Are You at Increased Risk of Heart Disease?

The CDC says February is American Heart Month, making it the time to focus on cardiovascular disease. Focusing on heart disease is important as it is the leading cause of death in the US for both men and women; and the awareness campaign helps people to realize it is largely preventable. Experts stress that every adult should be aware of their risk and know the healthy choices to make to reduce their chance of heart disease including coronary heart disease, which is the primary cause of heart attacks. 

The NIH explains your risk of heart disease is higher if you:

• Have high blood pressure

• Have high blood cholesterol

• Are overweight or obese

• Have prediabetes or diabetes

• Smoke

• Do not get regular physical activity

• Have a family history of early heart disease (your father or brother was diagnosed before age 55, or your mother or sister was diagnosed before age 65)

• Have a history of preeclampsia (a sudden rise in blood pressure and too much protein in the urine during pregnancy)

• Have unhealthy eating behaviors

• Are older (age 55 or older for women or age 45 or older for men)

Experts say for each risk you have, the higher your overall risk is for heart disease. While some risks cannot be helped such as your gender, age and family history, it is important to discuss with your healthcare provider what you can do to reduce your risk. Also the NIH says it can be helpful to join #OurHearts in Action, a group designed to encourage and motivate heart-healthy behaviors together.

At the MorningStar of Happy Valley senior living community, we offer 61 private assisted living suites and another 27 secure suites devoted to the specialized care of those with memory impairment. Our mission is to enhance quality of life for residents and we do this through a full component of wellness programs and activities, hospitality and care services, and luxury amenities. Please contact us or visit our website for more information.

MorningStar  provides the very best assisted living in Happy valley, Oregon with our distinct mission statement of “to honor, to serve, to invest.”  Our foundation is built on honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve to create an atmosphere that promotes a healthy, engaged lifestyle.  Please contact us to learn more about our exceptional assisted living and memory care.

Be an Active Partner in Your Medical Care

A National Institute of Health survey found patients who were most satisfied with their healthcare were those engaged in self-advocacy. This included a person becoming knowledgeable about their injury and health care needs; and being persistent about speaking up for those needs. The NIH also explains those who felt better about their experience practiced communication skills, were organized, talked to peer mentors and kept a positive attitude. 

Research shows practicing self-advocacy, or when a family member actively advocates on the behalf of a loved one, reduces medical errors in hospital settings, doctors’ offices or at the pharmacy. It is important as the World Health Organization reports “an estimated 10% of patients in high-income countries are harmed while receiving hospital care.” Also according to a 2021 report in StatPearls, “medical errors result in about 100,000 deaths in hospitals and clinics annually.”  

Most errors are related to diagnoses, prescriptions and use of medicines; and misdiagnoses means delayed treatment and taking the wrong medicines. To ensure the best care you need to be honest with your healthcare provider. This includes providing an account of your symptoms and a list of current prescriptions, over-the-counter medications, herbs, supplements and vitamins you take. Be sure to let them know if you have any drug allergies and provide as complete a medical history as you can including your personal medical record as well as that of your family’s. In addition let your medical team know if you are a smoker and the amount of alcohol you consume. 

Additionally remember the time you spend with your doctor is short, so prepare beforehand the things you wish to discuss. The Johns Hopkins Armstrong Institute Center for Diagnostic Excellence at Johns Hopkins Medicine in Baltimore has a QuestionBuilder app available by AHRQ at Google Play or the Apple store to guide you in questions you should ask. 

Experts also say to remember you and your doctor are a team. Being your own health advocate or that of a loved one means helping them follow the medical advice recommended by the doctor regarding diet, rest, exercise, smoking and alcohol use and taking meds as prescribed.  

If you are looking for senior living, please visit MorningStar of Happy Valley. We provide area seniors trusted assisted living and memory care with a wide array of amenities, care services and wellness programs and activities. Please visit our website.   

Source: webmd.com/healthy-aging/aging-health-advocate#1

Help Maintain Memory Function and Overall Brain Health

 

In an article in the US News & World Report, experts say forgetfulness is not an inevitable part of growing older and there are things we can do to help maintain and enhance our memory function and overall brain health.  Furthermore, they also benefit whole body health.      

One of the first things they recommend is to never stop making “physical activity a priority as it optimizes blood flow to the entire body, including the brain.  An adequate supply of blood and oxygen to the brain helps to keep our memories sharp.”  Researchers explain that the type of exercise is also important and recommend a minimum of 30 minutes a day of cardio exercise such as running, power walking, biking, or swimming.  However, before beginning any new exercise regime, be sure to check with your healthcare provider.  

In addition, continuing to learn new things can improve our memory as studies have found a correlation between challenging our brain and maintaining brain health.  This could include activities such as playing an instrument, starting a new hobby, learning a language, or just broadening your reading habits.  

Other advice that not only enhances cognitive thinking but overall health includes getting enough sleep each night.  Research has shown that “powering down on a nightly basis allows the brain to heal and restore itself, clearing toxins that can lead to Alzheimer’s disease and other dementia types.”

What sets MorningStar apart from other seniors living in Rio Rancho, NM?  We strive to provide a true “home” for our residents and have a team committed to serving seniors who treat them with the dignity and respect they deserve.  Our loving, around-the-clock care encompasses the physical, mental, spiritual and social wellbeing of our residents. Please visit our website for more information. 

Our mission statement of “to honor, to serve, to invest” sets us apart from other seniors living in Rio Rancho, NM. We have built a foundation on honoring God, valuing our seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve. Set in a warm, loving atmosphere with beautiful surroundings and resort-style amenities, MorningStar of Rio Rancho provides outstanding assisted living and memory care. 

Source: health.usnews.com/health-care/for-better/articles/maintaining-and-enhancing-memory

Help Control Blood Pressure with Lifestyle Changes

The Mayo Clinic has several tips to help people with high blood pressure (HBP) bring their numbers down. They say making simply lifestyle changes could help you avoid, delay or reduce the need for medication. 

The first thing they recommend is maintaining a healthy weight. If you are overweight, check with your healthcare provider regarding diet suggestions. Experts explain being overweight can raise your blood pressure as well as interfere with your breathing during the night (sleep apnea). Just having too much weight around your waistline can also increase your blood pressure. While measurements vary among body types and ethnicities, the Mayo Clinic says, “Men are at risk if their waist measurement is greater than 40 inches (102 centimeters). Women are at risk if their waist measurement is greater than 35 inches (89 centimeters).”  Check with your doctor regarding what would be best for you. 

Exercise is another way to help reduce your blood pressure numbers. Experts say 150 minutes a week or 30 minutes daily can help bring your numbers done by about 5 to 8 mm Hg if you have high blood pressure. Best exercises include walking, jogging, dancing, cycling or swimming. 

Diet is also important and the Mayo Clinic says the DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) diet is a good one for HBP. Other suggestions include reducing your daily sodium intake as well as alcohol consumption, cut back on caffeine and reduce stress.   

At MorningStar of Rio Rancho, our goal is to provide the best senior housing Rio Rancho, NM offers, which includes chef-inspired meals that are both delicious and healthy. Our nutritional choices include low sodium, sugar free, no sugar added, vegetarian and low fat for residents to self-manage. Ingredients include using super foods such as berries, Omega 3 fats, dark chocolate and leafy greens. 

Our community offers 51 graciously appointed suites for assisted living with configurations that include spacious studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom floor plans.  For those suffering from Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia, we have 26 secure suites providing individualized, specialized care. Please call or visit our website to learn more.  

This post is intended for informational purposes only.  Please contact your health care provider with any questions or concerns you have regarding your health. 

Our mission statement of “to honor, to serve, to invest” sets us apart from other senior housing Rio Rancho, NM offers. We have built a foundation on honoring God, valuing our seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve. Set in a warm, loving atmosphere with beautiful surroundings and resort-style amenities, MorningStar of Rio Rancho provides outstanding assisted living and memory care. 

Source:

mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/high-blood-pressure/in-depth/high-blood-pressure/art-2004697

Doctors Say Don’t Forget to Get a Flu Shot

Medical professionals stress the importance of getting a flu shot this year. They worry too many people may assume given the relatively small outbreak last year, it won’t be a problem this season. To illustrate, the CDC reported only 818,939 specimens were tested for influenza from late September 2020 through late May 2021, and only 0.2 percent came back positive as compared to 26 to 30 percent during a normal season. 

The concern of experts now is that the few cases last year may actual result in a worse season this year. Clare Rock, an infectious diseases physician and hospital epidemiologist at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine say the light flu season last year “means some of the natural immunity that would be in the population is not going to be in the population now.” He adds, “We may have more vulnerable people.”

It is hard to predict the severity of this year’s flu season as health professionals do not yet know the extent of people who will still practice social distancing and mask wearing due to COVID-19. It is also hard to predict how close this year’s flu shot will address the various strains of flu that turn up. Other good reasons to get a flu shot is many hospitals are filled with COVID patients and the fact kids are physically back at school.  

Another roadblock to a more accurate prediction of this year’s flu numbers is most years   we look at the number of cases in the Southern Hemisphere (their flu season is during our summers). Again things are not normal given the amount of COVID currently affecting the area and there are strict mitigation rules in effect in many countries. With all of these unknowns, healthcare providers stress the importance of everyone eligible getting a flu shot.   

At the MorningStar of Happy Valley senior living community, we offer 61 private assisted living suites and another 27 secure suites devoted to the specialized care of those with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia. Our mission is to enhance quality of life for residents and we do this through a full component of wellness programs and activities, hospitality and care services, and luxury amenities. Please feel free to contact us and ask about our Move-in Specials.

Simple Stretching Exercises can Help Prevent Falls & Injuries

If you are a senior who is having difficulty turning your neck to look behind you when driving, having problems getting up from a low chair or difficulty picking something up from the floor, you may find adding stretches to your routine can really improve these types of motions. Stretching exercises also help seniors improve flexibility and balance, both of which lower a person’s risk for falls and injuries. Experts explain stretching gives seniors a better range of movement in their joints, helps improve posture, increases circulation and releases muscle tension and soreness. 

The Journal of Gerontology recently reported on the results of a 12-month stretch and flex program for older adults. It found “participants demonstrated positive changes in areas like physical fitness, self-efficacy, perceived functioning, and well-being. They also experienced a decrease in pain.” Along with the favorable benefits stretching provides, it can be done anywhere and does not require any special equipment. However before beginning any new exercise routine, be sure to consult with your healthcare provider regarding your fitness level and the type of stretches most appropriate for you. 

Another thing to remember is it is important to warm up before stretching. Experts say it can be doing something as simple as a walk around the block. Additionally they warn not to stretch to the point of pain, only to the point of tension. A stretch can typically be held for 30 seconds, but do not bounce when you stretch. 

MorningStar of Happy Valley is a beautiful senior living community providing 61 private assisted living suites and another 27 secure suites devoted to specialized care of those with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia. Our goal is to enhance quality of life for our residents and we do this through a full range of care and hospitality services, amenities, and a component of wellness programs and activities. Please feel free to contact us if you have any questions and ask about our Special Deal of $21 FOR FIRST MONTH | $20 COMMUNITY FEE.

A Positive Attitude Toward Aging May Help You Live Longer

Ageism is defined as a prejudice or discrimination against a particular age-group, especially the elderly; and can have detrimental impact on seniors so reports a 2002 Yale University study. In fact researchers found “age discrimination actually has the potential power to shorten senior’s lives.” Study participants were 50 years and older and periodically interviewed regarding their views on aging. Participants with more positive views on aging lived 7.5 years longer than the group who viewed themselves as burdens to others and felt their life was less valuable. Researchers say a negative attitude on aging increases a senior’s risk for depression and social isolation.   

Another study done in 2019 found positive thinking leads to an 11-15% longer lifespan and a greater chance of living to age 85 and older. Researchers say the results remained consistent after age, gender and income as well as depression and health status were taken into consideration. Positive attitudes on aging may even improve people’s resiliency toward illness and give them a greater will to live.

One way to improve your outlook on life and develop a more positive attitude is to practice positive affirmations. It is recommended you keep an affirmation based in reality and repeat it several times each day. It can be something as simple as repeating “you can handle whatever life brings your way,” or a more loving-kindness meditation such as “I am happy.”  Other studies show it is important to surround yourself with positive thinkers as negativity can be catchy. 

At MorningStar of Happy Valley, our welcoming senior living community was designed from the ground up to be a place where residents are proud to call it “home.” The three-story building offers 61 assisted living suites in a variety of studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom floorplans from 324 sq. ft. to as large as 928 sq. ft. In addition we have 27 secure suites dedicated to caring for those with Alzheimer’s and other types of dementia. Please visit our website for contact information, to see our floor plans, discover our many amenities and learn about our care services.  

Source: verywellmind.com/positive-thinking-and-aging-2224134

Lifestyle Changes can Help Control Blood Pressure

The Mayo Clinic has several tips to help people with high blood pressure (HBP) bring their numbers down. They say making simply lifestyle changes could help you avoid, delay or reduce the need for medication. 

The first thing they recommend is maintaining a healthy weight. If you are overweight, check with your healthcare provider regarding diet suggestions. Experts explain being overweight can raise your blood pressure as well as interfere with your breathing during the night (sleep apnea). Just having too much weight around your waistline can also increase your blood pressure. While measurements vary among body types and ethnicities, the Mayo Clinic says, “Men are at risk if their waist measurement is greater than 40 inches (102 centimeters). Women are at risk if their waist measurement is greater than 35 inches (89 centimeters).”  Check with your doctor regarding what would be best for you. 

Exercise is another way to help reduce your blood pressure numbers. Experts say 150 minutes a week or 30 minutes daily can help bring your numbers done by about 5 to 8 mm Hg if you have high blood pressure. Best exercises include walking, jogging, dancing, cycling or swimming. 

Diet is also important and the Mayo Clinic says the DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) diet is a good one for HBP. Other suggestions include reducing your daily sodium intake as well as alcohol consumption, cut back on caffeine and reduce stress.   

At the MorningStar of Happy Valley senior living community, we provide all the comforts of home including home-cooked meals that are both delicious and healthy. Our nutritional choices include low sodium, sugar free, no sugar added, vegetarian and low fat for residents to self-manage. Ingredients include using super foods such as acai berries, Omega 3 fats, dark chocolate and dark greens. Our community offers 61 graciously appointed suites for assisted living with configurations that include spacious studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom floor plans (some as large as 865 square feet). For those suffering from Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia, we have 27 secure suites providing individualized, specialized care. Please call or visit our website to learn more.  

This blog is for informational purposes only, please consult your healthcare provider with any medical questions or problems.

Source: mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/high-blood-pressure/in-depth/high-blood-pressure/art-20046974

Ask Your Doctor About a Cognitive Assessment

Medical experts have found that many older adults are not being screened for cognitive decline during routine physical exams, and say it would be a good idea to do so.  While many of us would be shocked to hear devastating news that we have early-stage Alzheimer’s disease, doctors say it is important to identify memory loss issues early as available treatments are more effective early-on.  Moreover, if it is determined you do have some memory loss, there are steps you can take to help slow down or mitigate the risk.   

Additionally, if you are wondering if a cognitive test is expensive, Medicare does pay for an annual “wellness visit,” which is supposed to include a quick cognitive assessment to help identify some early warning signs of dementia.  From there your doctor can recommend a more thorough examination.  However, according to an Alzheimer’s Association survey, over half of the respondents said their healthcare provider has never asked about their cognitive health, let alone administered a test.  Less than a third said they had discussed memory and cognitive issues with a doctor.  Joanne Pike, an Alzheimer’s Association chief program officer, says while, “Many older adults say they’ve noticed changes in their mental abilities, “the majority of the time seniors are waiting for the physician to bring it up.” 

So what does a cognitive assessment include?  To start with your doctor will ask you directly if you have noticed any changes in your memory recently.  If you have a family member with you, the doctor may ask them if they noticed any problems.  You may be asked to take a short test, but often the assessment includes the doctor asking questions regarding your activities, your interests and how well you are functioning at home.  In fact, you may not even realize you are being cognitively assessed.  

At MorningStar of Fountain Hills, our senior living community includes 28 secure memory care suites offering individualized, specialized care of residents with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia.  Our Reflections Neighborhood is staffed by a team of individuals who understand the unique needs of each resident and delivers that care with compassion and thoughtfulness.  Please visit our website or contact us for more information.

Our mission statement of “to honor, to serve, to invest” sets us apart from other senior living communities Fountain Hills, AZ has to offer. We have built a foundation on honoring God, valuing our seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve. Set in a warm, loving atmosphere with beautiful surroundings and resort-style amenities, MorningStar of Fountain Hills provides outstanding assisted living and memory care.

Feeling Guilty about Moving Your Parents into Assisted Living?

Many adult children feel as if they let their parents down by moving them into an assisted living community. Mom or dad may have even asked years ago that you never put them into a “home,” and at the time, you made the promise; and/or you know families whose adult children have opened their home to their parents. You keep thinking your parents spent years caring for you, and now when they need help, you turn to strangers to provide the care they need. 

Experts explain feelings of guilt is normal and putting a loved one into assisted living is probably one of the hardest decisions you will have to make as an adult. However they quickly add it is important to remember the care they were getting at home was not adequate. For their safety and wellbeing, they needed to move to a place where they would receive the proper care. 

Rather than waste time thinking you have let them down, think of it as giving them a better quality of life where they can safely age in place. Experts say stop comparing yourself to others who may have made different decisions; and most of all to remember “people who don’t help and don’t understand the situation aren’t qualified to make judgments or accusations.” Another thing to consider is your loved one is getting older and chances are their health is not going to improve in the long-run regardless of where they are living. By getting the care they need, assisted living can offer a senior the feeling of independence.  

At the MorningStar of Happy Valley assisted living and memory care community, we are honored to provide our remarkable residents trusted, compassionate senior living. Our staff is comprised of individuals who feel it is a privilege to serve and consider seniors to be heroes. We invite you to visit our website for contact information and pricing and availability. In case you wondered, we are doing tours at this time and you can use our online “Virtual Assistant” to set one up. 

Source: 

dailycaring.com/3-reasons-to-stop-feeling-guilty-about-putting-mom-in-assisted-living/