Seniors Site

It has been estimated by the US Consumer Product Safety Commission that since 1981, approximately 622,000 people over the age of 65 were rushed and treated in hospital emergency rooms because of accidents that occurred at home. CPSC said that the hazards are easily overlooked but they are fairly easy to fix as well.

CPSC is concerned with all the areas of the home. All electrical and telephone cords should be checked. The rugs, runners and mats must be well placed in certain areas. Smoke detectors, electrical outlets and switches must be checked from time to time. More importantly, the house should have and emergency exit plan just in case something happens.

Parkinson’s disease is considered as one of the motor systems disorder. It is the result of the loss of dopamine – producing brain cells. Dopamine is a chemical that is responsible for transmitting signals within the brain. This disease occurs when certain nerve cells or neurons become impaired or damaged which makes the patients lose control of their normal movements.

There are four major symptoms of Parkinson’s disease, and these are as follows:

1. trembling of the hands, legs, jaws and face

2. stiffness of the limbs

3. slowness of movement

4. postural instability

If you notice that this is happening to a loved one or to yourself then go to your physician for a check up. It might be Parkinson’s disease.

As they always say, Calcium makes the bones and joints strong. Going further than that, calcium assists in the absorption of nutrients and it is responsible for the transmission of messages within your cells and it is also required for the contraction of muscles.

Every person needs to get at least 1000 mg. Of calcium everyday to supply the needs of the bones and other organs. If by any chance that less than 1000 mg. Of calcium is consumed for the day, then the body will consume calcium for the bone and distribute it to the other organs. Clearly, this is not a good way to supply the organs with calcium. This will only weaken the bones and cause diseases such as Osteoporosis.

Consult your dietitian regarding a high calcium diet. Take care of your self and your bones and start chewing up on calcium!

Alzheimer’s disease often target the brain cells. Some of them are destroyed, some are damaged and some of the brains tissues become abnormal. The disease usually occurs on people over 60 years of age and most of them are women. The risk of ac quiring the disease increases if the person has a family history of Alzheimer’s.

The key symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease are the following:

1. memory loss

2. inability to think in abstract terms

3. impaired language functions

4. visio – spacial loss

While there are no clear cure for Alzheimer’s disease as of now, there are a couple of ways that you can help out elders who are experiencing this problems.

1. Speak with them calmly

2. Ask one question at a time

3. Maintain a regular routine to exercise them physically and mentally

4. Break down complex things into simpler ones.

5. Be realistic about their abilities.

For some people, obesity is merely just not looking good. What they do not know is that obesity brings forth killer diseases such as heart attack, diabetes, cancer, hypertension and depression. It is a high risk factor on these diseases that lead to death.

Most of the life threatening diseases according to the American Heart Association are associated with obesity. Basically, obese people, specially seniors must cut the weight and shed all those extra pounds. It will not only help in making them look good but it will reduce the risk of being exposed to the killer diseases.

There are a lot of available diet routines, exercise and supplements in the market today. Consult your physician and start shredding those pounds.

Cancer is the dreaded silent killer and it does not just happen to seniors, it also affects people of all ages. In the case of seniors however, the body may not be as strong enough to handle the treatments. It is always good to know the treatments that are being done to patients specially if you just found out that you have cancer. This will set a lot of expectations. Here are the treatments:

1. Surgery

2. Chemotherapy – uses powerful drugs to cure cancer cells

3. Hormone Therapy – alters the body’s hormone level to help control the cancer cells

4. Radiation Therapy – strong beam of radiation aimed at the affected body.

This are the things that you have to undergo if you have cancer. Also, you need to keep your body strong so that it can handle such powerful medications. Great food and good rest must be done.

Cholesterol problems often kicks in when you gain age. Most seniors have this kind of problem. The heart is usually the main target of cholesterol and it slows the heart down and often results to heart attacks.

Gugulipids are extracts from the Commiphora Mukul tree which can be found in India. Clinical studies show that gugulipids can lower total cholesterol decrease LDL and triglycerides. They are most effective in reducing cholesterol and without side effects.

Cholesterol problems often require self control on the food that you intake and requires the help of a physician for medications and consultations. Remember that cholesterol problem is a major issue because the heart is a vital organ in the body that needs to be taken care of.

Being a caregiver is hard and takes a lot of patience. Being patient cannot be learned immediately. However, doing the right thing with the accurate passion may save the day for a caregiver. First, ask the doctors and professionals as much information as needed. Through this, you will have a better understanding of the symptoms. Every moment that you tend to lose your patience, always remember that the person you are taking care of has undergone serious health problems and that they need a lot of understanding. This way, you will sympathize with what they feel. The last thing they do not want is to see that people pity them, so show them that you care, show them that you understand and not just pity them. Lastly, tell them what to do, never tell them what not to do. Always put positive things in perspective.

Getting the idea of retirement kicks in when you reach the age of 60 years old and above. You should have a good plan before retiring or else everything that you have worked for in the past years will be dumped and put to waste. Here are a few things to ponder before you retire.

1. Be specific

   Set your retirement goals and plans. Be as specific as possible and picture out where you are headed to for the next phase of your life.

2. Save

   Save up before retiring. Cut expenses and invest your money.

3. Evaluate insurance

   Buy a long term care insurance. It will be very handy when you will need to get medical and care attention when the time comes.

4. Others

   Consider other options like retiring slowly or working a part time job. This will help you adjust financially and emotionally to a new stage of life.

Most seniors get allergic on dust particles. Dust are not just fine dirt. They are composed of so many particles like molds, fiber, animal dander and dead dust mites. Some people tend to sneeze and get different allergic reactions when they encounter dust.

Most dust accumulates on carpet areas, stuffed toys, bedding and upholstery. It is impossible to eliminate dust inside the house but it is possible to somehow manage it. Clean the house regularly and as much as possible, avoid carpets. Replace them with wood or ceramic tiles. Children’s stuffed toys must also be secured and away from seniors who are allergic to dust because these toys accumulate dust particles from time to time. Dust can be managed although it cannot be completely shut down. So regularly clean your house and notice the difference.