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Protecting Your Heath With Vaccines

As we age, protecting our health is more important than ever. We know older adults tend to experience severe symptoms and complications from many communicable viruses and diseases, and can have a harder time bouncing back from them. Being vaccinated lowers the risk for serious illness, and in extreme cases death; and the side effects of vaccines are typically mild and temporary. While Medicare covers the cost of vaccines for the flu, COVID-19 and RSV, many seniors are not always sure if or when they need to get another shot. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends people 65 years or older get an annual high-dose flu vaccine if available as they suffer the most from the disease. There are two types. One high-dose flu vaccine contains an antigen called hemagglutinin and has 3 to 4 times as much flu virus antigen as a standard vaccine. The other has an ingredient called an adjuvant that helps the immune system respond better to the virus. If you are over 65 and susp...
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Oranges May Reduce Depression Risk

An article from the Medical News Today reports oranges may be the new apple a day remedy. They mention a Harvard study showing a daily orange may do more than just provide a juicy dose of vitamin C — it could also help protect our mental health. The study found a connection between consuming one medium orange daily with a 20 percent decrease in the risk of developing depression. Researchers say the lower risk is due to the effects oranges, and other citrus fruits, have on the beneficial gut bacteria called Faecalibacterium prausnitzii. Participants who reported feeling depressed were found to have lower levels of this bacterium. Researchers say the bacterium seems to influence the production of the brain chemicals serotonin and dopamine, which are associated with regulating our mood. The large study tracked 32,000 middle-aged women from 2003 to 2017; and throughout the extensive time frame, discovered only citrus fruits seemed to help stave off depression. A later study found similar...
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Knee Pain in Older Adults

As we age, our knees take a beating. We use them to walk, stand and climb stairs, and they are used when we get up from a sitting or lying position. When our knees hurt, everyday tasks are harder to do. Chronic knee pain is often a form of arthritis that occurs when the cushioning cartilage protecting the knee joints starts to wear down. As more cartilage wears away, the space between the bones narrows resulting in bone rubbing against bone. Knee arthritis is a deteriorating condition, and in addition to pain, can cause deformities such as knock knees or bowlegs. Experts explain there are three forms of arthritis that affect the knee. The first is a degenerative joint disease called osteoarthritis; another is the autoimmune disease known as rheumatoid arthritis; and finally post-traumatic knee arthritis that happens with a history of injury or trauma. Factors increasing your risk for knee arthritis include the wear and tear that comes from age, being overweight, heredity, gender, and...
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Considerations for Aging in Place

To safely age in place, seniors need to be somewhere that supports their independence, health, and security whether it is their own home or senior apartments designed to meet their needs . The decision on where and how a person lives depends on a variety of factors, including any physical conditions limiting their mobility. Another thing affecting a person’s well-being is dealing with a disease such as Alzheimer’s or another type of dementia. It is beneficial to evaluate your current home to see if it will work for you in the future; or would your needs be better served somewhere like an assisted living community? If you have mobility issues and your present living situation requires modifications to make it safe, keep in mind those changes can be expensive as well as affect the value of the home when you do sell. Problem areas include stairs, narrow doorways and poorly lit areas that increase the risk of a dangerous fall. Additionally, if you live alone, how far away are family member...
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Strokes Are Often Misunderstood

Stroke is a common medical event. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) reports each year over 795,000 people in the United States suffer from a stroke, and of that number, around 610,000 are first strokes. Statistics show stroke to be a leading cause of death; and experts say while common, stroke is often misunderstood. One of the first misconceptions is that stroke is caused by a problem of the heart. Doctors explain stroke occurs when there is a blockage or rupture of arteries or veins in the brain, not in the heart. The second most important thing to know about stroke is in many cases it is preventable. The most common risk factors include hypertension, smoking, high cholesterol, obesity, diabetes, trauma to the head or neck, and cardiac arrhythmias. Lifestyle changes like eating a healthier diet, avoiding smoking and exercising can help lessen your risk for a stroke. Managing stress and watching your consummation of alcohol can additionally reduce the risk. Another thing many peop...
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MorningStar of Pasadena Offers Trusted Memory Care

If you are looking for comprehensive, compassionate memory care for a loved one , we encourage you to consider MorningStar of Pasadena. Our unique approach to memory care is all-encompassing and provides an environment in which your loved one is given the support they need to make the most of each day. Every aspect of our Reflections Neighborhood is designed to make individuals living with Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related diseases feel comforted and safe. To ensure the safety and well-being of residents, the area is completely secure, including the outdoor area. In addition, all suites are equipped with emergency call systems and handicapped-accessible bathrooms. We know it is devastating when a family receives a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s or another dementia-related disease and we feel called to help by shouldering some of the burden. Our team is made up of the kind of individuals who recognize it is a privilege to serve and are trained in our signature Lavender Sky program, whi...
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Summer Offers a Bounty of Healthy Fruits and Vegetables

Now that summer is here, so is a plentiful selection of fresh, garden grown fruits and vegetables in our supermarkets, farmers’ markets and produce stands. As dietitians recommend adults eat at least three servings of vegetables a day and two of fruit, summer’s yummy selection makes it easier and tastier to do. The US News & World Report published an article with a review of some of the five healthiest in-season fruits and vegetables to eat at mealtime or for snacks. The first recommendation is cherries. Across the country you will find a delicious assortment including Bing and Van, and the Rainer, a premium cherry that is a cross between Bing and Van as well as both sweet and tart varieties. A cup of cherries (about 21) has 90 calories, three grams of fiber, and is a good source of potassium and vitamin C. “Cherries are also a great source of anthocyanins, which offer antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, cardiovascular and other benefits.” Research has found cherries can i...
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