involved in our communities. </span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 200%;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: white;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 200%;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;">We can practice positive self talk until our
words become our realities. </span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 200%;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: white;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 200%;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;">We can grant forgiveness instead of
continuing to harbor ill-will or guilt. </span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 200%;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="line-height: 200%; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: white;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 200%;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;">We can practice kindness and appreciation
until they become habits. </span></span><span style="color: #111111; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
Lisa Stockdalehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12353797028874106667noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4240858261777295270.post-89133092166234318232017-03-05T20:12:00.000-08:002017-03-05T20:12:14.185-08:00The Love of a Grandmother...I thought she walked on water! <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLhf6WQ7AiLYqkI-DkiFNnC-UYfICrNdl66jnRpJtBXftEnMrjhyphenhyphenhrK7Cx55dh2Ifjq8jd16OIG99-K-PRbHQu1cgFHZMTLXK_nTxmCeVnow7eoJQefCjJpxxWtBb6Atw1T-3I8VHdVH4/s1600/007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLhf6WQ7AiLYqkI-DkiFNnC-UYfICrNdl66jnRpJtBXftEnMrjhyphenhyphenhrK7Cx55dh2Ifjq8jd16OIG99-K-PRbHQu1cgFHZMTLXK_nTxmCeVnow7eoJQefCjJpxxWtBb6Atw1T-3I8VHdVH4/s640/007.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="font-size: 12.8px;">
<span style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">I don't recall the first time I met my grandmother, but I'm sure it was a precious moment smothered in energetic admiration as only she could deliver. As a child, I lived on the assumption that all good grandmothers were seven feet tall with high check bones, strength of character and the mesmerizing ability to tell a story. She could turn an activity of daily living into a celebration of monumental portions. I call them monumental because today those stories are guarded memories tucked away deep in my being. </span><span style="font-size: large;">She was willful and a bit of a worry wart when it came to family matters. I always enjoyed her tendency to fret without regard to the toll it must have taken on her because it prompted her to share what I believed at the time to be adult secrets. She was also a woman worthy of respect. That realization, like many other truths about my grandmother, never occurred to me until I was grown and she was gone. What I did understand about her from the very beginning was that she loved me. </span></span></div>
<div style="font-size: 12.8px;">
<span style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span><span style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">On Saturdays the two of us made our weekly trip to the local A&P Supermarket to shop. Our primary purpose was to buy groceries and I usually ended up with an "unexpected" treat, but the real excitement was in the walk to the bus stop. We would put our Sunday clothes on a day early, lock arms, throw our heads back and march to the bus stop. We walked with purpose and pride. It was my grandmother who first convinced me of my own special beauty. Those walks were our chance to practice the confidence and poise she claimed we deserved. </span></span></div>
<div style="font-size: 12.8px;">
<span style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-size: large;">My family moved back to Texas when I was about four-years old and those months away from my grandmother in Kentucky were torturous for me. I cried for her nightly. I still remember the day I was reunited with her after almost a year away. We picked up right where we left off and reminisced about the old days like two old friends at a high school reunion. I made my father promise never to take us back to Texas. </span></div>
<div style="font-size: 12.8px;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;">When I started school, my grandmother lived in the apartment over top of ours. After school, I was permitted to visit for one hour daily. She had a desk in her bedroom and the first half of the hour was spent doing homework and discussing the events of the day. She always prepared an after-school treat and we shared it during the second half of the hour while we watched a cartoon together on her black and white television that has since become quite famous - Spider Man. The treat itself was always simple, usually salted cucumbers or red ripe tomatoes. When she could afford it, she would buy a melon or the occasional apple or orange. I have no idea how my grandmother made those salted cucumbers and red ripe tomatoes taste so scrumptious. That is the magic of a grandparent. </span></div>
<div style="font-size: 12.8px;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;">Grandparents play a unique role in the lives of their grandchildren. They generally represent stability in the face of hardship or change. They are instrumental in handing down habits of the heart and faith. They work as watchdogs and advocates. Please feel free to celebrate your own grandparent by offering a comment.</span></div>
Lisa Stockdalehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12353797028874106667noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4240858261777295270.post-37340095702557681152017-02-26T09:59:00.001-08:002017-02-26T09:59:51.241-08:006 Key Vitamins & Nutrients for Senior Nutrition <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjNtd1FDvVwy1FkG5xVJb3Wj4wv0xJM8jb0ppuXt_tjPhDNZ2Pw9pnSEqypcIiCdiGk888Hv3QffddhuEBAwcIpZwF2dKhPY9SY6H9H2u0qTyT-z8YVkFpV_weqg25rXV98m3xIsVk5II/s1600/650x350_vitamins_benefits_rmq.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="344" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjNtd1FDvVwy1FkG5xVJb3Wj4wv0xJM8jb0ppuXt_tjPhDNZ2Pw9pnSEqypcIiCdiGk888Hv3QffddhuEBAwcIpZwF2dKhPY9SY6H9H2u0qTyT-z8YVkFpV_weqg25rXV98m3xIsVk5II/s640/650x350_vitamins_benefits_rmq.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="line-height: 115%;">1.<span style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></b><!--[endif]--><b><span style="line-height: 115%;">Folic Acid </span></b><span style="line-height: 115%;">found in spinach, asparagus,
breakfast cereals, and lentils.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"> <o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="line-height: 115%;">2.<span style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></b><!--[endif]--><b><span style="line-height: 115%;">B-12 </span></b><span style="line-height: 115%;">found in turkey, salmon, crab,
mussels, chicken, beef, eggs and milk.<b><o:p></o:p></b></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="line-height: 115%;">3.<span style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></b><!--[endif]--><b><span style="line-height: 115%;">Vitamin C </span></b><span style="line-height: 115%;">found in oranges, grapefruits,
strawberries, tomatoes, sweet red peppers, broccoli and potatoes.<b> <o:p></o:p></b></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="line-height: 115%;">4.<span style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></b><!--[endif]--><b><span style="line-height: 115%;">Vitamin D </span></b><span style="line-height: 115%;">found in canned salmon, sardines,
mackerel, instant oatmeal, cereal, egg yolks, soy milk, cow’s milk and orange
juice fortified with Vitamin D. <b><o:p></o:p></b></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="line-height: 115%;">5.<span style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></b><!--[endif]--><b><span style="line-height: 115%;">Omega 3 Fatty Acids </span></b><span style="line-height: 115%;">found in flaxseed oil,
walnuts, canola oil, canned tuna, oysters, herring, sardines, salmon, trout and
crab.<b><o:p></o:p></b></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="line-height: 115%;">6.<span style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></b><!--[endif]--><b><span style="line-height: 115%;">Calcium </span></b><span style="line-height: 115%;">found<b> </b>in orange juice, cow’s milk, leafy greens and kale.<b> <o:p></o:p></b></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="line-height: 200%;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">A note about sodium...</span></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="font-size: large;">Also remember to limit sodium
intake. Processed foods are typically
extremely high in sodium and should be avoided. Fresh and frozen fruits and vegetables,
fresh meats and fish, dry beans, oats, eggs and brown rice are all naturally
low in sodium. </span><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
Lisa Stockdalehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12353797028874106667noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4240858261777295270.post-22496260243091692412017-02-18T13:45:00.000-08:002017-02-18T14:13:40.613-08:00Understanding Senior Nutrition <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpLDyVNyMNWHoHPpn9PsvQuCRQa1zwGOks2GLaeMAttXgHyxlA4QGUo7EfCLgA67ymb1l1xiD6EvUUxZ9s5KDdvf8-RN7RaGBFyfwELv4PpQZDngAaELaAIapJryZgM8GSkaDbRwTqLl0/s1600/2429567_orig.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpLDyVNyMNWHoHPpn9PsvQuCRQa1zwGOks2GLaeMAttXgHyxlA4QGUo7EfCLgA67ymb1l1xiD6EvUUxZ9s5KDdvf8-RN7RaGBFyfwELv4PpQZDngAaELaAIapJryZgM8GSkaDbRwTqLl0/s640/2429567_orig.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">Older adults are negatively impacted
by poor eating habits and a lack of nutritional understanding for seniors. Aging presents different nutritional
needs. Still, seniors continue to be
underrepresented in clinical trials, and information about senior diets is not
typically included in most popular diet plans.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 150%;">Understanding changing nutritional
needs of older adults is critical due to the overlap of several age-related challenges. Seniors have higher rates of common chronic
diseases like diabetes, hypertension and heart disease. Others live with chronic pain, osteoporosis
and various forms of arthritis. Many face daily challenges of managing
complicated medication regimes. The
elderly are more likely to live alone which can lead to increased likelihood of
loneliness, isolation and even depression.
Living alone also means cooking for one and eating alone which both have
negative nutritional consequences. In addition, many seniors face challenges associated
with living on a limited or fixed income which often compromises their ability
to purchase nutritional food. </span><span style="line-height: 150%;"> <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: large;">Studies show that proper senior nutrition reduces the risk of
the following:</span><span style="font-size: x-large;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "symbol"; line-height: 115%;">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><b><span style="line-height: 115%;">Compromised
immune system <o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "symbol"; line-height: 115%;">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><b><span style="line-height: 115%;">General
muscle and body weakness leading to more falls <o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "symbol"; line-height: 115%;">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><b><span style="line-height: 115%;">Osteoporosis
<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "symbol"; line-height: 115%;">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><b><span style="line-height: 115%;">High blood
pressure <o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "symbol"; line-height: 115%;">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><b><span style="line-height: 115%;">Diabetes <o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "symbol"; line-height: 115%;">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><b><span style="line-height: 115%;">Heart
disease<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "symbol"; line-height: 115%;">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><b><span style="line-height: 115%;">Certain
types of cancer <o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "symbol"; line-height: 115%;">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--></span><b><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: large;">Certain
types of arthritis </span><span style="font-size: x-large;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<b><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-size: large;">Older adults require a senior-
nutritious and well-balanced diet to thrive.
Doctors generally recommend a variety of fruits, vegetables, proteins
and whole grains to maintain and improve overall senior health. Other recommendations include:</span><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="line-height: 150%; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "wingdings"; font-size: x-large; line-height: 150%;">ü<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><b><span style="line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-size: large;">Choose a variety of healthy foods.</span></span></b><span style="line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="line-height: 150%; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-size: large;">Eating the same foods day after day is boring
and monotonous. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="line-height: 150%; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-size: large;">Eating a variety of
healthy foods enhances the dining experience and</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="line-height: 150%; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-size: large;">makes staying on track
easier. </span><span style="font-size: x-large;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 150%; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "wingdings"; font-size: x-large; line-height: 150%;">ü<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><b><span style="line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-size: large;">Become better informed.</span></span></b><span style="line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 150%; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-size: large;">Understanding senior nutrition includes taking
the side effects of</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 150%; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-size: large;">medication into consideration, and it empowers seniors to
tailor a </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 150%; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: large; text-indent: -0.25in;">nutritious plan with their special needs in mind.</span><span style="font-size: large; text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="line-height: 150%; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "wingdings"; font-size: x-large; line-height: 150%;">ü<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><b><span style="line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-size: large;">Stay hydrated.</span></span></b><span style="line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="line-height: 150%; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-size: large;">Staying hydrated will require a conscious effort because as we age,</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="line-height: 150%; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-size: large;">we
tend to get thirsty less often even though we still require the same </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="line-height: 150%; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-size: large;">amount of
liquids as we ever did. </span><span style="font-size: x-large;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<b><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></span></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">For more
information on healthy eating habits for seniors, visit </span><a href="https://www.nutrition.gov/food-assistance-programs/nutrition-programs-seniors">Nutrition Programs for Seniors</a>.</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
Lisa Stockdalehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12353797028874106667noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4240858261777295270.post-79787877546683441322017-02-16T21:20:00.001-08:002017-02-16T21:21:53.902-08:00Heart-Healthy Exercise for Older Adults <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKZOQXWemhj1EpnTgeHUjKILB3MlSWDUEpRu_4qN5yRpDxyxMDkHrfhPEMaJWUothGQiXR126aq9cOmxXmu6HnKU98puL1OU23fFVMl5a77fyHzppdaC4s4cLrcSNM6wWbJQgRCLWYJL8/s1600/studies-have-shown-that-seniors-who-engage-in-yoga-poses-sleep-better-at_1303_654891_0_14106834_500.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKZOQXWemhj1EpnTgeHUjKILB3MlSWDUEpRu_4qN5yRpDxyxMDkHrfhPEMaJWUothGQiXR126aq9cOmxXmu6HnKU98puL1OU23fFVMl5a77fyHzppdaC4s4cLrcSNM6wWbJQgRCLWYJL8/s640/studies-have-shown-that-seniors-who-engage-in-yoga-poses-sleep-better-at_1303_654891_0_14106834_500.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="Default">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">The American Heart Association recommends that older adults do
150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity a week or the equivalent of
75 minutes of vigorous activity per week.
</span></div>
<div class="Default">
<br /></div>
<div class="Default">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">The benefits of exercise for older adults with heart disease
include the opportunity to optimize heart health, control diabetes, keep
strength up, improve mood and promote independence. It is especially important for older adults
to work to maintain their strength and endurance since managing heart disease
is a lifelong effort. </span></div>
<div class="Default">
<br /></div>
<div class="Default">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">These three cardiovascular exercises are heart-friendly for
seniors:</span></div>
<div class="Default">
<br /></div>
<div class="Default" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: "wingdings"; mso-bidi-font-family: Wingdings; mso-fareast-font-family: Wingdings;">Ø<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->Light-weight lifting </span></div>
<div class="Default" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: "wingdings"; mso-bidi-font-family: Wingdings; mso-fareast-font-family: Wingdings;">Ø<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->Yoga </span></div>
<div class="Default" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: "wingdings"; mso-bidi-font-family: Wingdings; mso-fareast-font-family: Wingdings;">Ø<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->Water aerobics </span></div>
<div class="Default">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="Default">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">While it is true that many older adults face physical
challenges to exercising due to osteoarthritis, risk of injury and the
cumulative effects of aging, it is also true that the benefits of exercising greatly
outweigh the risks. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Aging brings an increased risk for heart disease and cardiovascular events. In fact, heart disease is the number one cause of death for adults over the age of 65. That’s why understanding the value of a heart-healthy lifestyle is so important for older adults including our parents, spouses and ourselves. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Some older adults believe that heart disease is an inevitable part of aging, but a heart-healthy lifestyle can help prevent heart disease. Others underestimate the importance of heart health because they believe heart disease can be cured with surgery or medicine. The truth is heart disease is a lifelong condition that never goes away once it presents. </span></div>
</div>
<div class="Default">
<br /></div>
Lisa Stockdalehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12353797028874106667noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4240858261777295270.post-81636879906884456992017-02-13T00:31:00.000-08:002017-02-13T00:31:38.176-08:00Tips for Caring for Older Adults with Heart Disease <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhxwOjqpWbzsXY9PRo0ZerOS2zHPOuSe9Dp1ZhBTzFGPo9yh3MGEruAfHFdCHvCXf4UU_PfAkVnb_dOOmYtne_ssI9m-Du1UN6_qxHNep2vvBnwC9Y1OxQj_NlH7Rpsf0aL47FseVmwfs/s1600/senior-heart-healthy-habits-block.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhxwOjqpWbzsXY9PRo0ZerOS2zHPOuSe9Dp1ZhBTzFGPo9yh3MGEruAfHFdCHvCXf4UU_PfAkVnb_dOOmYtne_ssI9m-Du1UN6_qxHNep2vvBnwC9Y1OxQj_NlH7Rpsf0aL47FseVmwfs/s640/senior-heart-healthy-habits-block.jpg" width="472" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Caregivers are faced with the daunting challenge of providing direction, advice, encouragement and support for loved ones managing heart disease. Managing heart disease is a scary proposition for everyone involved because the risks are great. In addition, the tasks of learning to recognize symptoms, manage medications and make the necessary lifestyle changes can be downright overwhelming. It's no wonder fear and anxiety often crop up making caring for someone with heart disease difficult. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Being anxious is a normal response to heart disease or an acute episode like a heart attack. Reassure your loved one that making the recommended lifestyle changes and taking medications regularly and as prescribed will greatly increase the likelihood that he or she will be okay. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Other tips to reduce stress and improve heart health include: </span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: x-large;">1) Encourage exercise. Cardiovascular exercise can help improve circulation, regulate blood pressure, combat depression and control diabetes.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: x-large;">2) Consider relaxation techniques. Practicing relaxation techniques has been found to reduce stress, boost the immune system and promote heart health.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: x-large;">3) Encourage your loved one to take ownership in their recovery process. Research shows that patients who practice self care and self monitoring are more successful. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: x-large;">4) Consider utilizing telehealth or home safety monitoring equipment. Remote healthcare monitoring can aid in the diseases management process and provide peace of mind. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: x-large;">5) Be sensitive to your loved one's lifestyle changes. Do not smoke or eat high-fat foods in front of them. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: x-large;">6) Seek professional help. Talk to your doctor. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Taking steps to avoid stress and promote health are beneficial across the board - for the caregiver, other family members and for the one with heart disease. </span>Lisa Stockdalehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12353797028874106667noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4240858261777295270.post-19065304102732864102017-02-12T23:07:00.001-08:002017-02-16T21:19:37.771-08:00The Importance of Heart-Healthy Lifestyles for Seniors <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1E5CdS2Lkv-v24cVMuT-kgrfp8tgTigl497NPJaAxp-sTbPB82nbdNVKETsv7xZfM9EaDgjlEH7Anxd4wgeqS64y27Mz9Ct6n1qEaHTrvpeeMXfPS7By5ePTTT0boZ_8V38R9W9GbOs4/s1600/C1bGOUvVIAQIhvq.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1E5CdS2Lkv-v24cVMuT-kgrfp8tgTigl497NPJaAxp-sTbPB82nbdNVKETsv7xZfM9EaDgjlEH7Anxd4wgeqS64y27Mz9Ct6n1qEaHTrvpeeMXfPS7By5ePTTT0boZ_8V38R9W9GbOs4/s640/C1bGOUvVIAQIhvq.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Aging brings an increased risk
for heart disease and cardiovascular events.
In fact, heart disease is the number one cause of death for adults over
the age of 65. That’s why understanding
the value of a heart-healthy lifestyle is so important for older adults
including our patients, clients, parents, spouses and
ourselves. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Some older adults believe that
heart disease is an inevitable part of aging, but a heart-healthy lifestyle can
help prevent heart disease. Others
underestimate the importance of heart health because they believe heart disease
can be cured with surgery or medicine. The
truth is heart disease is a lifelong condition that never goes away once it
presents. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">What is heart disease? The term heart disease refers to a group of
cardiovascular diseases which are diseases of the heart and blood vessel
system. The most common form of heart
disease is coronary artery disease (CAD).
CAD is often associated with heart attacks, heart failure, chest pain
and irregular heartbeat. Other
cardiovascular diseases include stroke, high blood pressure and rheumatic heart
disease. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">The American Heart Association
has developed a simple seven-step list to help people live longer, healthier,
happier lives. The list includes the
following:</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: 371.25pt; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: "symbol"; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><b>Get
active <o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: 371.25pt; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: "symbol"; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><b>Eat
better<o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: 371.25pt; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: "symbol"; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><b>Lose
weight<o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: 371.25pt; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: "symbol"; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><b>Stop
smoking <o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: 371.25pt; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: "symbol"; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><b>Manage blood pressure<o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: 371.25pt; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: "symbol"; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><b>Control
cholesterol <o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: 371.25pt; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: "symbol"; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><b>Reduce
blood sugar <o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: 371.25pt; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">A heart-healthy lifestyle is
possible at any age, but it does require a conscious effort. In addition to the recommendations provided
by the American Heart Association, the following recommendations are also
meaningful: </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: 371.25pt; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: "symbol"; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><b>Consider
reducing alcohol intake.</b> Excess
alcohol consumption can negatively impact health conditions that contribute to
heart disease like blood pressure and high cholesterol levels. </span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: 371.25pt; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: 371.25pt; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: "symbol"; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><b>Work to
reduce stress.</b> Stress might be a
risk factor or it could be that high levels of stress compound common chronic
illnesses associated with aging like high blood pressure or diabetes. </span></div>
Lisa Stockdalehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12353797028874106667noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4240858261777295270.post-28878520023761206892017-01-27T21:59:00.003-08:002017-01-27T22:08:01.695-08:00Meet Senior Agenda's Senior of the Year 2016...Ms Mary Greenlee<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlBqKH1OEIL0gi8ABzrz6YBa1lTo849kSNWom3zjedoM1aGgzHbEtwIojMsxmXTl0qeEnU89rtODrnF9_TgTOQ1yXkkXc1fT3hEOsf-8tIYLgEjBxYCCgQXxf3xttYUx7I3nq8nN7QuU8/s1600/13083235_945375038913560_1385936171931447328_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlBqKH1OEIL0gi8ABzrz6YBa1lTo849kSNWom3zjedoM1aGgzHbEtwIojMsxmXTl0qeEnU89rtODrnF9_TgTOQ1yXkkXc1fT3hEOsf-8tIYLgEjBxYCCgQXxf3xttYUx7I3nq8nN7QuU8/s640/13083235_945375038913560_1385936171931447328_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">She's poised, polite, sophisticated, intelligent, articulate, dramatic, beautiful and smart. Her eyes dance when she speaks and her smile is contagious. She walks with purpose and speaks with confidence. She says you get smarter as you grow older because you just can't keep making the same mistakes over and over again. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: x-large;">But the thing that truly captivated us about Mary was her energy. Her energy is electric. This woman isn't slowing down. She isn't getting old. She isn't growing tired. She's out and about still turning heads and bending ears. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Meet Mary Greenlee. We had the privilege of interviewing her on Senior Agenda in August of 2016. <b> </b><b><a href="http://www.talktainmentradio.com/podcasts/Senior%20Agenda%20082516.mp3">Listen to the interview here.</a> </b> </span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Mary earned her BA in Communications from Denison University in 1962 followed by her MA in Theatre Direction from Wayne State University in 1967. She worked as a teacher prior to her years as a stay-at-home mom, and then served as Director of the Franklin County Drug Free Schools Consortium from 1987-1996. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: x-large;">She founded a company called Transition Times in 2009 after her own discoveries about the importance of being prepared following the sudden loss of her lifelong spouse. </span><span style="font-size: x-large;"><a href="http://lifefactsbook.com/" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><b>Transition Times</b></a> provides adults with a comprehensive approach to pre-planning that goes beyond typical legal and financial considerations. Mary drew on the expertise of over 40 professionals including physicians, attorneys. financial planners, accountants, bankers, nurses, and funeral planners to connect the dots. She is quick to point out that planning isn't enough. You also want to be sure the information is accessible. She developed a <a href="http://lifefactsbook.com/life-facts-book/"><b>Life Facts Book</b></a>, available in notebook and spiral versions, to organize and maintain everything from passwords to medical information to household services to legal documents and beyond. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: x-large;">What will Mary be up to next? We're not sure but stay tuned and we will let you know. In the meantime, please learn more about Transition Times and join us in congratulating Mary Greenlee as Senior Agenda's Senior of the Year 2016! </span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span>
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Lisa Stockdalehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12353797028874106667noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4240858261777295270.post-36316657702758674822017-01-21T19:38:00.000-08:002017-01-21T19:38:56.183-08:00Top Six Ways to Reduce Chronic Pain for Seniors <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCePTAi_ISqT0PEt71cIqcJBhYrp9i3QJS0Xb3x9bnkzQKsPeAM96L4NfTkpjIyx0cISFhFsdILcRgmwYW0-XjGUlE_n-DHW_eVOF9qr0cevPG_eTXp9Ur6UdzdkWBL62tOv0v89Vy61U/s1600/s-CHRONIC-PAIN-TREATMENT-large300.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="467" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCePTAi_ISqT0PEt71cIqcJBhYrp9i3QJS0Xb3x9bnkzQKsPeAM96L4NfTkpjIyx0cISFhFsdILcRgmwYW0-XjGUlE_n-DHW_eVOF9qr0cevPG_eTXp9Ur6UdzdkWBL62tOv0v89Vy61U/s640/s-CHRONIC-PAIN-TREATMENT-large300.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 16pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: 16pt;">Teaching seniors to self-manage their pain and understand pain
treatment options is necessary to reduce or eliminate chronic pain. Safe
treatments for seniors are available and include:</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 26.25pt; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "symbol"; font-size: 13.5pt;">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 16pt;">Medications or Drug Therapy / Prescription and Nonprescription</span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 26.25pt; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto;">
<span style="font-size: 16pt;">If over-the-counter drugs do not provide relief, your doctor may
prescribe stronger prescription medications like muscle relaxants, anti-anxiety
drugs, and other prescription painkillers.
</span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 26.25pt; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 26.25pt; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "symbol"; font-size: 13.5pt;">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 16pt;">Physical and/or
Occupational Therapy / Out-patient or Home Health</span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 9.0pt; margin-left: 26.25pt; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Physical and occupation
therapies help to relieve pain by using special techniques that improve
movement and function along with stretching, strengthening, and other pain-relieving
techniques.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 26.25pt; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "symbol"; font-size: 13.5pt;">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 16pt;">Exercise </span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 9.0pt; margin-left: 26.25pt; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Research shows that regular<span class="apple-converted-space"> exercise </span>can diminish pain in the long run
by improving muscle tone, strength, and flexibility. Types of recommended exercises for senior chronic
pain suffers include swimming, biking, walking and yoga. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 26.25pt; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "symbol"; font-size: 18.0pt;">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 16pt;">Chiropractic Treatment & Massage </span><span style="font-size: 18.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 26.25pt; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto;">
<span style="font-size: 16pt;">Chiropractic treatment and massage are increasingly used by
seniors suffering from chronic pain – especially when the pain is occurring in
the back and/or neck. The effectiveness
of these techniques is an open and on-going debate. Osteopathic doctors are also trained in bone
manipulation techniques like the ones used by chiropractors. </span><span style="font-size: 18.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 26.25pt; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 26.25pt; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "symbol"; font-size: 18.0pt;">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 16pt;">Psychological Treatment for Depression & Anxiety</span><span style="font-size: 18.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 26.25pt; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto;">
<span style="font-size: 16pt;">Chronic pains leads to increased levels of anxiety, stress,
depression, anger and fatigue. Reaching
out to a psychologist or counselor for professional help can help ease the
emotional toll of chronic pain and make pain management possible.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 26.25pt; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 26.25pt; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "symbol"; font-size: 18.0pt;">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 16pt;">Alternative Therapies / Acupuncture, Meditation, Biofeedback</span><span style="font-size: 18.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 26.25pt; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto;">
<span style="font-size: 16pt;">Some people find relief in mind-body therapies and dietary
approaches including nutritional supplements.
Alternative therapies are not always benign. Always talk to your doctor before trying an
alternative approach. Be sure to tell
your doctors about any alternative treatments you are using. </span><span style="font-size: 18.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 8.25pt; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 16pt;">Seniors and the elderly suffering from chronic pain should see
their doctor for a complete assessment to rule out underlying causes that can
be treated or to learn how to manage their pain. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 16pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: 16pt;">Chronic pain poses a significant problem for many seniors. Pain is incorrectly thought to be a natural or inevitable part of the aging process. Consequently, it is often under-reported and under-treated. Too often seniors do not report their pain because they do not believe it can be treated. Some worry that reporting it will lead to expensive testing, additional medications or a new diagnosis. Others fail to report it when they are in denial or fearful about disease progression when a diagnosis is in place. And then there are age-related conditions like hearing loss and dementia that make it more difficult to communicate or assess pain. To complicate matters even further, studies indicate that the pain threshold increases with advanced aging so pain tolerance decreases with age. Increases in pain sensitivity have been attributed to age-related anatomical, physiological and biochemical changes. </span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: 16pt;">Treating chronic pain in seniors requires understanding the special needs of seniors and the elderly. Some older adults require special care because of multiple medical conditions including diabetes, heart disease, arthritis, and other common ailments. </span></div>
Lisa Stockdalehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12353797028874106667noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4240858261777295270.post-47593380542738986272017-01-14T13:02:00.001-08:002017-01-14T13:02:57.539-08:00The Complexities of Chronic Pain for Older Adults <div class="MsoNormal">
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBNqlD_tyolI4Rp7lWHc5XxVk81wIFhLc8jPsL1sSCpZn0GYCT0JHNp-Ta15ct2C6pgMVSdviHdkOr_2okmHofwQSSfyaIarGR2PZfUv-VO7ZnXXW2xWr-2WtSCLG5SkcuK11CYJQPVkw/s1600/senior+back+pain.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="564" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBNqlD_tyolI4Rp7lWHc5XxVk81wIFhLc8jPsL1sSCpZn0GYCT0JHNp-Ta15ct2C6pgMVSdviHdkOr_2okmHofwQSSfyaIarGR2PZfUv-VO7ZnXXW2xWr-2WtSCLG5SkcuK11CYJQPVkw/s640/senior+back+pain.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Chronic
pain poses a significant problem for many seniors. Pain is incorrectly thought to be a natural or
inevitable part of the aging process.
Consequently, it is often under-reported and under-treated. Too often
seniors do not report their pain because they do not believe it can be treated. Some worry that reporting it will lead to expensive
testing, additional medications or a new diagnosis. Others fail to report it when they are in
denial or fearful about disease progression when a diagnosis is in place. And then there are age-related conditions like
hearing loss and dementia that make it more difficult to communicate or assess pain. To complicate matters even further, studies
indicate that the pain threshold increases with advanced aging so pain tolerance
decreases with age. Increases in pain
sensitivity have been attributed to age-related anatomical, physiological and
biochemical changes. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Treating
chronic pain in seniors requires understanding the special needs of seniors and
the elderly. Older adults require special care because of multiple medical conditions
including diabetes, heart disease, arthritis, and other common ailments. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Teaching
seniors to self-manage their pain and understand pain treatment options is
necessary to reduce or eliminate chronic pain.
Safe treatments for seniors are available and include:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="line-height: 150%; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Medications or Drug Therapy / Prescription and
Nonprescription<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 150%; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Physical Therapy / Out-patient or Home Health<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 150%; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Occupational Therapy / Out-patient or Home Health <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 150%; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Chiropractic Treatment & Massage <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 150%; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Psychological Treatment for Depression & Anxiety <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 150%; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Alternative Therapies / Acupuncture<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 150%; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Mind-Body Therapies / Meditation, Biofeedback <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 150%; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Dietary Approaches / Nutritional Supplements <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="line-height: 150%; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Pain Clinics <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Seniors
and the elderly suffering from chronic pain should see their doctor for a
complete assessment to rule out underlying causes that can be treated or to
learn how to manage their pain. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<h2 style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 9.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 16.0pt; font-weight: normal; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Please note:
Alternative therapies are not always benign. For example, nutritional supplements may
interact with other medications you may be taking. Always talk to your doctor before trying an
alternative approach and be sure to tell your doctors what alternative
treatments you are using. </span><span style="color: #333132; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 24.0pt; font-weight: normal; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><o:p></o:p></span></h2>
</div>
</div>
Lisa Stockdalehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12353797028874106667noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4240858261777295270.post-89044218186278921202016-11-05T22:55:00.000-07:002016-11-05T23:00:02.625-07:00How to Choose a Home Health Care Provider<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPT-3_Xm0bRqaEhMPJCkz2m8dFQINyp8zgBYpMAS5XcwU72ddWLyQN3Am7jG-ckhccT65lY6ulzzktdXCZ2ujLU_JE03NhZ0mJDTMHtLw0z6PbDoj1XVvMRLJYosGi2rEVVAvQdbNBD6s/s1600/banner_img.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="384" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPT-3_Xm0bRqaEhMPJCkz2m8dFQINyp8zgBYpMAS5XcwU72ddWLyQN3Am7jG-ckhccT65lY6ulzzktdXCZ2ujLU_JE03NhZ0mJDTMHtLw0z6PbDoj1XVvMRLJYosGi2rEVVAvQdbNBD6s/s640/banner_img.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">With so many Medicare-certified home health care providers, it’s no wonder choosing one can seem like a chore.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">The key
is to plan ahead and ask the right questions.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Let’s start with the importance of planning. We often talk about the importance of
planning when it comes to advance directives, financial and legal
considerations, and funeral services, but we seldom talk about the importance
of selecting preferred medical providers before you find yourself in need of
them. This is especially important for
those living with chronic diseases and conditions such as diabetes, heart
disease, arthritis, and many lung diseases.
You owe it to yourself or your loved one to at least become familiar
with the various hospitals, nursing homes, assisted living communities and home
health care providers in your community and what you should expect from each of
them before you or someone you love needs care.
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Selecting a home health care provider is an important health
care decision. Interviewing providers to
determine which one is right for you is recommended. Consider asking all or some of the following
questions when shopping for an in-home provider: </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>1.<span style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></b><!--[endif]--><b>Who owns the company? <o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Find out who owns the company and
weigh out how the various type of ownership might play a role in the care,
service, and reliability you experience.
Is the provider a part of a large national firm, medium-sized corporation
or a smaller boutique-type of provider?
Do you expect to be treated like a number or an individual? Has the company changed hands moving from one
owner to the next during its history? </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>2.<span style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></b><!--[endif]--><b> How
long has the company been in business? <o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">The number of years a home health care
provider has been in business is not always relevant to quality of care, but it
will give some idea about stability and experience. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>3.<span style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></b><!--[endif]--><b> How
are employees screened, trained and insured?
<o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">All Medicare-certified providers
are required to conduct rigorous background checks on licensed clinicians and
staff members, but ask about company policy on drug testing, references,
on-going training, and hiring experienced clinicians. Ask how employees are insured and
bonded. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>4.<span style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></b><!--[endif]--><b> Will
a nurse or therapist be assigned to my care or will I see multiple
clinicians? <o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">A reputable home health care
provider will work to ensure that the same clinicians see the same patients
visit to visit. It promotes continuity
of care and makes for a better customer experience. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>5.<span style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></b><!--[endif]--><b> What
are the most recently reported star ratings for the provider? </b></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"> CMS (Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services) recently began ranking Medicare-certified home health care providers using a 5-Star system. Providers earn one to five stars, the more stars the better, for quality care based on clinical outcomes and patient satisfacton. The idea of the new Star-rating system is to make it easier for consumers to choose a home health care provider and also to motivate providers to make improvements. <b> </b></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";">To shop for a home health care provider visit </span><a href="https://www.medicare.gov/homehealthcompare/search.html" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">Home Health Compare</a><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;">. </span></span></b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;"> The site
allows consumers to do side by side comparisons for quality of care for all Medicare-certified home health care providers</span></b><span style="font-size: large;">.</span> </span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<br /></div>
Lisa Stockdalehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12353797028874106667noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4240858261777295270.post-27646606207849961242016-09-09T20:49:00.001-07:002016-09-09T20:52:48.449-07:00Caregiver Considerations <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCvoIZr73R2Ioz10CObqsWB93xAW_UrqqK6u36kZY-7SKjgi_T-3WDuvvjlDOCxsDKD-czdBwVEHfks2L5E6CDtxamYuoz6YKYSoBHoPPKwBvjHijzEL3pu9mCAePaxsEPwO4GbLtIGvo/s1600/momdaughter690x400jpg-330x275.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="332" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCvoIZr73R2Ioz10CObqsWB93xAW_UrqqK6u36kZY-7SKjgi_T-3WDuvvjlDOCxsDKD-czdBwVEHfks2L5E6CDtxamYuoz6YKYSoBHoPPKwBvjHijzEL3pu9mCAePaxsEPwO4GbLtIGvo/s400/momdaughter690x400jpg-330x275.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">We’ve talked so much about caregiver stress that the phrase barely packs a punch anymore. You’ve heard all the “cliché advice” from make time for yourself to share the load. It all sounds so reasonable and within reach, unless, of course, you’re the caregiver.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Caregivers are well-acquainted with guilt, self-doubt, conflict, and exhaustion. Their days are characterized with highs and lows, dilemmas and predicaments, anxiety and resolve. It’s an emotional roller coaster that requires tremendous strength of character and devotion. It’s not all doom and gloom, but there is a reason we spend so much time talking about it. The stress is real. The experience is consuming. The path is unpredictable.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: x-large;">1. <b>LEARN</b> about your loved one’s condition</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Being in the know will help to reduce stress and fear. Learn everything you can by consulting with physicians, visiting your local library and becoming acquainted with community resources.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: x-large;">2. <b>PLAN</b> ahead</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Once you have educated yourself about your loved one’s condition, devise a plan that includes choosing potential healthcare providers </span><span style="font-size: x-large;">in advance, preparing advance directives, and getting financial and legal affairs in order.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: x-large;">3. <b>PRACTICE</b> self-care</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Taking care of yourself makes it possible for you to continue to be a caregiver to your loved one. Capable caregivers find the time to eat right, exercise, sleep and even schedule daily quiet time for relaxation, mediation or prayer.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: x-large;">4. <b>CELEBRATE</b> moments & make memories</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Embrace the chance to live in the moment and enjoy your loved </span><span style="font-size: x-large;">one when opportunities for laughter and intimacy present. Allowing </span><span style="font-size: x-large;">yourself to enjoy those moments as they unfold can go a long away </span><span style="font-size: x-large;">in alleviating stress.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: x-large;">5. <b>KNOW </b>that you will make mistakes </span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Making mistakes opens up the possibility of finding a better way to do things. At the end of the day, it won’t be the mistakes that matter. What matters is your willingness to keep putting one step in front of the other as you continue to care for your loved one.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: x-large;">6. <b>TRY NOT</b> to be a control freak</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Trying to control every aspect of care will prove impossible for you </span><span style="font-size: x-large;">and also work to alienate those willing to help. Folks will be less </span><span style="font-size: x-large;">likely to help if you micromanage or bark orders.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: x-large;">7. <b>ASK</b> for help</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">You can do anything, but not everything. The next time a well-meaning neighbor, friend or family member asked what they can do to help, tell them. Make a list of chores that you could use help with and share the load.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: x-large;">8. <b>RESPITE</b> care</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Adult day care, private duty home care, or even a brief stay at an assisted living or skilled nursing facility for your loved one may be helpful and/or necessary. Taking a break when you need one is another way of practicing self-care.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: x-large;">9. <b>LEARN</b> about signs & symptoms </span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">You are at increased risk for physical and mental health problems including depression. Once you burnout, care-giving is no longer a healthy solution for you or your loved one. That’s why it is so important to watch for warning signs and seek professional help when needed.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Being a caregiver is truly a labor of love. If you find yourself becoming too overwhelmed to continue being the sole caregiver, consider hiring </span><span style="font-size: x-large;">a reputable private duty home care agency to help alleviate some of </span><span style="font-size: x-large;">the burden.</span><br />
<br />
<br />Lisa Stockdalehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12353797028874106667noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4240858261777295270.post-71677641202674199272016-09-05T22:01:00.000-07:002016-09-05T22:02:55.735-07:00Ohio Home Care Provider Sponsors an Intergenerational Learning Program <div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioEaHSvCMrYP0Jfn-X38_oBniv8eOam-dG1GBoodwjBPpBOt6co2zntokNLVrWczf4KUtpyDokldhz5yOUfM-XRWufvcYJLCeKiLZkC_o0rX_BZlfWoC5PSFG2O65Oq51-T9n88PHuqeA/s1600/young_old.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="321" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioEaHSvCMrYP0Jfn-X38_oBniv8eOam-dG1GBoodwjBPpBOt6co2zntokNLVrWczf4KUtpyDokldhz5yOUfM-XRWufvcYJLCeKiLZkC_o0rX_BZlfWoC5PSFG2O65Oq51-T9n88PHuqeA/s640/young_old.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 11pt;">“Connections between generations are essential for the mental health and stability of a nation.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 5in;">
<span style="font-size: 11pt;"> Margaret Mead</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 5.0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Capital
Health Home Care in Ashtabula, Ohio is facilitating and sponsoring intergenerational
learning between seniors residing in long term care settings and students at
River Gate High School, a charter school in Warren, Ohio. It is one component of a larger community
outreach initiative on behalf of Capital Health Care Network known as the
Capital Intergenerational Learning Program.
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">The
program is based on the idea that intergenerational learning is beneficial to
seniors and students alike. According to Capital Health Home Care, both
generations benefit in the following ways: <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: "symbol"; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->Improved
sense of community and connectedness <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: "symbol"; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->Greater
awareness and understanding <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: "symbol"; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->Opportunity
to bridge the generation gap<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: "symbol"; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->Opportunity
to break down age-based stereotypes <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: "symbol"; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->Improved
interpersonal skills and communication <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">“Intergenerational
learning compliments our mission to provide seniors with opportunities for
social and intellectual engagement,” said Lisa Stockdale, Vice President at
Capital Health Care Network. Stockdale
said, “We believe our communities are improved anytime seniors and the elderly are
valued, celebrated and acknowledged.
This program gives us the chance to promote intergenerational
connections which is a win-win for seniors and students.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Erin
Williams, Community Liaison at Capital Health Home Care in Ashtabula, spearheaded
the Capital Intergenerational Learning Program when she connected students at
River Gate High School with older adults via a letter writing campaign. “I
thought we should match up seniors who have so much to offer with students looking
for learning opportunities outside the classroom by encouraging them to become
pen pals as a start,” said Williams. River
Gate High School, like many charter schools in Ohio, has little to no funding
for extracurricular activities. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Williams
said Capital Health Home Care in Ashtabula is currently working on setting up other
intergenerational learning opportunities including arranging for students at
River Gate High School interested in healthcare to shadow nurses at local assisted
living communities and skilled nursing facilities. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Assisted
living communities, skilled nursing facilities and charter schools in the Ashtabula,
Dayton, Steubenville or Columbus areas of Ohio can call 614-357-2965 to learn
more or to inquire about participating in the program. </span><o:p></o:p></div>
Lisa Stockdalehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12353797028874106667noreply@blogger.com0