Seniors Site

We all know that lead exposure is bad for our health and can be fatal as well especially for kids hence the need to ban lead products like paints. There’s an all-out war against lead products particularly those used in production of children’s necessities. Primarily, this is due to the fact that children are more vulnerable to lead poisoning than adults and many died from it years ago. Years back, lead was not strictly regulated and some traces of it ended up in our food and personal care products including cosmetics and many more. Although most of the adults exposed in those years suffered only slight discomfort as opposed to what it did to our children, it was not certain then of lead exposure’s long term effect to survivors, if there’s indeed one.

Certain government and health agencies such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have been taking all safety measures to prevent further lead exposures. Unfortunately, lead cannot be prevented all together. With reduced lead exposure, its effect is made more terrifying than ever. Subtle lead intoxication in children can cause lower IQs, shorter attention span, erratic behavior or uncontrollable mood swings resulting to unpredictable behavior. Although the connection of lead to ADHD is not established or linked in any way, we should take note that there are certain similarities of the symptoms to the said disorder. Brain damage is the ultimate result of lead poisoning to children which includes convulsions and coma. Other known ill-effects of lead to human are developmental problems, mental retardation, hindered growth and fertility problems, all connected to the brain and the endocrine system of our bodies.

Now, you can add Alzheimer’s disease to this long and endless list. Recent laboratory study established the connection between early lead exposures and Alzheimer’s disease later in life—a fact that has been long suspected but was not proven until now. Think of the Incredible Hulk—only this thing will not make you stronger but does the exact opposite.

This study was conducted in Rhode Island by a doctor named Nasser H. Zawia, the principal investigator of the case. It started in 1980 when a group of infant monkey was given infant formulas containing lead levels which were considered safe back then. After years of studying their behavioral patterns, the monkeys died and their brains were studied by the group. Every single one of the monkeys’ brains developed plaques—a sure sign of Alzheimer’s disease. The study therefore concluded that childhood exposure to lead can eventually result in brain plaques, common to Alzheimer’s disease patient, manifesting much later in life.

It was also said that upon lead contamination by way of oral consumption or inhalation, lead settles in the bones and stays there for undetermined amount of time. Some people who died and were tested for lead poisoning—bones and all—still showed lead levels after so many years of being buried underground. Overtime, the lead content in our bones accumulates and there are speculations of spills and transfers from bone to other vital organs inside our bodies. It is highly recommended to increase calcium intake to reduce lead absorption of the bones.

Like in any other event, exposure to toxins has lasting effects on humans. Causes and cures for brain diseases like Alzheimer’s disease still remain a mystery to us and although claims are made in regular basis, it looks like we are just chipping the tip of the stone. We only have circumstantial evidences and links to guide us by and we don’t have anything else to do but heed the call.

When we were kids, we used to run to our grannies and grandpops for our problems especially if we’re in deep trouble with our parents. Our grandparents became our great ally, someone we can trust with our lives and won’t tell on us no matter what. In short, grandparents become their grandchildren’s greatest savior of all time.

Years forward and we found ourselves within their shoes. Now, it is our turn to save our grandkids from cruelty of the world and as much as possible, we protect them from harm. We cushion their fall, we condemn our kids if they’re not treating our grandkids right and threaten them to take the kids away if they won’t behave right. This is our duty—our job, as their grandparents; just like the ones preceding us.

This is a natural instinct deeply rooted among us. Call it animal instinct, if you want. For us, it is a natural response to human protecting their own and trust us, when you finally get here, you will understand but won’t be able to explain either.

This is exactly why seniors fall for this scam—the grandparent scam or emergency scam. Actually, this scam is the longest running among its contemporaries. Moreover, grandparent scam made comebacks from time to time and just recently, it struck again. The latest victim being a San Antonio woman named Barbara Thompson, robbed off of about $3,000 by someone pretending to be her grandchild.

By the way, grandparent scam has been included in the top 10 famous scams ever, along with others which usually target seniors. This, in fact, bothers government agencies committed to securing seniors’ lives. While some victims would rather keep the whole affair to themselves, police are now worried since this scam is frightfully gaining grounds all over US preying on seniors everyday.

Basically, here is how it works: a call is placed to a seniors’ home, preferably those who live alone or living with their senior spouse—miles away from their grandkids. This is to eliminate the possibility of confirmation if the situation is indeed true. With the help of slightly garbled phone connection, the con man/woman will then pretend to be your grandchild requesting money to be wired as soon as possible to get him out of trouble. The caller will request firm secrecy of the whole transaction being made especially from your kids who are supposed to be their parents. They will be very persistent and pressuring for quick action which usually throws you off from all stable decisions.

Police advises seniors to ask for personal details about the family if and when they receive such call. Once you find your caller to be vague and elusive, it is best to hang-up immediately and call a family member to confirm the details your caller gave you or better yet, call your grandchild directly. This way, you are assured that the one on the other end of the line is indeed your grandchild.

Some reports included that the cons supplied right family information such as name and current location of the grandchild in question. It seems they took one step higher than their usual “hit and miss” tactic and this certainly scares seniors more.

If the cons know, they must be following us right? Personal information is easily gathered from family blogs, web sites, social networking sites, and newspapers meaning, you should not send any valuable information over the internet, unless you are well prepared for its consequences. While it is okay to stay socially connected through social networking sites such as Facebook and MySpace, bear in mind that there are whole lot of scammers over the internet, waiting for their next victim. As always, take precautions in using the internet to prevent trouble from happening.

If you are a huge fan of porkchops, roast porks and meatloaves, you may want to consider cutting back a little.

It was found out that red meats and processed meats pose serious health risks causing not only the usual cancer and heart disease but from other types of life threatening diseases that are known to men as well. This is according to a joint study conducted by National Institutes of Health or NIH and seniors group AARP. The study begun in 1995 which closely monitored men and women ages 50-71 and has been studying their processed, red and white meat intake since then.

Those who consumed red meats almost everyday have died earlier than those who don’t. Aside from cancer and heart disease, causes of death included Alzheimer’s disease, lung and liver diseases and stomach ulcers—and that is just beginning the list. This, in fact, is strongly supported by U.S. National Cancer Institute.

Over a ten-year period, it was established that eating red and processed meat on a regular basis brought the overall death risks level up by 30% as compared to those who maintain a non-red meat diet.

Red meat is included in the food pyramid and it is a good source of iron and protein but too much of it can certainly kill you—earlier than you should. Regular consumption of red meat poses health risks especially in seniors due to its large amount of saturated fat. Processed meats like sausage and cold cuts are also included due to its red meat content plus the chemicals used in making the product such as nitrosamines.

It was also noted that upon cooking of red meat, some cancer-causing agents are formed, although it is not fully established how and what these agents are. Red meats are closely linked to numerous diseases like breast and colon cancer, high blood pressure, erratic cholesterol levels and heart diseases. Saturated fat doubled with the iron content found in red meat causes cancer.  However, maintaining a lower meat intake lowers all these health risks, if not preventing them all together.

Further researches are now conducted by the same group regarding the clear relation of red meat and life span and how does it affect one another. They are trying to point out specific causes of these incidents thus further analysis is in order. As of now, the only established connection from the study is the estimated amount per day consumed by those who died prematurely—that is a quarter-pound daily.

Seniors are highly encouraged to keep low red meat intake or avoid it all together by going vegetarian, if your health permits it. Or, at least try not to eat them everyday. Instead of red and processed meats, white meat is so far, a kinder source of protein and can be good for weight management and overall health as well. White meats include fish and fowl and they contain lesser amount of fat and calories than your red meat. For fierce red meat lovers, choose healthier cooking methods like baking instead of frying and choose lean meats and of course, keep them in minimum.

Alzheimer’s disease is a terrifying issue for seniors’ to face and it is growing rapidly in population everyday. This disease is the common fear of all seniors nearing the age 65 since it is prominent during this number and beyond. Aside from Alzheimer’s disease being the sixth leading cause of death, this disease robs us of our loved-ones even if they are still physically present with us.

Alzheimer’s disease is no joke. It’s like a thief, stealing bits of information from our mind every single day without us knowing and it won’t stop until there’s nothing left. Unfortunately, realization hits only when it’s too late for us to take any action and there’s nothing we can do but let it do its thing—a sad truth we have to face.

Alzheimer’s disease still remains a mystery of the mind; the only thing we can do about it is to at least come prepared for it. As early as 50 years of age, older adults are encouraged to gather their important documents and put them in a safe place where they can be easily accessed by them but not too accessible by every one else like safe deposit boxes offered by banks. Wills are drafted, made and signed as early as now while health cards are made ready for emergency use. Some seniors even walked an extra mile by making certain arrangements like care services and senior homes, if and when the need arises.

Facing Alzheimer’s disease is hard enough on its own but doubled with high financial costs which come with its required health care, it could mean bigger trouble for seniors. We need to consider those with little or none-at-all retirement money to begin with. Alzheimer’s disease is progressive and it changes dramatically overtime. The required type and level of treatments vary greatly from one cost to another and health cards can only absorb to some extent of the bill. If by some rude chance, we’re hit by this terrible disease, we need to shell out some money in order to survive, whether we like it or not. Alzheimer’s disease is crippling for the mind likewise for our pockets.

For Alzheimer’s disease patients, they are required to undergo ongoing treatment which includes diagnostic procedures and follow-ups. You also need to buy prescription drugs for your disease. For advance stages of Alzheimer’s disease, you should buy personal care supplies like adult diapers and such plus you need to acquire care services, either in-house or you move to a facility and nursing homes. All stated above is required by the disease as it progress and they are pricey.

Of all seniors’ health risks, AD is noted to be the priciest of them all. It was said that Alzheimer’s disease is three times higher in terms of healthcare costs than any other diseases which seniors face within their golden years. With economic crisis and rapidly aging population, it’s about time somebody gets a good look into this health issue and FAST!

It is threatening our economic status already due to its high maintenance cost absorbed by families, Medicare and Medicaid. Aside from this serious disease, most of the sufferers develop one or two more health conditions which raise the costs dramatically.

Have you heard of Healthy People 2010? This is a government initiated program launched last January 2000 and is still supported by States, communities and health organizations in an effort to improve quality of life and years through healthy life and eliminate other health disparities; Healthy People 2010’s two main goals.

Healthy People 2010 has 467 objectives which serve as a guide for improving health status of all people living in the US. It is closely managed and monitored by Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. This program targets all breathing, living people ages 0-beyond although most of the issues focus on older subjects. These health objectives are designed to identify and pinpoint health threats which can otherwise be prevented. After careful deliberation from key members, Healthy People 2010 set out guidelines on how to reduce these “preventable” diseases for people to stay healthy and live longer lives.

Although the allotted time seemed short to see results, Healthy People 2010 is definitely getting there through active participation and great community response. There is noted acknowledgement from people making healthy choices in their lifestyle likewise with their eating habits. Wellness program goes way beyond the simple eat, exercise and live healthy rule, it also implements public health infrastructures, and overall local and national health management.

Healthy People 2010 offers seniors better facilities and assistance in managing their health. Some health issues focusing on seniors are cancer, heart diseases, food safety, infectious diseases, tobacco smoking, vision and hearing, physical activity and fitness, nutrition and weight management and mental health disorders among others. These are all included in the Healthy People 2010 agenda.

For seniors, it promotes healthy aging even in later years of life when chronic diseases are not anymore preventable. Healthy People 2010 closely monitors seniors’ health status such as their mental and emotional being, daily activity, oral health and mobility. It also evaluates seniors’ health behaviors for better understanding of common health problems which make seniors’ life uncomfortable. Preventive measures are applied such as vaccines, screening and laboratory test; all essential in studying seniors’ health patterns.

If Healthy People 2010 succeed in making all of us healthy then seniors will greatly benefit from it. A good health guideline is beneficial for all of us struggling to maintain great health to achieve longer life.

When we were younger, it really didn’t matter if we’re eating right, just as long as we burn those stubborn fats and maintain our sexy figures. However, as we get older, good nutrition becomes our bestfriend in fighting off age-related factors which more often than not, get in our way of living.

Good nutrition is maintaining a healthy diet. This practice, in return, will give you many health benefits such as high energy, mental sharpness, resistance to infection, faster recovery from illnesses, operations and fractures, improved medication absorption and better management of health troubles. It will also help us stay emotionally balanced with a more positive outlook in life.

It is highly recommended for seniors to maintain good nutrition no matter what our circumstances are. A healthy diet will improve our quality of life resulting to better mobility and independence; two factors that are essential in seniors’ life. We can achieve this through education and community support which includes our family, friends and senior assistance programs developed by our local government.

However, there are obstacles which prevent seniors from achieving good nutrition. Some of these known factors are lifestyle changes, mobility, metabolism, appetite, health issues, digestion and emotional manifestations. These factors are most prevalent during later years of seniors’ life and most of the time, due to these unavoidable circumstances, seniors are compelled to choose unhealthy eating than be bothered with preparing a healthy meal.

Seniors should know that there are ways to healthy diet even if we are plagued with these obstacles from time to time. We just have to be resourceful and quite focus in getting all the nutrients we need in order to live a healthy life. I heard that there are seniors having trouble chewing and swallowing, hence they consume mostly liquids. If you need to do this, try to incorporate some nutrients to your liquids like fiber and protein. You can try fresh fruit juices, or mashed vegetables, milk and tasty soups. For your carbohydrates, eat soft bread and melt-in-your-mouth crackers.

If mobility is your problem like walking, driving and standing up, explore other means on how your groceries can reach your home rather than you going out for them. Some groceries offer delivery services for people who cannot make it to the store to shop, either by placing a call or ordering online. Your own favorite local deli can also do you favors especially if you are a valued customer. Ask a family member to do the shopping for you or if they are too busy to do this task, hire someone. If all else fails, sign up for local volunteer center that can visit and check on you from time to time. Sometimes, rather than engulfing yourself into mounds of self pity, it is much better to move into an assisted facility and let them do all the dirty work for you. It will save you time and energy than doing it yourself.
In case you lack appetite, I suggest you examine the problem closely so you can arrive into a much effective solution. This problem can stem from emotional on-goings right to the medications you are taking. If you feel sad and alone while you eat; eat with your friends. If it’s because of the medicines you are currently taking; ask your doctor about it and request him to change your medicines. For lack of taste, increase flavor by infusing stronger flavor and herbs.

Seniors should choose foods that are flavorful, low in fat and sodium, simple to prepare and high in fiber. Calcium should also be taken in consideration at all times since the bones get denser overtime. Learn to read labels and nutritional facts located at the back of product bottles. You should also pick healthier foods rather than plain and simple ones and don’t forget to drink lots of water to keep you hydrated.

Home exchange or house swap is a great vacation alternative for seniors especially in hard economic times like this. Home exchange is fun and most of all, they are free. Home swapping is when you stay in someone else’s house while they stay in yours at the same time or at pre-arranged time depending on both parties’ arrangement. This vacation set up will benefit both families with reduced travel cost since it eliminates hotel accommodation fees and having to eat out all the time. Home swap provides all the comforts of home and luxury of experiencing other world outside of your comfort zone without having to pay an expensive tag.

Direct exchange is done if you and the exchanging party will simultaneously do the home swap meaning they will come to your house while you stay at theirs for the same period of time. The emerging trend today in home exchange is the nonsynchronized swap. Non-synchronized swap is when you go to their home at a pre-arranged time but they won’t necessarily stay at your house. Either they stay at someone else’s house or they stay put while you’re visiting. Second homes can also be exchanged instead of rented out for the holidays. You can also do some house-sitting while the family is away.

Aside from your house, you can opt to put your yacht, cruiser or vacation house up for swap. You can also look for a certain house feature like it’s proximity to the city central or places of interest. It doesn’t have to be an exact house type, just as long as the accommodation impresses both parties like a yacht for a cabin house or a studio type for a house with a pool. House swap is completely flexible when it comes to terms and stays.

Usually, home exchange is done over the internet but you can also directly arrange your own swaps with family and friends. Since internet offers broader audience, you can find millions of swappers all over the world and has then become a popular mode for home exchanges. There are home exchange organizations which offer search directories, guides and tips and also customer support for a fee, usually a membership fee. It is best to browse the site first before signing up with any of them. Plan ahead so you can choose the best exchange home for your trip.

Home exchange is best for seniors since this kind of arrangement is personal and friendly. They can greatly benefit by making new friends across the country and having the much-needed vacation all at the same time. It will also give you the best tips on where to eat and what places to visit as opposed to impersonal atmosphere your usual resort and hotels allow. Home swaps are also suggested for vacationing families and large groups instead of occupying several rooms in a hotel.

Before committing your house to a swap, check the other parties’ location, house area, number of rooms, and access to public transport. Make sure that you express concerns beforehand and set limits and responsibilities to both parties such as house occupancy and usage. Naturally enough, you should leave the house in a clean and good condition like you first found it; this is a form of courtesy to the house owner and a golden rule for home exchange.

The only downside of home exchange is that you cannot demand a refund or room change if you don’t like the place likewise there is no housekeeping to clean up the mess you made so you have to do it on your own. But hey, it’s free so a little compromise won’t hurt right? Think of it this way, if you want them to treat your house right, you should also accord the same respect.

According to statistics, more seniors are working fulltime and they are steadily gaining in numbers over the last 10 years or so. It was even stated that seniors 50 years and above are amongst the fastest growing labor groups to date. This is primarily due to the fact that seniors today are delaying their retirement for varying reasons such as inadequate retirement income, staying active and social relationships.

With the economic crisis lingering the air, it’s not quite hard to imagine if seniors will prefer working even if they are way past their retirement age. Just imagine the medical bills and household expenses; it’s getting hard to keep up with those ever increasing price tags right? So what’s a senior got to do? Hold on to the job as long as he possibly can.

Others who made it financially stable to their golden years still keep their jobs for personal satisfaction or most likely, they will jump from one occupation to another—this other job being flexible, high-paying or both. There are no shortage of jobs though, since demands for senior workers are also growing rapidly.

Based on surveys made to seniors, some of them plan to continue working beyond their retirement age while others would work part time jobs just to stay connected with their communities. Part time jobs provide additional income for other expenses, both planned and unplanned likewise for starting their own businesses. Significantly small number of seniors stated that they will no longer work after they reach retirement.

Referral services are now aimed at seniors looking for work. These services are dedicated to support seniors in the workforce since they believe that seniors have the right to stay around longer that they used to. Some employers prefer seniors over younger adults since seniors are well-trained, experienced, dedicated to do the job and they are less likely to fool around like teenagers do. Seminars and trainings conducted by various organizations are now offered to seniors giving them business ideas and tips on how to start again.

To be able to land a job, seniors must refresh their interview skills while applying some touch-ups with their talents by joining short courses related to their desired line of work. It is also best to look for employers who respects seniors’ age. Bear in mind that you don’t have to adapt a “grab-while-you-can” attitude because there are far too many jobs for seniors to choose from. It’s never too late for continual learning and education, just pick the job that interests you the most which offers flexible time and less pressure on your part. Moreover, this job should optimize your hard-earned knowledge and experience to their highest potential.

Americans today, particularly seniors live longer and healthier lives than ever before. Their talents and skills are highly valued and much needed in today’s workforce since their personal branding is already established. Some seniors do it for the money while others take volunteer jobs to help train younger workers reach their goals in chosen fields. In return, volunteer seniors gain steady social connections and community acceptance, both are essential in seniors’ lives. Whatever reasons there might be, seniors today are nowhere near retirement and they are certainly taking over the workforce!

Take a stroll down your local mall and you will notice some people clamoring up at some stall with sleek and sexy ladies giving demos to potential buyers. The product in question? Electronic cigarettes, also known as E-cigarettes. Sounds like something straight from the future right? Well, sort of. I would like to think of it as a prototype for all things electronic, the future of everything.

Although the product seems weird, it’s certainly fascinating to see. I bet seniors will have a high time checking this one out. We all know how hard it is to kick this bad habit away and it’s about time they think of something more than nicotine gums and patches.

E-cigarettes are manufactured in China, shipped to US. Primarily, E-cigarettes were sold over the internet since there were some hesitations from the selling parties on how well E-cigarettes will do in the market. Obviously, there were demands hence marketing of the product was brought forward.

Interesting enough, E-cigarettes boast of lessening bad effects of traditional tobacco smoking which is 4000 something toxins; 200 of which are known to be poisonous and about 60 of them are carcinogens. Plus, second hand smoke delivers the same potent effects of its first hand counterpart. E-cigarettes produce vapor, not smoke so you are safe from smoking bans. No more smelly clothes, tar stained fingers and ashtray mouth. Most of all, it doesn’t involve lighting or burning so it’s safe for seniors right?

So how does it work? E-cigarettes look like your average cigarette stick. It uses a cartridge which holds liquid nicotine inside. The rechargeable batteries heat up the nicotine which will then produce vapor, ready and waiting to be dragged by the smoker. The tip of the gadget glows like the real thing everytime you take a hit. Once your cartridge is used up, you replace them with another one. You can even choose your cartridge’s nicotine level every time you buy a new set.

Well, taking it at face value, E-cigarette is an innovative product that has a lot of potential for smokers. A safer alternative to tobacco smoking but it still uses nicotine. Well, nicotine is nicotine and we know how harmful nicotine can get. Nicotine causes addiction, the same substance that makes you smoke cigarettes stick after stick and never quit the habit. So, it makes me doubt E-cigarettes especially when it claims that this product can help you stop smoking.

Upon digging deeper, I found out that E-cigarettes are not regulated by any governing agency and it lacks medical backings. In short, these products are not tested and approved by right agencies. To some extent, it may be safe; safer than tobacco and it goes around smoking bans so this is certainly good news for smokers right? But not until it is regulated and proven safe, this product stays unrecommended by FDA for use. Better safe than sorry right?

When someone tries to guess your age, the first thing they will consider is your skin. Not your physique, not your clothes, not your self-confidence but your skin particularly in the facial area. This is a crucial area, your dead giveaway. If you are lucky, your skin will take some years off your age but if not, you will definitely gain some more years than your true numbers.

Causes of skin aging are determined by your current health and lifestyle. When you make unhealthy choices then and now, it can cause premature skin aging. Some of the skin’s aging factors are environmental, illness, lack of personal hygiene, vices and of course, let’s not forget to blame our genes because it can also be hereditary. Combine any of these and you will get a look much older than your actual years.

While aging is a natural occurrence to human, seniors can somehow alleviate it by engaging in a healthy lifestyle while avoiding nasty habits which make the skin age fast. Cigarette smoke is one of the leading causes of skin aging, both for smokers and non-smokers. First and second hand smoke depletes your body’s reserves of Vitamin C. One puff and it will quickly send some trillion free radicals which will then circulate all throughout our bodies. Also, cigarette smoke contains 4000 toxin, known and unknown, which will travel through our blood stream. Some of these toxins are sure to end up into our skin structure. Cigarette smoke reduces oxygen supply in the blood and lessens collagen levels of the skin.

Sun exposure is still the leading cause of skin aging, not to mention skin cancer. If you love tanning then you might want to reconsider doing so since this practice is not safe anymore. But truth be told, sun exposure is inevitable. Anywhere we go, there is sun shining above our heads leaving unprotected skin with dry and leathery appearance. And no, lotion is not enough. Use sunscreen that protects your skin from both UVA and UVB rays and it should be SPF 15 or higher. Sunscreen should be used each day, all year round, all four seasons long.

Your body’s toxins make your skin age faster and it accumulates inside of us if we don’t eliminate them fast enough. If seniors live a sedentary life with poor eating habits, it will definitely show. By exercising, you sweat and when you sweat, toxins come out. Exercising will also tone your muscles up preventing it from sagging and promotes great blood circulation. Mild detox every once in a while will also help you in getting rid of harmful toxins inside your body likewise support clean digestive track.

Studies have shown that alcohol consumption is bad for senior’s skin. Alcohol dilates small blood vessels making it appear flushed. It also interferes with vitamin A and dehydrates the skin causing permanent damages overtime.

We all know that stress is bad. When you are stressed, you frown hence the formation of frown lines. It also makes you look tired and sullen. Try to kick stress out of the window by learning meditation for proper handling of problems and try to maintain an adequate amount of sleep every night to avoid dark circles from forming under your eyes. If you are experiencing some trouble sleeping, consult your doctor at once.