Check up on your loved ones this Holiday season

It’s a normal part of life to move away from our parents once we get older and start having families of our own. Holidays then become the precious events that give us a clear reason to be together. But besides the merriment and catching up, what else can you do to really make your trip worthwhile?

The AARP has prepared a simple checklist that you can reference to make sure that everything will be safe and sound with your aging loved ones even in your absence. Here’s a couple of great reminders from the list to check up on:

At Home: Are your parents still capable of managing the stairs on their own safely? Are there possible slip zones anywhere in the home, such as in the kitchen or bathroom?

Driving: Is their night vision still passable? Are they having more close calls, or are you seeing more dents on their cars?

The checklist is a definite jumping off point for other questions that you may want to ask, so feel free to come up with your own.

Read the article here.

Lower breast cancer risk tied to low carb, healthy protein diet

Score another point for living a more carb-free lifestyle. Studies have shown that restricting your carbohydrate intake just twice a week could help lower your risk of breast cancer. Insulin control seems to be the main element to this new discovery, as insulin appears to be a contributor to the development of breast cancer.

This doesn’t seem to be a take on the Atkins diet either. While participants in the study did have their carb intake heavily restricted for two days out of the week, they were also encouraged to opt for lean meats and healthier protein options.

The participants also lost more weight on the intermittent plan compared to the other participants in the study. Despite the study, it’s still recommended to maintain a healthy weight, which is always possible if you adopt a healthy lifestyle of regular exercise and eating the right food.

Read the article here.

How to care for a loved one with Alzheimer’s this Holiday

Having a loved one suffering from Alzheimer’s over for the Holidays doesn’t have to be a stressful experience. Getting the help of a caregiver can be a boon, however with enough preparation and foresight, it’s still highly possible to make the experience comfortable for both your family and your loved one and avoid any unwanted episodes.

Here are a slew of helpful guides for making your Holidays as stress-free as possible with your loved one.

Set Expectations: Familiarize and educate friends and families with the situation of your loved one. You can inform them about the situation by writing a simple note.

Streamline Your Traditions: Simplify the season. Consider holding a smaller gathering with close family and loved ones. Don’t be afraid to ask for help. Instead of cooking an entire holiday meal, throw a potluck dinner where everyone can bring their own favorite dish.

Timing is Everything: Celebrate earlier in the day to reduce the risk of confusion. Consider throwing a holiday lunch instead of a dinner party.

Read the entire article.

1 in 10 adults could have diabetes by 2030

The Huffington Post reports that the International Diabetes Federation has predicted that at least one in 10 adults could be stricken with diabetes by 2030. The increase from the current rate of one in 13 is primarily due to aging rather than obesity, although weight gain and having a sedentary lifestyle are definite contributors.

Like many other diseases that are aggravated by aging, it’s best to institute countermeasures as early as possible. Done early enough, the right diet and a regular stream of exercise can go a long way towards keeping diabetes at bay in your later years.

Read the article.

Improve your balance by carrying objects while you walk or dance

Sounds like we have another vote for dancing being beneficial for the elderly! In the midst of a study done to determine the best exercises for improving balance in the elderly, it was discovered that activities like dancing and walking became more effective when the person held an object in their hand. Sounds simple, right? It is!

While dancing could be just as beneficial on its own, the study is especially important when considering the benefits of walking. While it’s good for cardio work, walking on its own does not reduce the number of falls in the elderly. Holding an object while you’re walking–such as a handbag or purse–challenges your sense of balance, thereby improving it.

The study recommends combining activities, like walking and dancing, that involve using various parts of your body, as well as doing the activities at least three times a week. It’s a proven fact that regular exercise can help with your balance and reduce the risk and likelihood of falling, so it’s time to get moving!

Read the article.

17 worst habits for your heart

It can be easy to slack off when it comes to your health. One day you decide to add a couple extra slices of bacon to your burger, another day you opt to skip out on a gym session to sit on your couch and watch TV instead because you’re feeling lazy. While it’s fine to treat yourself once in a while, many once-in-a-while decisions can turn into lifelong bad habits that can seriously affect your heart.

A little bit done many times over can amount to a whole lot, so here’s a quick list of some of the standout bad habits you need to break for your heart’s sake:

Sitting and watching TV – Active rest is key to keeping your heart healthy, so watching TV itself isn’t bad, but sitting for long periods in front of your TV or computer can possibly lead to elevated levels of fats and sugars in your blood. Get up and walk periodically, both when you’re at home and at work. If your loved one is homebound, a caregiver can help keep them active and moving.

Not flossing – Skipping out on flossing can not only lead to plaque build up over time, but developing gum disease as a result of not flossing can potentially lead to triggering inflammation in your body’s blood vessels.

Assuming you’re not at risk – As we said earlier, it’s easier to be lazy with your health, and it’s especially true when you don’t think you’re not at risk for anything because you’re not exhibiting symptoms. Unless you’re not being regularly checked by your doctor for high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, or other risks, there’s no guarantee that the lifestyle you’re leading is benefiting your health.

Get a full checkup done today. You’re better off knowing than not.

Read the article.

Artistic therapy makes for healthier, happier seniors

Who said art was strictly for artists? A new program that encourages active participation in the arts from the elderly is growing in popularity because of marked improvements in the participants’ physical and emotional well-being.

Instead of being passive viewers of choirs or plays at nursing homes, the elderly have been singing and writing and acting in the plays themselves. In the program, seniors are encouraged to take part in dance sessions as well, and the improved interaction has resulted in decreases in pain and feelings of loneliness, while increasing mobility. Seniors from 36 facilities  have come up with 300 original songs, all of which they’ve either written lyrics to or composed melodies for.

Even patients suffering from dementia have been contributing to storytelling exercises.  A photograph is shown to residents to start off the discussion, then open-ended questions are posed and the responses crafted into a story that is then read back to the residents.

Read more about the program here.

Link found between high blood pressure and cognitive decline

It appears medical study has proven again why we need to keep our blood pressure in check. A new study from the National Institute of Health has revealed that having high blood pressure could have a significant effect on your likelihood for developing cognitive issues. Simply put, those who have even just risk factors for health issues such as stroke could still be doing damage to their brains.

The observation was made as part of a larger study on stroke risks where age, blood pressure, smoking, and heart enlargement were taken into account. According to their findings, “each 10 mmHG increase in systolic blood pressure — the top number in a blood pressure reading — was tied with an approximately 4 percent increase in risk of cognitive decline.”

There currently is no full explanation for the tie-in between vascular health and cognitive decline, however it’s possible that undue wear caused on the smaller blood vessels in the brain as a result of vascular issues could be a culprit.

To be safe, get yourself checked for high blood pressure by your doctor, and if you’ve already been diagnosed with it, follow your physician’s instructions on addressing it.

Read the article.

The Aging Revolution is almost here!

We’re just about a week away from a revolution! The Aging Revolution is one of the most enlightening events this year organized specifically to feature the latest discoveries and research on the topic of aging and doing it well. Head to Park Royal South in West Vancouver on Saturday, June 11, from 10:00 AM to 4:30 PM to hear from a panel of select aging experts, as well meet all the resources that are available to you in the community. Don’t miss this rare opportunity to uncover the secrets behind aging well. The Aging Revolution is free and open to the public!

The Aging Revolution Event, targeting boomers and seniors, will be held on June 11 at Park Royal

MEDIA ADVISORY

“THE AGING REVOLUTION” EVENT

Shifting the aging mindset means aging gracefully, purposefully and independently

Vancouver (May 26, 2011) – The Aging Revolution is a free community event designed to inspire seniors and boomers to age well and to increase their quality of life and health on all levels by igniting passion and purpose.   Participants at this full-day event will receive valuable information on aging and future care planning and can listen to key experts in the field speak on a variety of aging issues.  The event also provides valuable information on resources and features over 30 exhibitors.  Copeman Healthcare Centre is the presenting sponsor.  Other major sponsors include London Drugs, Home Care Assistance, Park Royal, North Shore Credit Union, Laz Boy, North Shore News, AM 650, Nognz and Investors Group.

When:  Saturday, June 11, 2011, 10:00 am – 4:30 pm

Where:  Park Royal South

Speakers:

Dr. Art Hister – media health analyst and author http://drart.ca/

“Taking Control of Your Life: A Simple Guide to a Longer and Better Life”   

Don Copeman – founder and CEO of Copeman Health Centre http://www.copemanhealthcare.com/

“Choose the Brain You Want”

Patty Randall – Expert, writer, speaker and media commentator on the topic of care in Canada http://www.longtermcarecanada.com/

“No Surprises Please…Aging Successfully in Today’s Canada = Having Care-Years Plans in Place!”

The event was co-founded by Jay and Carolina Orosa, owners of Home Care Assistance, a non-medical home care agency,and Christine Monaghan, an author and consultant who mentors entrepreneurs to build a lifestyle around career passion. The co-founders are on a mission to inspire boomers and seniors to re-write the inevitable aging process with grace, purpose and independence.  “We’re aging from the day we’re born and can choose to not just survive, but thrive well into our elder years”, says Ms. Monaghan. “The mindset of boomers is shifting as they dictate a very different aging experience for themselves.  There is a revolution taking place in the business of the aging and organizations are rising up to meet the challenge”.

“This event was created because of the existing perception that aging is something to be feared and there was little to look forward to past a certain age.  Nothing could be further from the truth”, says Carolina.  “We wanted to create a paradigm shift and indeed, revolutionize the aging mindset.  Aging should be embraced and yes, it is possible to lead full, independent, purposeful lives past retirement.”

For more information visit www.theagingrevolution.com.

Media contact:

Madelaine Hatch

Granville Communications

604 720-5185

mhatch@granvillecommunications.com