If so, you are not alone. The Centers of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimate half of the adults in the U.S. (47%, or 116 million) have hypertension, defined as a systolic blood pressure greater than 130 mmHg or a diastolic blood pressure greater than 80 mmHg, or are taking medication for hypertension. Experts say sometimes it can be difficult to know if a patient has HBP because of what doctors’ call “white coat hypertension,” which shows up as HBP at a doctor’s office but is otherwise normal. Others have what is referred to as “masked hypertension”, showing up normal in the office but as HBP in normal settings. Given the number of people with hypertension and the chance for inaccurate readings, doctors say monitoring your blood pressure at home is more important for many people.
That being said, professionals offer tips to help achieve a more accurate read. To start with, they recommend a traditional cuff rather than one measuring on the wrist. It should be able to wrap around the arm and have a good amount of Velcro to keep it stable. The American Medical Association has developed the US Blood Pressure Validated Device Listing to help consumers choose the most accurate devices. Another tip is to bring your device with you at least once a year to a doctor visit to compare it with in-office readings. For the most accurate read at home, be seated and if you need, use the bathroom before you start. Sit quietly for at least five minutes and don’t drink coffee or smoke a cigarette right before reading. Sit upright in the chair with your feet on the ground and your arm relaxed and resting on a table level with your heart. Put the cuff on bare skin, keeping the bottom of the cuff right above the elbow bend. Remain relaxed with feet uncrossed. If you are looking for the best assisted living in Houston, TX, please consider the new MorningStar at River Oaks. Our website is loaded with information including suites, care services and amenities; and led by a dedicated team who understand how to provide residents a quality of life other assisted living communities simply cannot match. As dementia care specialists, our community provides secure suites for those suffering from Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia.
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Let’s be honest, many of us rely on the Internet for medical advice. While it can supply good answers, doctors also caution you have to be careful what sites you trust. There are many websites providing good medical information but there are also sites with misleading or even dangerous advice.
Dr. Michael Langan, an internal medicine physician at Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, cautions anyone with a blog can dispense information and advice; and a good way to avoid misinformation is to ask your doctor to recommend the sites they trust. Additionally, the National Institute on Aging recommends using health websites sponsored by Federal Government agencies. They say a good place for reliable, up-to-date information is the National Institutes of Health, but at the same time, remind everyone that the Internet is no substitute for seeing your doctor or other health professional who can give you advice that caters to your specific situation. Other things to look for include name recognition such as the Mayo Clinic or the Cleveland Clinic. Moreover, remember sites that end in .gov, identity U.S. government agencies; .edu, educational institutions; and .org, usually designates nonprofit organizations (such as professional groups; scientific, medical, or research societies; advocacy groups). A .com is a commercial site. The NIH says to look for the date of the information (often can be found at the bottom of the page) and see if the authors and contributors are identified. If the author is listed, what is his/her background and what is their goal in writing the article or the intent of the organization it is written for. Is there any financial motive for the information? Check out the About Us or Contact Us pages as they provide background information about the organization. Looking for the best senior living Hillsboro, OR offers? Meet MorningStar of Hillsboro, a new 55+ senior living community scheduled to open in the first quarter of 2022 and designed for carefree retirement years. As a resident, you will no longer worry about home maintenance as we handle it all both inside and out as well as an array of onsite luxury amenities, hospitality services and a community of friends. Please visit our website for more information including contact information, selection of floor plans and a list of amenities. MorningStar of Hillsboro provides the very best in independent living with our distinct mission statement of “to honor, to serve, to invest.” Our foundation is built on honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve to create an atmosphere that promotes a healthy, engaged lifestyle. Please contact us to learn more about the finest senior living Hillsboro, OR has to offer. Source: nia.nih.gov/health/online-health-information-it-reliable#where While we always hear about omega-3 fatty acids and how they are good for us, just what are they? The experts explain omega-3s are a type of polyunsaturated fat also called “healthy fats.” Research suggests they play a role in protecting us from heart disease and dementia. DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) and EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) omega-3s are “the primary polyunsaturated fats in brain cell membranes and have been popularized and successfully marketed as dietary supplements.”
DHA, EPA and DPA omega-3 fatty acids are synthesized by marine organisms such as algae and phytoplankton. They are then consumed by fish, aquatic mammals and crustaceans where the acids are stored in body fat, liver and blubber. When we consume foods from the sea such as salmon, tuna, sardines, mackerel, liver of lean white fish and fish oils, we get the benefits of the omega-3s stored in their bodies. Another type of omega-3 is ALA derived from plant sources and is the most readily used by the body to create all other types of omega-3 fatty acids. ALAs are found in nuts and seeds like flaxseed, chia seeds, and walnuts as well as oils like canola and soybean. Experts say although ALA can create all forms of omega-3 fatty acids, “the conversion of ALA to DHA and EPA is poor, so they recommend a dietary intake of a combination of foods rich in ALA, EPA, and DHA. Along with reducing the risk for heart disease, The Medical News Today (MNT) reports other evidence-based benefits of omega-3s include exerting anti-inflammatory effects throughout the human body, lowering blood pressure and cholesterol levels, and improving tolerance to cancer treatments. A study also showed fish oil supplementations protected against major depressive disorders in person between the ages of 15 to 25. The MorningStar of Pasadena senior living community offers residents comfort, security, built-in companionship, and predictable budgeting. Our beautiful home has 149 apartments for independent living and assisted living in a selection of floor plans along with a broad range of amenities and services to meet seniors’ needs including a healthy, delicious dining service. Each smartly-designed apartment is equipped with handicap-accessible bathrooms and emergency call systems. Visit our website for more information on trusted independent living and assisted living in Pasadena, CA Source: medicalnewstoday.com/articles/omega-3-what-it-can-and-cant-do-for-health#Omega-3-fats:-What-they-can-do-for-health Many of us feel like our lives are busy and each day filled with a list of responsibilities and tasks. While this may be true, experts stress the importance of taking a few minutes out of our day to practice mindfulness. They say the point is to make time to be in the present each day in order to reconnect with ourselves and feel a sense of calmness. In other words, notice the brightness of the flowers, the songs of the birds, the clouds in the sky, etc., and who among us doesn’t need that?
Science is now exploring mindfulness and how it can affect our overall state of happiness and reduce stress, anxiety, and negative behaviors. Research suggests the practice can also improve physical health by lowering blood pressure, treating heart disease and improving sleep as well as reducing chronic pain. Moreover along with a relaxed state of mind, studies show the practice of mindfulness can improve a person’s concentration and memory skills. Kabat-Zinn, founder and former director of the Stress Reduction Clinic at the University of Massachusetts Medical Center, was one of the first to bring the practice of mindfulness meditation into mainstream medicine. His research demonstrated how the practice of mindfulness “can bring improvements in both physical and psychological symptoms as well as positive changes in health, attitudes, and behaviors.” To practice mindfulness, which is a form of mediation, there are several methods you can use to get started but experts say the most important thing is to keep trying. Suggestions include joining a group, listening to calming music or finding a quiet spot to sit. However, whatever your method, the goal is to find a sense of focused relaxation, concentrating on the present, and reflecting on emotions and thoughts without judgement. With the opening of the MorningStar at River Oaks community, senior living in Houston just got a whole lot better. Our beautiful, warm and welcoming senior living community offers residents all the services they need to live life to the fullest. In addition to assisted living, our community offers individualized memory care, respite care (short recuperative stays) or trial stays (from a week to a full month) to see if we are a good fit. Source: health.harvard.edu/blog/evoking-calm-practicing-mindfulness-in-daily-life-helps-202110142617 It is never too late to improve our health and making changes in our behaviors and attitudes can mean living a happier, longer life. Doctors say getting your weight under control, quitting smoking, eating more fruits and vegetables, and exercising can all significantly improve your health and longevity at any age.
Remember taking care of our health also includes our brains. Experts used to believe the brain could not make new neuron connections as we aged but research now shows the “brain remains nimble and capable of physical change and growth throughout life.” In fact studies find people, who step out of their comfort zone and try new hobbies and interests, can improve their cognitive health. Another misconception is thinking it is too late to start exercising or to lose weight. A meta-analysis of 39 studies on aging and resistance-type exercises such as lifting weights or using exercise bands, found it is possible to build muscle mass no matter what age. In the studies, “1,300 adults over the age of 50 who did some form of this kind of training, muscle mass increased by an average of nearly 2.5 pounds in just five months.” Being positive is a trait that helps people deal more effectively with stress and worry and is linked to longevity. Researchers also find it is better for us to be in charge of our own medical care. One way to do this is to stay up-to-date on medical research and advice regarding care options as well as asking pertinent questions of our healthcare providers. Other things we can do to protect our health is to get appropriate screenings and tests, use our time productively and stay socially engaged. MorningStar of Pasadena is a 55+ community that offers seniors a lifestyle of comfort, wellbeing and as much or as little social engagement as you want. Our range of onsite amenities, hospitality and care services, and wellness programs and activities are designed for stress-free retirement years. Please visit our website for pricing and availability on unsurpassed independent living and assisted living in Pasadena, CA. Source: verywellhealth.com/boost-longevity-in-your-60s-2223714 Have you noticed you are no longer as flexible as you used to be and the movements of your limbs and joints feel more restricted? If it harder to do things like turning your neck to look behind you when driving or getting up from a low chair, you would probably benefit from incorporating stretches into your routine. Experts say daily stretching can make significant improvement in flexibility, the ability of the muscles and tendons to lengthen and stretch in response to movement, and allow a joint to move through its range of motion.
In addition being more flexible improves balance and lowers the risk for a fall. Stretching increases the range of movement in the joints, improves posture and eases muscle tension and soreness as well as increases circulation. Along with dedicated stretching exercises, seniors can increase flexibility with yoga, Pilates, swimming, tai chi, dancing and massage. A recent study on a 12-month stretch and flex program for older adults reported by the Journal of Gerontology found “participants demonstrated positive changes in areas like physical fitness, self-efficacy, perceived functioning, and well-being. They also experienced a decrease in pain.” It is easy to do stretching exercises as they do not require special equipment and can be done anywhere. However before beginning any new exercise routine including stretching, consult with your healthcare provider regarding your fitness level. Experts say you should warm up before stretching such as taking a walk around the block, which in itself helps to stretch muscles and tendons. Also don’t stretch to the point of pain, only to the point of tension; or bounce when stretching. Typically hold the stretch for no more than 30 seconds. Senior living in Pasadena, CA is better than ever at our beautiful MorningStar of Pasadena independent living and assisted living community. Residents have an excellent choice of floorplans and configurations with 149 bright suites smartly-designed with your needs in mind. Amid an array of resort-style amenities, hospitality and care services and a complement of wellness programs including exercise classes tailored to seniors’ needs, residents enjoy a lifestyle that extends their independence and allows them to continue the adventure. If you are recovering from surgery or illness, we offer respite care as well as trial stays (from one week to a full month) to see if we are a good fit. Visit our website for more information and take a look at our gallery of pictures. Source: healthline.com/health/senior-health/stretching-exercises#Benefits-of-stretching- morelifehealth.com/articles/regaining-flexibility-guide If you have been told by your healthcare provider you have high cholesterol, you probably have also been told you will need to watch your diet. The best way to do this is to consume foods that can help lower your LDLs, which are the harmful cholesterol-carrying particles that contribute to artery-clogging atherosclerosis.
Scientists explain how different foods can help in different ways to achieve this purpose. One type is food containing “soluble fiber, which binds cholesterol and its precursors in the digestive system and drags them out of the body before they get into circulation.” Other foods known to be beneficial for lowering LDLs are polyunsaturated fats, and foods with sterols and stanols, which have been shown to absorb cholesterol. For 1 to 2 grams of soluble fiber, start your day with a bowl of hot oatmeal or a cold oat-based cereal. Later meals can include barley, whole grains or beans to provide additional soluble fiber. Nutritionists say most Americans only get around half the amount of daily fiber they need (guidelines recommend 20 to 35 grams of fiber a day, and at least 5 to 10 grams coming from soluble fiber). Nuts are known to help lower LDLs as well as provide other benefits to the heart. Oils like safflower, sunflower, olive and peanut contain monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats that help to lower "bad" LDL cholesterol and raise "good" HDL cholesterol. Eating fatty fish once or twice a week such as salmon, tuna, sardines and mackerel, which are loaded with LDL-boosting saturated fats and LDL-lowering omega-3 fats, help reduce triglycerides in the bloodstream. *Be sure to consult with your physician regarding your diet and other healthcare issues. MorningStar at River Oaks is putting the finishing touches to our fashionable assisted living community. While not yet open to residents, we are staffed and ready to answer your questions regarding choice of suites, pricing, hospitality and care services, and more. MorningStar Senior Living homes are a step above the rest as we pride ourselves on having a team that understands it is a privilege to serve seniors. In addition to assisted living we provide memory care to care for those with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia as well as respite care and trial stays. Contact us to learn more. An advanced directive is a legal document giving you a voice involving medical decisions in the event you are incapacitated. Many people shy away from creating such documents as they fail to realize how important they are, and mistakenly worry they are signing away their lives, and/or don’t like thinking about being so ill they are unable to make decisions.
Advance care planning documents may include a living will, power of attorney and health care proxy. By planning ahead, they guide decisions made on your behalf if you are unable, and suffer from an incurable, irreversible illness, condition or disease determined to be terminal. Living wills specify the kind of medical treatment desired and many simply express the desire to not be given life-sustaining measures that only serve to prolong a person’s death. Specific details may regard care including the use of pain medications, antibiotics, hydration, feeding and the use of cardiopulmonary resuscitation or ventilators. A health care proxy is someone designated to express your wishes for medical care and has the same rights you would in requesting or refusing treatment. A durable power of attorney document names a person to act on your behalf if you are incapacitated and gives them the power to make financial decisions. The Harvard Medical School reports on some of the myths people have regarding advance care directives. They say you need to realize more care is not always better but can prolong the dying process without respect for quality of life or comfort. Refusing life support does not mean you are committing suicide but rather allowing your medical problem to be the cause of your death. Moreover refusing life-extending treatment does not mean you are refusing comfort measures for pain management and symptoms. Talk to your family and doctor about your medical preferences, and be sure each has a copy of your advance directive documents. The newest senior housing in Kirkland, WA is the MorningStar of Kirkland independent living community scheduled to open in the latter part of 2021. Residents will enjoy luxury amenities, hospitality services and beautiful apartments as well as onsite strolling paths and nearby nature trails and parks. Please visit our website to learn about our special deal: reserve your apartment and save up to $5,000. In the event of a medical emergency or illness, to file income taxes, or apply for state or federal benefits, experts say it is helpful and maybe even lifesaving for seniors to have their paperwork in order. Important documents to have available to a family member or trusted friend include property deeds, history of financial income and medical information. For example, Stuart Furman, A Place for Mom legal expert and elder attorney, explains if your parent is eligible to apply for veterans’ benefits or Medicaid, they will need proof of past income and financial resources.
If you are the designated person, start by helping your parents compile a record of their bank accounts as well as sources of financial income including pensions, 401(k) information, and annuity contracts. In addition help them organize information regarding savings bonds, stock certificates, or brokerage accounts. File these documents along with all property deeds and titles to vehicles in a home safe where they are secure. Files should also include several years of income taxes as well as a list of credit cards and outstanding loans or debts owed to them. If your parents have a living will and/or a durable power of attorney, you should have a copy as it is important in the case of a medical emergency to be able to quickly get your hands on such documents. Other things medical professionals say are important to get your hands on quickly is a list of medications your parents are taking, their medical history and insurance cards. Other types of documents to safely file or to create include end of life planning and estate planning. At the MorningStar of River Oaks assisted living and memory care community, our goal is to be a true home distinguished by comfort, wellness and love. This is made possible through a dedicated team who understand how to provide residents with a quality of life other communities simply cannot match. Please ask about our Founders Club Rewards for Early Depositors. Source: aplaceformom.com/caregiver-resources/articles/essential-documents Cataracts are cloudy areas that form in the lens, which is normally transparent, and are the main cause of vision loss in people over 40 years of age. It is estimated more than 40 percent of Americans aged 75 years or older have some degree of lens clouding; and over half of people 80 or older have their vision significantly impaired by cataracts or have had cataract surgery. Surgery is generally recommended once vision is impaired to a degree that people have trouble reading, driving and recognizing faces. Today the surgery is a quick, safe procedure, replacing the cloudy lens with a clear plastic one.
Doctors say there are things people can do to reduce their risk of developing cataracts with quitting smoking at the top of that list. Medical News Today reports on studies linking a 3-fold increase of smoking to cataracts as well as raising the risk of a number of other eye conditions. A healthy diet of fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains, good quality fats (avocados, olive oil, and omega oils) and lean animal-sourced or plant-sourced proteins additionally reduces the risk of cataracts. Maintaining a healthy weight is important as obesity increases your risk of developing type 2 diabetes, which is a risk factor for cataracts. Other ways to reduce your risk include wearing UV blocking sunglasses when in the sunlight and getting at least 7 hours of sleep each night. The risk for cataracts also increases with age, family history, and a history of eye inflammation or injury. If you are not ready for surgery yet, doctors say stronger glasses and brighter lights may help. Keep up with regular eye exams and renew your eyeglass prescription as needed. Wear sunglasses in the sun and avoid night driving. As your cataracts continue to develop and eyesight worsen, at some point you will most likely need surgery. If you are looking for exceptional senior living, Hillsboro, OR’s MorningStar community may be your answer. MorningStar of Hillsboro is a new 55+ community for independent seniors scheduled to open later this year. Residents will enjoy carefree retirement years as we handle the maintenance and provide onsite luxury amenities, hospitality services and a community of friends. Please visit our website for more information. Our mission statement of “to honor, to serve, to invest” sets us apart from other senior living Hillsboro, OR has to offer. We have built a foundation on honoring God, valuing our seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve. Set in a warm, inviting atmosphere with beautiful surroundings and resort-style amenities, MorningStar of Hillsboro provides outstanding independent living. |
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