by Anne Pagnoni
When Robert and Anne bought their family home thirty years ago, their plan was to live through retirement in this home. They had furnished their home with refurbished antiques acquired from their many trips together. It was one of their cherished antique coffee tables that Robert tripped over, breaking his hip. Now with his return from the hospital in a wheelchair, the overwhelming task of making their home accessible for Robert’s wheelchair and safe for both of them faced Anne.
Remodeling for wheelchair access, organizing home furnishings and daily living items or downsizing and relocating to a smaller living area are monumental tasks that are many times thrust on senior home owners. Sometimes the need to do this is brought on by injury or age related illness. Home and yard maintenance can become a daunting chore for even the healthiest of seniors, requiring them to make a downsizing decision.
There is a large and growing industry of specialists who understand these challenges of elderly homeowners and are ready and willing to help with remodeling, organizing or the sale of the home and with the move to a new location.
A professional organizer provides skills in making the home safe and manageable. Relocating furniture, removing hazards such as electrical cords, throw rugs, heavy objects on shelves that might fall are some of the ways they make a home more senior friendly. They specialize in helping seniors part with items that clutter or have no valued use, so to make rooms less crowded or to make ready for a move to a smaller living space.
Handicap remodeling services and senior safety services offer help in adding wheelchair ramps and widening doorways. Bathrooms are made more accessible and safe, with hand rails, walk-in bath facilities and easier access to toilets.
If moving to a smaller retirement home or care facility is the best solution there is another senior specialty provider to call on called a Seniors Real Estate Specialist.
The Senior Real Estate Specialist concentrates more on a complete service package for the sale of the property and/or the purchase of a new living arrangement. The specialist also arranges for the services of a relocation specialist or Senior Move Manager to provide a complete, stress-free package for the elderly homeowner.
A move often requires downsizing and getting rid of a tremendous number of acquired possessions. The relocation specialist or Senior Move Manager, as they are often called, will typically provide a turnkey operation that includes assessing and identifying items to keep, arranging for auction or other disposal, cleaning the home, moving the belongings and setting up the new residence. The manager may also work closely with a real estate agent to arrange for the sale of the home and may also be involved in the financial transactions necessary to move into a new living arrangement.
All the help available to seniors may in itself be overwhelming. How do seniors choose the right service provider for their needs? How do they know they will hire someone qualified, responsible and honest? Area Agencies on Aging and State Better Business Bureaus are good resources to check out available service providers.
Family, friends and religious leaders can be valuable resources to seniors in referring service providers and helping to manage the hiring and supervision.
The National Care Planning Council’s website http://www.longtermcarelink.net/ provides educational articles and information on eldercare providers throughout the nation.
Sunday, June 26, 2011
Monday, June 13, 2011
The Dangers of Osteoporosis
by Anne Pagnoni
Osteoporosis, which is a disease in which the bones become weak and brittle, is a condition affecting almost 10 million Americans with another 34 million being at risk for the condition. Of these almost 20% are men. While osteoporosis may not sound like a devastating disease, consider the fact that bones can become so weak and brittle that even mild stressors such as bending over, sneezing, or coughing can cause a bone fracture.
When we're younger, breaking a bone isn't necessarily a serious condition. Think of the young child who falls and breaks an arm while bike riding. He often returns to school with a cast on his arm and a marker so that all of his friends can sign it. Breaking a bone when we're older, however, is a serious condition. Broken bones due to osteoporosis most likely occur in the spine or hip both of which directly support our weight. Hip fractures in older adults can lead to disability and even death due to postoperative complications.
Some people with osteoporosis find themselves with spinal fractures even though they haven't fallen or otherwise injured themselves. This is a result of the bones in the back becoming so brittle that they begin to compress on each other. Compression fractures tend to be very painful and require a long recovery.
There are a variety of risk factors for osteoporosis - some we can change and some we can't. Risk factors that we can change include maintaining an adequate amount of calcium in our diets; stopping smoking; getting regular exercise; avoiding excessive alcohol consumption; and, if possible, avoiding the long-term use of corticosteroid medications. Risk factors that can't be changed include being a woman; increasing age; being either white or of Asian descent; having a family history of osteoporosis; being of a small body frame; possessing too much of the thyroid hormone; or having certain medical conditions including celiac disease and Crohn's Disease.
Certain medications can be prescribed to help slow bone loss and maintain bone mass. Hormone therapy, particularly estrogen, can help maintain bone density if started shortly after menopause; however, this can increase the risk of developing a plethora of other ailments including blood clots, breast cancer, and even heart disease. Physical therapy is another option which can be helpful in improving bone strength.
If you find yourself diagnosed with Osteoporosis, there are a few things that you can do to work to maintain your independence. Maintain good posture as this can help alleviate stress on your spine. If you need to lift something, make sure that you bend at your knees and not your waist, and lift with your legs. Wear low-heeled shoes with nonslip soles. Make sure that you don't have any tripping or fall hazards at home including electrical cords, throw rugs, and slippery surfaces. Keep your home brightly lit and install grab bars both inside and outside of your shower door. If you are in chronic pain, then discuss this with your doctor. Chronic pain can begin to limit your mobility, which will result in even more pain.
When it comes to osteoporosis, prevention truly is the best medicine. Make sure that you're getting adequate amounts of calcium and vitamin D in your diet. If you aren't sure that you're getting enough, then talk to your doctor about supplements that you can take. Exercise regularly. While you don't have to be a body builder, make sure that you're incorporating strength training with weight bearing exercises.
Osteoporosis, which is a disease in which the bones become weak and brittle, is a condition affecting almost 10 million Americans with another 34 million being at risk for the condition. Of these almost 20% are men. While osteoporosis may not sound like a devastating disease, consider the fact that bones can become so weak and brittle that even mild stressors such as bending over, sneezing, or coughing can cause a bone fracture.
When we're younger, breaking a bone isn't necessarily a serious condition. Think of the young child who falls and breaks an arm while bike riding. He often returns to school with a cast on his arm and a marker so that all of his friends can sign it. Breaking a bone when we're older, however, is a serious condition. Broken bones due to osteoporosis most likely occur in the spine or hip both of which directly support our weight. Hip fractures in older adults can lead to disability and even death due to postoperative complications.
Some people with osteoporosis find themselves with spinal fractures even though they haven't fallen or otherwise injured themselves. This is a result of the bones in the back becoming so brittle that they begin to compress on each other. Compression fractures tend to be very painful and require a long recovery.
There are a variety of risk factors for osteoporosis - some we can change and some we can't. Risk factors that we can change include maintaining an adequate amount of calcium in our diets; stopping smoking; getting regular exercise; avoiding excessive alcohol consumption; and, if possible, avoiding the long-term use of corticosteroid medications. Risk factors that can't be changed include being a woman; increasing age; being either white or of Asian descent; having a family history of osteoporosis; being of a small body frame; possessing too much of the thyroid hormone; or having certain medical conditions including celiac disease and Crohn's Disease.
Certain medications can be prescribed to help slow bone loss and maintain bone mass. Hormone therapy, particularly estrogen, can help maintain bone density if started shortly after menopause; however, this can increase the risk of developing a plethora of other ailments including blood clots, breast cancer, and even heart disease. Physical therapy is another option which can be helpful in improving bone strength.
If you find yourself diagnosed with Osteoporosis, there are a few things that you can do to work to maintain your independence. Maintain good posture as this can help alleviate stress on your spine. If you need to lift something, make sure that you bend at your knees and not your waist, and lift with your legs. Wear low-heeled shoes with nonslip soles. Make sure that you don't have any tripping or fall hazards at home including electrical cords, throw rugs, and slippery surfaces. Keep your home brightly lit and install grab bars both inside and outside of your shower door. If you are in chronic pain, then discuss this with your doctor. Chronic pain can begin to limit your mobility, which will result in even more pain.
When it comes to osteoporosis, prevention truly is the best medicine. Make sure that you're getting adequate amounts of calcium and vitamin D in your diet. If you aren't sure that you're getting enough, then talk to your doctor about supplements that you can take. Exercise regularly. While you don't have to be a body builder, make sure that you're incorporating strength training with weight bearing exercises.
Wednesday, June 8, 2011
Be Aware of High Blood Pressure
by Anne Pagnoni
According to the CDC, almost 68 million people are living with high blood pressure, which is also known as hypertension. High blood pressure increases the risk for heart disease and stroke, which are the first and third leading causes of death, respectively.
Blood pressure is the force of blood against your artery walls as the heart pumps your blood throughout your body. If your blood pressure rises and stays high for a long period of time, then it can damage the body in a variety of ways. Blood pressure is measured in two numbers. The systolic number, which is the "top" number, refers to blood pressure when the heart is beating. The diastolic number, which is the "bottom" number, refers to blood pressure when the heart is resting between beats. A normal blood pressure reading is any reading when the systolic number is less than 120 and the diastolic number is less than 80.
Blood pressure varies during the day. It tends to increase when you're excited, nervous, or active. It tends to decrease when you are sleeping. It's important to keep in mind that if your blood pressure stays above the normal reading for the majority of the time, then you are at risk for hypertension and other health problems.
In addition to sleep, excitement, and activity, there are many other factors that impact blood pressure. The amount of water and salt that you have in your body; the condition of your kidneys, nervous system, and blood vessels; health conditions including thyroid disease and sleep apnea; and the varying levels of hormones in your body impact blood pressure. Age impacts blood pressure as blood pressure tends to increase as we get older simply because our blood vessels become stiffer as we age.
Hypertension has been shown to cause the arteries throughout the body to narrow in some places. As a result, blood flow is limited to various body parts which can lead to heart attack, stroke, or kidney failure. Aneurysms, which are abnormal bulges in artery walls, can form in blood vessels as a result of high blood pressure. Blood vessels in the eyes can burst or begin to bleed. This can lead to changes in vision or even blindness.
There are a variety of medications that can be used to treat hypertension. These vary from medications that help remove water and salt from the body to medications that slow down the heart or relax and widen blood vessels. Some individuals benefit from having two or more medications.
In addition to prescription medications, there are a variety of lifestyle changes that one can make to help decrease blood pressure. Eating a diet low in fat, cholesterol, and salt can help reduce blood pressure as well as limiting the consumption of alcoholic beverages. Men should have no more than two alcoholic drinks per day while women should have no more than one alcoholic drink per day. Physical activity is another way to manage high blood pressure. It's important to speak with your physician prior to starting any physical exercise regiment in order to learn what is safe for you to do. Maintaining a healthy weight can do wonders in the fight against high blood pressure. If you are a smoker, then quit smoking. There are products that can help you quit. Talk to your doctor for more information about these. Learn how to manage stress and relax. Some people choose physical activity while others opt for meditation or listening to music. Find out what works for you.
While high blood pressure cannot be cured, it can be controlled. Make sure that you work closely with your doctor to make sure that your hypertension is being properly managed. Managing your high blood pressure will allow you to live a long life.
For more information, please visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention or the National Heart Lung and Blood Institute.
According to the CDC, almost 68 million people are living with high blood pressure, which is also known as hypertension. High blood pressure increases the risk for heart disease and stroke, which are the first and third leading causes of death, respectively.
Blood pressure is the force of blood against your artery walls as the heart pumps your blood throughout your body. If your blood pressure rises and stays high for a long period of time, then it can damage the body in a variety of ways. Blood pressure is measured in two numbers. The systolic number, which is the "top" number, refers to blood pressure when the heart is beating. The diastolic number, which is the "bottom" number, refers to blood pressure when the heart is resting between beats. A normal blood pressure reading is any reading when the systolic number is less than 120 and the diastolic number is less than 80.
Blood pressure varies during the day. It tends to increase when you're excited, nervous, or active. It tends to decrease when you are sleeping. It's important to keep in mind that if your blood pressure stays above the normal reading for the majority of the time, then you are at risk for hypertension and other health problems.
In addition to sleep, excitement, and activity, there are many other factors that impact blood pressure. The amount of water and salt that you have in your body; the condition of your kidneys, nervous system, and blood vessels; health conditions including thyroid disease and sleep apnea; and the varying levels of hormones in your body impact blood pressure. Age impacts blood pressure as blood pressure tends to increase as we get older simply because our blood vessels become stiffer as we age.
Hypertension has been shown to cause the arteries throughout the body to narrow in some places. As a result, blood flow is limited to various body parts which can lead to heart attack, stroke, or kidney failure. Aneurysms, which are abnormal bulges in artery walls, can form in blood vessels as a result of high blood pressure. Blood vessels in the eyes can burst or begin to bleed. This can lead to changes in vision or even blindness.
There are a variety of medications that can be used to treat hypertension. These vary from medications that help remove water and salt from the body to medications that slow down the heart or relax and widen blood vessels. Some individuals benefit from having two or more medications.
In addition to prescription medications, there are a variety of lifestyle changes that one can make to help decrease blood pressure. Eating a diet low in fat, cholesterol, and salt can help reduce blood pressure as well as limiting the consumption of alcoholic beverages. Men should have no more than two alcoholic drinks per day while women should have no more than one alcoholic drink per day. Physical activity is another way to manage high blood pressure. It's important to speak with your physician prior to starting any physical exercise regiment in order to learn what is safe for you to do. Maintaining a healthy weight can do wonders in the fight against high blood pressure. If you are a smoker, then quit smoking. There are products that can help you quit. Talk to your doctor for more information about these. Learn how to manage stress and relax. Some people choose physical activity while others opt for meditation or listening to music. Find out what works for you.
While high blood pressure cannot be cured, it can be controlled. Make sure that you work closely with your doctor to make sure that your hypertension is being properly managed. Managing your high blood pressure will allow you to live a long life.
For more information, please visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention or the National Heart Lung and Blood Institute.
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