February 2008

 HEALTHY LIVING 

According to the United States Center for Disease Control, over 600 people die ever year due to hypothermia, many being over the age of 65. As a caregiver, keep your loved one safe by providing them with plenty of food and water, checking the furnace regularly, and hiring someone to manage snow removal.   source: Pantagraph.com

During tax season, ID thieves are looking for people to make careless mistakes concerning their tax information. Habits that we follow regularly can give thieves an opportunity to steal tax forms or copy information that they can use for ID theft. Tax time can already be painful; don't make it worse by becoming a victim of ID theft. Here are some hints to keep your tax response safer:  Read More >>

In 2000 a typical working family caregiver lost $109 per day in wages and health benefits due to the need to provide full time care at home.  Source: American Council of Life Insurers

• 4 Ways To Help Seniors Prevent Falling 
• Learn More About Personal Emergency Response Systems (PERS)
• Recipe: Boost Your Brain Power 
• Ongoing Learning: Quiet Conversation 

4 Ways To Help Seniors Prevent Falling 

Are you doing all you can to help prevent accidental falls? Use these 4 ideas to begin improving your chances to ward off falls.

1. Practice safety in your home.
Because more than half of all falls occur at home, spend some time making sure your home is as safe as possible.

• Remove clutter from the floor, such as piles of paper, books, files, clothes and shoes. Keep stairs, hallways and major traffic areas clear at all times.
• Remove small throw rugs, or rugs where edges turn up or don't lay flat.
• Use non-slip mats in the shower and tub. Provide grab bars as necessary to make it easier to maintain balance.
• Rearrange shelves, cabinets and closets to have items you use frequently in easier to reach areas.
• Keep main traffic areas well lit. Place nightlights in hallways to areas well lit at night.
• Wear shoes or slippers with soled bottoms in the house for better traction.

2. Keep a close watch over your medicines.
Do you receive prescription medication from more than one pharmacy? Do you regularly take over the counter medicines? If so, do you know how they all work together?

Talk with your doctor or pharmacist and provide them with a complete list of all medications you currently take. They can provide you with any information on taking your medicines, and ensuring that they work together. Some combinations may react differently together, causing everything from dizziness to sleepiness, increasing your chances of falling.

3. Have your vision checked regularly.
In many cases falling is simply a matter of not seeing the obstacles in your path. Check with your doctor regularly for new glasses prescriptions, glaucoma and cataracts tests.

4. Start something new.
Staying active is one of the most important ways to lower your chances of falling. Join a gym. Start a yoga or Tai Chi program. Get active in a local seniors club. Not only will it help you stay active, but you'll have the chance to meet other like-minded people as well. 
 

Learn More About Personal Emergency Response Systems (PERS)

A Personal Emergency Response System (PERS) is a small radio transmitter, a help button, that can be worn on a necklace or bracelet or slipped into a pocket. The transmitter is connected to a console within the user's telephone, which automatically contacts the emergency response center and other pre-selected telephone numbers when the button is pushed.

The response center usually provides 24 hour, 7 days of the week response services. At the time the service is originated, you can designate a variety of emergency contacts in the event your loved one pushes the button. The response center will work with your loved one to determine if it is a true emergency, and will then contact all persons on the list as to the nature of the emergency.

PERS have the ability to work throughout the home, and in most cases 200 to 400 feet outside of the home as well. It is a good idea to test your system with your loved one to help them feel comfortable with the range. Make sure they understand how to use the system, and what will happen when they press the button.

Here are a few tips to keep your brain healthy and your mental processes operating effectively.

1.  Nourish your brain with the right foods.
Proteins found in beef, lamb, fish, eggs, and dairy products and soy are your body's building blocks. Proteins are used to build the neurotransmitters in your brain and are essential to improve mental performance. If you are experiencing mental fatique, treat yourself to a big juicy hamburger.  (This is not fast food, this is a big juicy all meat hamburger!!!  Skip the French fries AND remember this is a TREAT....3 to 4 times a month).  Eat a protein rich breakfast and lunch.  At night...give your brain a break... no protein.

Vitamins and Minerals found in fruits and vegetables protect from free radical activity  and  maintain the oxygen balance in your brain. Greens (spinach, kale, collard greens, swiss chard) and deep yellows every day. Other choices are broccoli, brussell sprouts, avocado, bell peppers, blueberries, blackberries, strawberries, grapes, and kiwis.

Fats  Did you know your brain is more than 60% fat?  The right fats are key factors to help regulate blood circulation, memory and mood.  Omega 3 fats found in salmon, sardines, trout, and tuna are excellent sources.  Lack of Omega 3's in your diet can lead to depression, poor memory, low IQ and other mental disorders.

2.  Hydrate your brain with water.

3. Oxygenate your brain with physical exercise, deep breathing exercises, and/or meditation exercises

In salad bow, toss together, fresh spinach leaves, sliced strawberries,
and slivered almonds. 

Toss with the following dressing.
1/4 cup olive oil
2 Tablespoons lime juice
1 teaspoon sugar
½ teaspoon cinnamon
2 Tablespoons sesame seeds
dash of salt

Whisk together, pour over salad, and toss to coat.
Garnish with crumbled Feta cheese.