Experts suggest that a good way to reduce medical errors regarding your care or that of a loved one is to be an active partner in the process whether in a hospital setting, doctors’ office or the pharmacy. In fact, a study showed 7% of hospitalized patients experienced an event that was considered preventable which negatively affected their health.
Furthermore, harmful errors in primary and outpatient health care settings are typically related to diagnoses, prescriptions and use of medicines. Mistakes associated with misdiagnosis result in delayed treatment for the real problem and having the wrong medications prescribed or supplied can cause serious complications. However, it is important to keep in mind that some medical errors are a result of patients failing to disclose all the medications they take including prescription and over-the-counter drugs. Another problem is the failure to reveal pertinent details regarding a person’s prior medical history as well as lifestyle habits such as smoking, diet and alcohol consumption. Medical professionals say to remember the time spent with your doctor is short, so to help prevent errors with care, come prepared to your appointment by putting in writing critical points you wish to discuss. The Johns Hopkins Armstrong Institute Center for Diagnostic Excellence at Johns Hopkins Medicine in Baltimore has a QuestionBuilder app available by AHRQ at Google Play or the Apple App store to help you focus on the questions you need to ask during your appointment. Other things to do before the appointment include putting together a list of medications you take, the dosage, and why you take it. If you worry about forgetting something you were told during the visit, take along a family member or trusted friend. Also, ask questions and seek a second opinion if it would make you more comfortable. Most importantly if a medical problem is not getting better, remain persistent in addressing it with your medical team. At MorningStar at River Oaks, our goal is to provide exceptional senior living in Houston, and we offer all the services needed to support and enhance our residents’ physical, mental, spiritual and social wellbeing. Our beautiful community has 85 assisted living suites in a variety of floor plans. In addition, our Reflections Neighborhood offers specialized care for residents with Alzheimer’s disease and other memory impairments. Please contact us to learn more about MorningStar’s amenities, care services and pricing. MorningStar is guided by a culture rooted in our mission of honoring God, valuing seniors, and investing in our team, which allows us to deliver services with warmth, sincerity and depth of purpose. We have built a reputation for creating homes filled with an atmosphere of love and community. Please contact us for more information about the finest senior living Houston has to offer. Source:nbcnews.com/health/health-news/nearly-1-4-us-hospital-patients-experience-harmful-event-study-finds-rcna65119
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How long has it been since you really made the effort to learn something new? As we age, many of us can get stuck in a rut. However, opening our minds to new ideas and trying new activities can provide seniors with a renewed interest in life and help keep the brain sharp.
The choice of hobbies and activities for retirees is endless and includes dusting off old skills or learning something entirely new. Things like painting and drawing classes can be done in person or online. The same goes for listening to lectures, joining a book club or writing workshop, and learning a foreign language. If you need more computer skills or would like to know more about social media, join a class and get started. If you have always wanted to play an instrument, what are you waiting for? Neuroscientists and music teachers say it is never too late to learn. Scot Hawkins, a piano teacher in Silver Spring, Md., says, “Ability is low on the list of what’s required for adult students. Instead, attitude — especially patience — is everything.” Playing music is a great mental exercise and can help keep brain cells alive that would otherwise wither and die. Chess, trivia, crossword and jigsaw puzzles as well as strategy board games help sharpen our cognitive skills as do various computer and video games. Other suggestions for engaging activities include trips to local museums, concerts, and plays. Have you begun the search for senior housing in Kirkland, WA? If so, we encourage you to consider MorningStar of Kirkland. Our calendar keeps residents busy with a wide range of activities and wellness programs including exercise classes, games, live entertainment and special events. Please visit our website to learn more about our community, inquire about availability and to set up a tour. MorningStar’s foundation is based on the mission to honor God, value seniors and invest in our staff to create a unique senior living experience. Set in a warm, loving atmosphere with beautiful surroundings and resort-style amenities, we provide the finest senior housing Kirkland, WA offers. Please contact us or visit our website for more information. As more and more research shows, getting enough sleep each night is important for both physical and mental health. Some studies have even reported findings of an increased risk for Alzheimer’s disease in people who routinely have sleep problems.
If you are someone who has trouble getting to sleep or sleeping through the night, the US News & World Report published several tips from sleep experts to help reset your sleep clock and improve your sleep habits. They recommend beginning with reestablishing waking and bedtime rituals by going to bed at the same time each night and waking up at the same time. It may even be a good idea to eat meals at the same time. Your bedroom should be dark and use a light-blocking sleep mask if needed. Also, keep your bedroom a work-free zone. Other recommendations include avoiding caffeine after noon, spending time outdoors during daylight hours, and exercising each day. Dr. Kannan Ramar, president of the American Academy of Sleep Medicine and a pulmonologist, critical care specialist and sleep medicine specialist at Mayo Clinic, and professor at the Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science, says, “Pervasive worry is a major factor in sleep disruption.” He advises his patients to turn off the TV and your tablet one or two hours before bedtime. Stop drinking alcohol at least one or two hours before sleep and consider moderating your consumption. At MorningStar Senior Living of Kirkland, our goal is to provide residents with the services and amenities to enjoy life to the fullest. Our community offers 151 well-designed independent living apartments in a variety of floor plans and configurations. We are located in the forested Totem Lake area close to medical services, shopping, restaurants and entertainment venues. Please contact us or visit our website to learn more about outstanding senior living in Kirkland, WA. MorningStar is guided by a culture rooted in our mission of honoring God, valuing seniors, and investing in our team, which allows us to deliver services with warmth, sincerity and depth of purpose. We have built a reputation for creating homes filled with an atmosphere of love and community. Please contact us for more information about the finest senior living Kirkland, WA has to offer. Source: health.usnews.com/wellness/articles/sleep-reset-getting-your-sleep-back-to-normal Researchers have found evidence suggesting genetics, environment, and lifestyle can affect our risk of developing Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related diseases. A poor diet is one of those lifestyle choices that causes high blood pressure and heart disease, and increases a person’s risk for Alzheimer’s disease.
WebMD.com reports the MIND diet; a combination of the Mediterranean and DASH diets has shown promise in reducing the risk or slowing cognitive decline. They cite early studies showing MIND lowered the “risk of Alzheimer’s by 53% in those who follow it closely and by 35% in those who follow more loosely.” In 2018, the MIND diet recommendation was expanded to include older adults who have suffered a stroke. To adhere to the diet, weekly meals should include food from the following groups: green leafy vegetables, other vegetables, nuts, berries, beans, whole grains, fish, poultry, olive oil, and wine. They say a good way to start is with a daily salad, one other vegetable, and three servings of whole grains every day. In terms of vegetables, collard greens, kale, and spinach have been found to be especially healthy. Poultry should be eaten once a week, fish twice a week and beans every other day. Nuts and berries make good snacks, blueberries and strawberries being some of the best. Olive oil not only adds a great taste to foods but has been shown to improve brain function over the long term and protect against dementia. At MorningStar of Kirkland, we offer residents a healthy, carefree lifestyle with maintenance-free apartments, luxury amenities, wellness programs and activities. In addition, our five-star dining experience features seasonal menus with the freshest ingredients from high quality producers, locally sourced whenever possible. Meals at MorningStar include a variety of nutritional choices to allow residents to self-manage dietary habits and restrictions and include low sodium, gluten free, sugar free, no sugar added and low-fat options. Our chef also uses ingredients with high concentrations of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds known to support brain health and aptly named “Super Foods.” These include items like berries, Omega 3 fats, nuts and leafy greens. Please contact us or visit our website for more information about outstanding senior living in Kirkland, WA. MorningStar is guided by a culture rooted in our mission of honoring God, valuing seniors, and investing in our team, which allows us to deliver services with warmth, sincerity and depth of purpose. We have built a reputation for creating homes filled with an atmosphere of love and community. Please contact us to learn more about the finest senior living Kirkland, WA offers. Depression can affect people at any age including senior citizens. According to Web MD, “Late-life depression affects about 6 million Americans age 65 and older, but only 10% receive treatment for depression.” They suggest the reason for this may be that the symptoms seniors display are often ignored or assumed to be a result of illnesses and medications or just a normal part of growing older.
There are many reasons why seniors suffer from depression including major changes in their lives such as retirement, the death of a spouse, illnesses, disabilities and social isolation. People suffering from very painful, disabling, or life-threatening illnesses are especially vulnerable to depression or the worsening of symptoms. Furthermore, depression can be caused by medications that are commonly prescribed to the elderly including blood pressure medication, beta-blockers, sleeping pills, tranquilizers, calcium-channel blockers and medication for Parkinson’s as well as others. Suffering from depression prevents seniors from enjoying life as they used to and can be the cause of a change in appetite, problems sleeping and impact physical health. HelpGuide.org says, while sadness is one sign of depression, some seniors do not recognize or admit to feelings of sadness. Rather someone may “complain instead of low motivation, a lack of energy, or physical problems. In fact, physical complaints, such as arthritis pain or worsening headaches, are often the predominant symptom of depression in the elderly.” All too often seniors just accept depression as a part of the aging process but there are steps you can take to help yourself or your loved one. You first need to talk to your health care provider to rule out other problems, and then perhaps you need to make changes in your lifestyle. Experts suggest that isolation and inactivity can make depression worse and they recommend getting involved in physical, mental and social activities. This post is intended for informational purposes only. Please contact your health care provider with any questions or concerns you have regarding your health. MorningStar is guided by a culture rooted in our mission of honoring God, valuing seniors, and investing in our team, which allows us to deliver services with warmth, sincerity and depth of purpose. We have built a reputation for creating homes filled with an atmosphere of love and community. Please contact us to learn more about the finest senior living Houston offers. The Bone Health & Osteoporosis Foundation reports approximately 10 million people in the United States have osteoporosis, and 44 million have low bone density, meaning they are at risk of developing the condition. One in two females and up to one in four males will be affected by a broken bone in their lifetime due to osteoporosis. Medication, calcium, and vitamin D and K can help strengthen bones.
In addition, if you are diagnosed with osteoporosis or low bone mass, an important lifestyle habit is to introduce weight-bearing exercises into your daily routine. The Harvard Medical School publication explains even if you have already had a fracture, you should be staying active. They explain the risk of another fracture is very high, so you want to do everything you can to lessen the chances of that happening by increasing your bone density. Weight-bearing exercises can reduce the risk of a fall as well as reduce the risk of fracturing a bone if you do fall. The publication cites an analysis reported on by the British Medical Association’s BMJ, which found that programs of balance, strength, and resistance training reduced the odds of falls resulting in fractures by more than 60%. Harvard Medical School says the four components of an exercise program for osteoporosis should include:
A physical therapist or certified fitness trainer can help ensure you are doing your weight-bearing exercises safely. Experts say start slowly and build from there, and remember to be gentle in regard to your condition. Please consult with your doctor before beginning any new exercise Looking for exceptional independent or assisted living? MorningStar of Pasadena has a broad range of luxury amenities and services to promote a healthy lifestyle. Onsite amenities include a fitness center, exercise classes and courtyard with a strolling path making it easy for residents to keep moving. Visit our website to see what sets our community apart from other senior living Pasadena, CA offers and why MorningStar is a great place to call home. MorningStar takes tremendous pride in the reputation we have earned for excellence and authenticity since our inception in 2003. We believe the human capacity to grow, to learn and to contribute is ageless; and we act upon that truth daily, as we care for, inspire, and love the residents under our roof. Contact us to learn more about the finest senior living Pasadena, CA has to offer. Source: health.harvard.edu/pain/effective-exercises-for-osteoporosis MorningStar at River Oaks is a vibrant senior living community located in Houston’s Upper Kirby District. Our community offers 85 contemporary assisted living suites consisting of spacious studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom floor plans. In our Reflections Neighborhood, we have 27 memory care suites devoted to the individualized care of those with Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related diseases.
We want you to know there are several things that set our community apart from others and that we strive to provide residents with the best of the best. Whether it is our beautiful interiors and exteriors, a host of wellness programs and activities, or most importantly a responsive staff that is honored to serve seniors, we feel MorningStar offers unparalleled senior living. Our goal is to provide residents with the care they need to lead more comfortable, healthier lives and give them a place they are proud to call “home.” Our location makes it easy to get to medical services, shopping and restaurants, and among our many services and amenities, we provide scheduled transportation. MorningStar at river Oaks also gives families peace of mind knowing their loved one is receiving the care they need with an individualized care plan, 24/7 Care Managers, a full-time licensed nurse, and other services. Amenities include three daily meals prepared largely from scratch under the direction of our Executive Chef and served restaurant-style in our beautiful dining room. At MorningStar we feel breaking bread together offers far more than physical nutrients – it helps to bond us together as family and friends. Our community also has plenty of common areas that are perfect for entertaining visitors, chatting with another resident, or just quietly reading a book. In addition, our community has a sky terrace, fitness center, bistro, theatre/chapel, salon, private dining room and more. Please contact us or visit our website for more information about luxury senior living in Houston. MorningStar takes tremendous pride in the reputation we have earned for excellence and authenticity since our inception in 2003. We believe the human capacity to grow, to learn and to contribute is ageless; and we act upon that truth daily, as we care for, inspire, and love the residents under our roof. Contact us to learn more about the finest senior living Houston offers. Many of us have had our blood pressure taken at the doctor’s office and were surprised when it turned out to be higher than we expected it to be. If this has happened to you, you may be experiencing something known as “white-coat hypertension,” meaning a higher than warranted reading during a medical appointment.
Doctors say one of the best ways to ensure you do not have elevated blood pressure, is to take your blood pressure at home a number of times. You may also be asked by your healthcare provider to track your blood pressure to see if you should be put on medication or adjust medication to reach a target number. It is important to do it correctly to ensure readings are accurate. Experts say start by buying a validated monitor and do not buy one that uses the finger or wrist as they are not as accurate as upper-arm cuffs. If you have a much smaller or larger upper-arm, look for one appropriately sized. Other things to consider are to not take your blood pressure when you are stressed and to wait at least 30 minutes after eating, smoking or exercising. Odd as it sounds you will get a more accurate reading if you empty your bladder right beforehand. Sit comfortably with feet flat on the floor and support your arm near heart height. Now wait a few minutes. A good strategy for a true representation of BP is to take 4 readings a day for 7 days - twice in the morning and twice at night. Let your doctor know your findings. MorningStar of Kirkland is an independent living community in the beautiful Totem Lake area. Residents not only appreciate our contemporary apartments and luxury amenities but our location. Juanita Bay and the Sammamish River Trail are close by and are great places to enjoy nature and get some exercise. We are also a five-minute drive from Evergreen Health Medical Center and The Village at Totem Lake, a major retail center. And downtown Seattle is only 20 minutes to the southwest. Contact us to learn more about MorningStar’s outstanding senior living in Kirkland, WA. Isn’t it time you start living your life to the fullest? MorningStar takes tremendous pride in the reputation we have earned for excellence and authenticity since our inception in 2003. We believe the human capacity to grow, to learn and to contribute is ageless; and we act upon that truth daily, as we care for, inspire, and love the residents under our roof. Contact us for more information about the finest senior living Kirkland, WA offers. The former director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Dr. Thomas Frieden, is quoted as saying that walking is "the closest thing we have to a wonder drug.” Many in the medical profession agree. While it is universally acknowledged that any exercise is beneficial to our overall health, walking offers some unexpected advantages.
A study from a group of Harvard scientists concluded that walking seems to counteract the effects of weight-promoting genes. The project involved looking at “32 obesity-promoting genes in over 12,000 people to determine how much the genes actually contribute to body weight.” Within the group of participants who walked briskly for an hour a day, researchers found the effects of the weight-promoting genes were cut in half. Another surprising result of walking is it was shown to actually diminish a person’s sweet tooth. In a study from the University of Exeter, researchers found walking appears to curb cravings for chocolate and other sugary treats. Their study showed even 15 minutes of walking a day could reduce the habit of eating sweets when stressed. While doctors recognize any physical exercise is beneficial to reducing the risk of breast cancer, an American Cancer Society study found women who walked seven or more hours a week “had a 14% lower risk of breast cancer than those who walked three hours or fewer per week.” Researchers say walking helped decrease a woman’s risk for breast cancer even when she had an increased risk due to obesity or supplemental hormones. Other studies show walking helps to reduce joint pain and lubricates and strengthens muscles as well as boosts the immune system. At MorningStar of Kirkland, our vibrant 55+ community is designed to promote a healthy, engaged lifestyle. Along with beautiful studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom apartments, we offer a whole host of amenities, wellness programs and activities. Please visit our website for more information about the finest senior living in Kirkland, WA. MorningStar is guided by a culture rooted in our mission of honoring God, valuing seniors, and investing in our team, which allows us to deliver services with warmth, sincerity and depth of purpose. We have built a reputation for creating homes filled with an atmosphere of love and community. Please contact us to learn more about the finest senior living Kirkland, WA has to offer. Source: health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/5-surprising-benefits-of-walking Many of us use electronic devices to read our daily newspaper, connect with family and friends through emails and social media, and watch TV as well as use a computer for work. This means our eyes spend a lot of time each day staring into the bright lights of a digital screen, which has resulted in many people reporting eye strain.
The American Optometric Association says our “eyes are under greater strain when we view screens versus when we read printed words on a page.” This is because screen print is not as sharply defined as printed letters and make our eyes work harder in addition to the strain of the glare and reflection. In fact in a study, researchers found that people blink less on digital screens, which might account for dry eyes and irritation. Symptoms of computer eyes include dry, irritated, or burning eyes; blurred vision when viewing a screen or looking into the distance; and difficulty refocusing the eye. People also report frequent headaches, neck and shoulder pain and sensitivity to light. To counteract the problem, the American Optometric Association recommends following the 20-20-20 rule. This means for every 20 minutes spent looking at a digital screen; you look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds. Another helpful exercise is to change your focus by holding your finger a few inches from one eye and focusing your gaze on the finger. Now slowly move it aside and focus on something farther away. Alternate between looking at your finger and then looking farther away three times bringing the finger closer to the face each time. Doctors recommend getting a full eye exam if symptoms persist as well as remembering to follow the American Optometric Association’s guidelines regarding yearly checkups. This is important as eye strain can also be a sign of needing glasses or other underlying conditions. At MorningStar of Kirkland, residents find opportunities for new friendships, predictable budgeting, wellness programs, and the chance to relax in beautiful surroundings. Our community is a vibrant place for active seniors to enjoy carefree retirement years. Along with 151 spacious apartments in a variety of floorplans, we also offer luxury amenities including Executive Chef inspired meals, pool, art studio, fitness center, and more. Contact us for more information about exceptional senior housing in Kirkland, WA, MorningStar’s foundation is based on the mission to honor God, value seniors and invest in our staff to create a unique senior living experience. Set in a warm, loving atmosphere with beautiful surroundings and resort-style amenities, we provide the finest senior housing Kirkland, WA offers. Please contact us or visit our website for more information. Source: medicalnewstoday.com/articles/computer-eye-strain#exercises |
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