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Showing posts from June, 2025

Alzheimer’s and Health Issues

Caring for a person with Alzheimer’s disease can be a time-consuming job. As the disease is progressive and symptoms worsen over time, the person’s needs also evolve. Things they used to do for themselves may no longer be possible or safe. Moreover, experts say like many older adults, a person with Alzheimer’s is likely to experience health changes over time. Therefore, it is important he/she continues to get routine checkups with their primary care physician as well as with any specialists they may be seeing. The National Institute on Aging (NIH) says some of the problems caregivers should look for are signs of fever, or sickness like the flu or pneumonia. They say a fever could be signs of infection, dehydration caused by lack of fluids, heat stroke or even constipation. When taking a person’s temperature, use a digital thermometer rather than a glass one as the person might bite down on the glass and break it. Let their doctor know right away if they do have a fever. To help prevent...

Specialized Care for Those With Serious Illnesses

To help those dealing with end-of-life issues, the National Institute on Aging (NIA) explains some of the myths associated with palliative and hospice care including sorting out the difference between the two terms. They explain while they are similar, they do differ in a couple of significant ways. Palliative care is defined as providing specialized care for those living with a serious illness. Myths linked to palliative care include the person no longer being able to receive care for their disease. The fact is care can be provided for the illness along with curative care. Another myth is the person will no longer be able to see their primary doctor but will only be treated by specialists. NIA says in many cases, the person’s primary provider will work hand-in-hand with specialists. The intention of palliative care is to improve quality of life as well as provide care to improve help with symptoms. It also helps the patient understand their choices for medical treatment. A palliative ...

Insights on Longevity from Centenarians

According to recent statistics, there are an estimated 101,000 centenarians (age 100+) making up 0.03% of the population; and experts expect that number to quadruple over the next three decades. Compare that to just 2,300 centenarians estimated to be alive during the 1950 census. Interestingly, Japan has the greatest number of people in their 100s, at 146,000 with the US holding the second spot. China has 60,000, India 48,000 and Thailand 38,000 to round out the top five. Experts say staying physically active is beneficial for overall fitness as well as extending our lifespan. Many centenarians report they routinely engage in physical activity such as walking, gardening, or participating in community activities. Studies link staying active to maintaining strength, flexibility, and cognitive function, which all contribute to not only a longer life but a healthier one. To learn the secrets to a long life, Today.com interviewed several centenarians, including some that are still driving,...

MorningStar of Pasadena Offers Specialized Memory Care

Along with independent and assisted living, Pasadena, CA’s MorningStar community offers holistic care to those with memory impairment and provides all the amenities and services needed for the best life possible. Our distinct Reflections Neighborhood is designed to accommodate our residents’ every need. While a secure area, independence is encouraged and supported through clear wayfinding, and safe and inviting common areas, both inside and out. When a family comes to MorningStar of Pasadena looking for care for a loved one with Alzheimer’s disease or another form of dementia, our experienced team is ready to help. Even before we welcome a new resident to our loving community, we take the time to meet with them and their family to learn as much as we can about the person including their medical history, background, talents, and personal preferences. We then use this information to create an individualized care plan that is used to stimulate or calm a resident in response to a parti...

Balance Begins to Decline in Midlife

Falls among senior citizens are all too common, and in many cases, threaten a person’s independence and way of life. Injuries from falls include to the head, hip fractures, and in extreme cases lead to death; and poor balance is one of the reasons people fall. Experts explain a person’s balance declines with age due to loss of sensory elements, the ability to integrate information and issue motor commands; and loss of musculoskeletal function as well as poor vision and inner ear problems. Certain medications and common medical conditions in older adults can also cause problems. Balance begins to decline in midlife, starting at about age 50. In one study, adults in their 30s and 40s could stand on one foot for a minute or more. By age 50, the time decreased to 45 seconds. The National Institute on Aging (NIH) explains maintaining good balance as you age and learning about fall prevention can help you get around, stay independent, and carry out daily activities. Targeted exercises like w...

Ensuring Adequate Vitamin D Intake

There has been much in the news lately about Vitamin D including how much we need each day and the fact that far too many people may be deficient. Medical professionals say there are not many foods high in Vitamin D so relying only on what we eat can be challenging. It is estimated close to half of all Americans are deficient in D; but without a blood test, it is difficult to know for sure. Vitamin D is good for us as it contributes to bone health by aiding our bodies with absorbing calcium and phosphorus. It additionally helps nerves carry messages between the brain and other parts of the body as well as fights inflammation. One food high in D is rainbow trout. Dieticians say one 3-ounce serving contains 645 IUs, which is more than the daily recommended serving for adults. Other foods high in D include salmon, which is high in vitamin D and omega-3 fatty acids, egg yolks and canned tuna. Mushrooms grown under UV light also have a good amount of vitamin D. Another source is food forti...

Survey of Pharmacists Highlights Myths About OTC Medications

Medical professionals worry far too many people do not use over-the-counter (OTC) medications according to stated directions. The most commonly used OTC medications are for pain management, allergy treatments and to reduce the symptoms of flu. US News & World Report conducted a survey of more than 350 pharmacists nationwide from chain, independent and hospital pharmacies regarding their views on patients’ compliance with OTC drugs. The results showed 9 out of 10 pharmacists agreed consumers believe too many myths about OTC medications. The list of some of the most commonly-held misconceptions includes: It’s okay for children to take adult OTC medications as long as the doses are reduced. It’s okay to double-dose OTC medications when I forget a dose. Natural or organic supplements are safer than other OTC medications. The bathroom is a good place to store OTC medications. It’s okay to take OTC medications after their expiration dates. It’s okay to cut, crush or chew OTC pills. Brand...

Overview of the Four Parts of Medicare

If you recently had a medical procedure or were hospitalized, you may be confused about a recent bill and are wondering what Medicare will cover, what your gap insurance will cover, and what you will be responsible for. It may help to have a better understanding of the four main parts of Medicare. Part A helps pay for inpatient stays in hospitals and skilled nursing facilities, some home care and end-of-life hospice care that accept Medicare. Hospital services covered include a semi-private room and meals, general nursing, drugs and supplies, inpatient rehabilitation, and some blood transfusions. Skilled nursing services include care for things like recovering from hip replacement surgery or stroke. Part A charges a deductible for hospital stays (the fee for 2025 is $1,676) but your Medigap insurance may cover that expense. Hospital stays for up to 60 days and virtually most services are covered by Medicare; but the one exception is not in a private room. Part B covers doctors and out...

Learn More About Senior Living

Moving from your current home to a CCRC (continuing care retirement community) such as a senior living community offering assisted living and memory care, can be a complex, emotionally-charged decision. Seniors worry they may lose their privacy and freedom of choice; or weaken their bonds with friends and family. Other concerns include: is it a smart decision financially, will the move increase their stress, and are they really ready to move? To address these concerns, hearing from actual senior living residents is helpful. Age Wave, a company specializing in issues related to the aging population, surveyed how older adults feel about senior living. It examined the decision-making process including priorities, hopes, concerns, and questions of those surveyed as well as conducted interviews with residents and management in senior housing. The first topic the survey looked at is whether a senior’s current home is in reality the best place to retire in. Age Wave said results show a move...

Adopt Incremental Changes for a Healthier Lifestyle

Medical experts from the Harvard School of Medicine explain that even small steps can make a positive change in your wellness journey. Many of their recommendations can be done daily without much time or effort. The first tip is to start the morning with a full body stretch to help improve circulation and wake up the body. Before getting out of bed, flex your lower limbs several times. Then bend your knees and raise your legs. Flex and rotate each foot a couple of times. From a sitting position, turn your head from side to side a few times and rotate your shoulders. Extend your arms out and rotate your hands. To maintain your dental health, floss your teeth every day. Experts say the proper way to floss is to wrap the floss around each tooth and slide it up and down a couple of times against the tooth rather than using a sawing motion. Now do the tooth on the other side. Another easy healthy habit is to drink a glass of water when you get up each morning, and then drink one with eac...

Mental Exercise is Key to Brain Health

We all know that even as seniors, physical exercise is important to maintain healthy bodies but medical experts want us to remember that mental exercise is also essential to good brain health. Luckily there are many fun and entertaining ways to exercise our mind and include an array of games on our tablets or computers as well as ones that only need pen and paper. Games like Sudoku, mahjong, chess, crossword puzzles, jigsaw puzzles, and solitaire are enjoyable and challenging ways to improve memory and stimulate the brain. Moreover, there is good evidence that supports this claim such as the study from the Albert Einstein College of Medicine. The research team conducted a long-term study that found seniors who did crosswords four days a week had a 47 percent lower risk of dementia than those who only did them once a week. Also, while there is the perception that chess is only for those who are very intelligent, it turns out the skills used to play a good game of chess are ones we a...

Memory Care at MorningStar’s Community in Houston

If a spouse, parent or another loved one is living with Alzheimer’s or a dementia-related disease and the time has come for more comprehensive care, you will want the very best. However, the problem can lie in trying to figure out what is the best, and a good place to start is with a company you can trust. MorningStar at River Oaks is part of MorningStar Senior Living , which was founded in 2003 on a mission statement of honoring God, valuing seniors and investing generously in our staff. Along with assisted living, MorningStar at River Oaks provides dedicated care in our distinct Reflections Neighborhood designed to meet the special needs of those with memory impairment. To encourage independence, confidence and a sense of freedom; Reflections Neighborhood uses clear wayfinding cues making it easier for residents to navigate hallways and recognize their own room. Warm and welcoming common areas help residents feel right at home. Our all-inclusive care provides a full range of servi...