Many seniors pay no mind to their own nutritional needs. Nutrition is very important. Without proper nutrition, seniors will be more likely to develop certain health problems. Osteoporosis is one condition that can be managed, or even avoided, by proper nutrition. Below is a list of facts and tips for seniors about nutrition and osteoporosis.

1. Risk factors of osteoporosis include old age, family history, small bones, low calcium intake, low vitamin D levels, cigarette smoking, sedentary lifestyle and some medications such as Dikantin, prednisone and thyroid medications.

2. Calcium levels play an important role in osteoporosis. Seniors should make sure that they have the appropriate calcium intake. This could help avoid the onset of osteoporosis. Seniors should ingest a minimum of 1000mg of calcium daily. It is possible to increase that to 1500mg if needed.

3. Eating foods and plant products that contain soluble fiber can help with osteoporosis.

4. Seniors should not smoke or consume large amounts of alcohol. These can weaken the bones and make seniors more susceptible to osteoporosis.

5. If seniors do not include milk, yogurt, fish and cheese in their normal diets, they may want to add a calcium supplement. Before adding any supplement or changing a diet, make sure to discuss the possible changes with a doctor.

Source: gicare.com

Image: everydayhealth.com

It is important for seniors to maintain bowel health. Many medications can cause constipation or diarrhea. These problems can be remedied by adding fiber to the daily diet. There are two types of fiber that can be beneficial. The following list provides some facts on fiber and how it can benefit seniors.

1. There are two main types of fiber: soluble and insoluble. Soluble fiber slows digestion. This helps the intestine absorb less sugar and starch which could lower cholesterol and prevent heart disease. Insoluble acts as a laxative. It helps speed the passage of food through the digestive tract.

2. Fiber supplements are used to control the symptoms and onset of bowel issues and can help with constipation, diarrhea, irritable bowel syndrome, hemorrhoids, inflammatory bowel disease and diverticulosis.

3. Fiber can also help with other medical conditions, including high cholesterol, diabetes, heart disease and obesity. Studies have shown that diets rich in fiber can prevent type 2 diabetes. Soluble fibers can lower cholesterol, reduce risks of heart disease and help with obesity. The fiber will make individuals feel full, resulting in lower food intakes.

4. Insoluble fiber can be found in fruits and vegetables. It is also in products made with whole-grain. Soluble fiber is found in oats, barley, peas, and fruit. In addition to finding fiber in foods, it can also be in tablets, powders and capsules.

5. Before adding a fiber supplement, consult with your doctor. The recommended amount of daily fiber for women over 51 is 30g and for men it is 21g. Make sure to drink plenty of water when taking a fiber supplement. This will help prevent constipation, gas and bloating.

6. Fiber supplements can interact with other medications including diabetes medication, Cabamazepine, Digoxin, Lithium, antidepressants and medications for lowering cholesterol

Source: www.umm.edu

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It is important for seniors to know how their nutrition can affect their health. Nutrition can play a large role in general health and it can also make medical conditions worse. This is why seniors should know what nutrients their body needs and which ones are damaging. The list below provides some facts that should be known by all seniors.

1. Nutrition needs do change with age. Seniors do not need as many calories, but they may need more of certain nutrients. Calcium is important as you age. An increase of calcium will help keep bones strong. Calcium can also reduce the chances of bone fractures.

2. Vitamin D will help to protect the bones as well. Vitamin D can be ingested, but it can also enter the body by being exposed to sunlight. Seniors who expose their hands and face to the sun for 20 minutes two or three times per week will absorb enough Vitamin D.

3. A lack of Vitamin C can produce some health issues such as gums that bleed, low levels of iron and a slower healing time with injuries.

4. Sodium is an important nutrient. Some seniors who retain water will be on a low sodium diet. Older adults with heart disease or high blood pressure should reduce their sodium intake. Healthy seniors should not consume more than 3 grams, or 3000mg, of sodium daily.

5. By taking extra time to adjust the intake of these important nutrients, seniors will improve their over-all health and help to prevent the onset of other health issues in the future.

Source: gicare.com

Image: sxc.hu

Seniors who wish to lose weight do not have to go on extreme diets. They simply have to know what it is they are eating. Since seniors do not require the same calorie intake as younger adults, what they eat is that much more important. Make sure that the foods chosen contain necessary nutrients. It is possible to achieve and maintain a healthy weight simply by eating the right foods. The following facts and tips can be of help for seniors.

1. Make your calories count - Try to eat foods that are rich in needed nutrients and avoid “filler” foods. Seniors do not require the same amount of calories as younger adults because they are usually less active, so make sure that what you are eating is a healthy choice. Inactive women over 51 should consume no more than 1600 calories per day, and men no more than 2000. The more active you are, the more calories you can consume without posing a threat to your health.

2. Nutrients are very important - When planning your diet, make sure to have a variety that offer your body needed nutrients. Vary vegetables and proteins.

3. Try to eat foods that are low in fat - Saturated fat is no good for the body and these foods should be avoided at all costs. Look for the amount of trans and saturated fat in products. These are the fats you want to avoid.

4. Have an exercise regime - Even if this means walking each day for 20 to 30 minutes. The more active you are, the less fat your body will store. Simple exercise programs help keep off unwanted weight and can also be good for your heart.

5. Pay attention to your diet - Especially if you have specific nutritional needs. Watch your intakes of important nutrients such as sodium, calcium, Vitamins D and B12, potassium and fiber.

Source: eatright.org

Image: sxc.hu

The cost of medical care is expensive for anyone who does not have adequate insurance coverage, but for the elderly who are living on limited incomes, the financial repercussions of healthcare can be devastating. Seniors can reduce their costs, however, by taking control over their care and trying out some of these tips:

1. Do some research into your health – researching health issues could help seniors reduce the time spent at the doctor’s offices. However, internet resources and books used for self-diagnosis should not replace a doctor’s care; they can however help seniors stay on the right track with diagnostics and care and keep costs lower

2. Avoid the emergency room – charges are higher at hospital emergency rooms. If you experience something that requires medical attention that isn’t an emergency, ask for an immediate doctor’s appointment or go to a walk-in clinic

3. Look for free or low-cost medical care options – during featured health months (like Breast Cancer Awareness month) or seasons where there’s an increase of certain health issues; look for free or low-cost clinics. Breast cancer screenings, flu shots, and even basic diagnostic tests like blood pressure and more are offered in different communities

4. Ask for second and even third opinions – just because one doctor mentions that surgery, or a specific, expensive medication is a requirement doesn’t mean that any senior needs to take it to heart. Ask for additional opinions if you’re uncertain

5. Never be afraid to ask – when it comes to medications, procedures and any element of medical care, ask how much it costs, ask if prices are negotiable, and don’t hesitate to shop around

Via: aipm.net

Image: sxc.hu

Family members often feel a lot of stress and pressure when a loved senior is hospitalized. There are important decisions that will need to be made, and often times, a family member is responsible for this. The following list contains some tips that will be useful for family members of a hospitalized senior.

1. Make sure all legal documents are in place. This includes Advanced Medical Directives and a durable power of attorney for health care. The first informs all family members and physicians of the type of medical treatment and care the senior wishes to receive if they are unable to make their own decisions at that time. An example of this is a DNR or a Living Will. The second is also known as a health care proxy. This individual is appointed by the senior to make medical decisions on their behalf if they are unable to do so. Each of these documents must be signed. The family members and physicians should have copies.

2. Make sure you are able to provide all medical information when asked. Medical history is an important part of treatment plans, so you want to make sure you know all there is to know, including medications, allergies, current physicians and a description of the senior’s mental and physical capacities.

3. Be as active as possible. This requires the family member to be part of the health care team. This can be done by learning how to get in touch with the physician providing care, knowing the nurses who are caring for the senior, having the ability to speak with and social service workers and case managers and being a strong advocate for the medical care of the senior.

Diabetes is a common disease among seniors. More than 20% of people over the age of 60 have been diagnosed with diabetes. Type 2 is the most common type of the disease. This type can be difficult to manage at first, but there are many things that can be done in terms of treatment. Most seniors with diabetes continue to live a normal life. Below is a list of facts about Type 2 diabetes that can be useful for seniors.

1. There are many symptoms associated with Type 2 diabetes. These include increased thirst, frequent urination, blurred vision, infections, dry and itchy skin and numbness in the hands, feet and legs.

2. Type 2 diabetes is caused by an excess of glucose in the blood. High blood sugar levels can cause many complications. Among these are depression, amputation of the extremities, cardiovascular disease, neuropathy and retinopathy.

3. There are not usually any noticeable symptoms that will indicate that someone has Type 2 diabetes. This is typically determined by blood tests.

4. It is important to detect diabetes early to avoid other health issues and complications. If you are at risk, you should talk to your doctor about being tested.

5. There are treatments available for the disease. This could include medications, insulin injections or a combination of the two. Daily exercise and weight loss can also be beneficial in managing diabetes.

6. You can also reduce the chances of getting diabetes by adjusting your diet, especially if you are at a high risk. Eat healthy, exercise and maintain a healthy weight.

Far too often, the health of a caregiver is overlooked. Most people focus on the services needed and provided to seniors. While this is a common scenario, it should be noted that the caregiver’s health is equally important. If a caregiver is not healthy, they will not be able to perform their job as well as they could. This could eventually cause many problems while caring for seniors. Below is a list that provides some tips for caregivers on how to remain healthy.

1. Caregivers need to pay special attention to their own health. It may become difficult, or even impossible, to care for a senior if your own health is failing.

2. Take daily vitamins to promote healthy living. Caregivers, just like seniors, can benefit from exercise. This will be helpful for the physical and emotional well being of the caregiver.

3. It is ok to take a break. Many caregivers can become burnt out. It is important to take respite time. Use this time to relax and rest so you remain healthy and can continue being a caregiver.

4. Some caregivers may begin to experience depression, especially if the senior needs a lot of care. Watch for signs of depression and discuss them with your doctor as they arise.

5. Make sure to have routine check-ups. Flu shots are also advised.

6. Do not neglect your own life. Being a caregiver is demanding, but to remain effective and beneficial to the senior, you need to take time to enjoy life. Stay involved with family, friends and hobbies.

Source: thefamilycaregiver.or

Image Source: sxc.hu

Are You Aware of Diabetes Warning Signs?

Diabetes is not an uncommon health condition in the senior population, and while most seniors have heard of it and have some understanding of what it is; but few are actually aware of the warning signs. This can lead to lack of treatment when it’s necessary, and then more serious health complications can arise. Make sure you’re aware of the warning signs whether you’re a senior yourself, or whether your care for one as a professional or family caregiver.

1. More frequent urination – if suddenly there’s a more frequent need to urinate with no evident changes in drinking patterns or diet, this can indicate diabetes as the kidneys attempt to dilute the glucose

2. Weight loss – it’s not a apparent in Type 2 diabetes though even gradual weight loss with no obvious cause can be reason for concern

3. Fatigue or physical weakness – it’s not uncommon for seniors with diabetes to become more fatigued or have feelings of physical weakness. Often they attribute this to aging and don’t seek additional help, but these are not symptoms that should just be accepted

4. Extreme thirst – diabetes can cause seniors to feel constantly thirsty. Drinking more frequently is common, but even then thirst can be unquenchable

5. Tingling and Numbness – high levels of glucose, when left untreated can wreak havoc with the nervous system resulting in numbness or tingling in the limbs

6. Skin imperfections – frequent bruises that fail to go away, rashes, itching and dry skin can also appear

Via: about.com http://diabetes.about.com/od/symptomsdiagnosis/p/Symptoms.htm

Cardiovascular workouts tend to help hearts stay in shape. For seniors, they can partake in another workout for the heart, a healthy heart diet. The guidelines of this eating plan are simple, only making slight changes to the foods seniors prepare and consume.

Seniors should always check with their doctor first before changing their diets.

• What Foods to Eat—Seniors following a heart healthy diet should only consume under 6oz of lean meat, fish, and skinless poultry a day. Instead of big meat dishes, seniors can incorporate small amounts of meat, poultry or fish with dishes featuring pasta, rice, beans, or vegetables as the main acts. Also 3 to 4 egg yolks per week should be included in the heart healthy eating plan. The standard 5 servings of fruits and vegetables a day along with 6 or more servings of grains a day should also be followed in the eating plan.

• What Foods to Limit—Those seniors aiming to clean out their hearts should stay away from liver, brains, chitterlings, kidneys, gizzard, sweetbreads, pork maws, and ironically, hearts.

• How to cook and prepare Foods—Seniors should try to use cooking methods that do not require fats such as boiling, roasting, poaching or broiling. When preparing food, always trim off the excess fat before cooking meat and poultry. Also after browning, drain off all the fat.

• Dairy—Skim or 1% fat milk is better than whole milk. Also, seniors should select nonfat or lowfat yogurt and cheese.

Source: fi.edu

Image Source: sxc.hu