Most of us have heard the CDC and other health professionals stress the importance of everyone getting a flu shot this year. However you may not have heard about another important vaccine recommended for anyone over the age of 50. Shingrix is a vaccine designed to prevent shingles and was introduced to the public in 2017. The CDC reports Shingrix is the preferred shingles vaccine as it offers more than a 90 percent success in preventing shingles. However for the last couple of years, there have been shortages of the vaccine and it was not available to many older adults.
While you should always check with your healthcare provider before getting any vaccine including the shingles’ vaccine, as of July 2020, a company’s spokesman said GSK's Shingrix is no longer on the CDC's shortages list, and there is now a supply “available to meet demand across all distribution channels.” They still suggest you check with your drugstore or doctor to make sure they have the vaccine available. The CDC says the reason so many older adults are eager to get the vaccine is that “nearly one in three people in the U.S. develops shingles at some point.” They add that symptoms include pain, rash, itching, and first fluid-filled, then eventually crusting blisters that can lead to permanent scarring. It is recommended that anyone over the age of 50 gets the Shingrix vaccine even if they are uncertain whether they have had chickenpox in the past or have a history of shingles. The CDC also says you should get the Shingrix vaccine even if you got the Zostavax vaccine in the past. Zostavax is a live vaccine and is only about 51 percent effective toward preventing shingles. Medical experts explain that the Shingrix vaccine is a recombinant vaccine. “This means vaccine manufacturers created it by altering and purifying DNA that codes for an antigen to produce an immune response to fight the virus.” Shingrix requires two shots taken at least two to six months apart. Common side effects from the vaccine include pain, swelling, itching and soreness at the site of the shot, and a small number of people report headaches. The CDC says to consult your healthcare provider to learn whether a Shingrix vaccine is the right treatment option for you. MorningStar at Golden Ridge’s senior living community has a unique mission statement “to honor, to serve, to invest” that sets us apart from other senior living options. Our foundation is built on honoring God, valuing all seniors and hiring staff with a felt calling to serve. We are set in a warm, loving environment with exceptional architecture and resort-style amenities. Please visit our website to learn more about trusted independent living & assisted living in the Peoria area. Source: healthline.com/health/shingles-vaccine-side-effects#who-should-get-it
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There are many examples of how the power of positive thinking has changed people’s lives for the better. When we take a positive attitude, it helps us to be more successfully in most every aspect of our lives; and experts say it can be even more important as we age.
Tom Caklos, founder of the www.positivecreators.com website, explains that positive thinking “is a critical ingredient for the well-being and health when a person is on the last leg of his or her life after completing all responsibilities and fulfilling all goals.” He adds it is an important tool to help the elderly transform their lives and fill it with passion, energy and joy.” So how can a senior who may be experiencing the loss of independence or a loved one, challenging health problems, and/or chronic pain cultivate positive thinking? Experts suggest getting into the habit of using positive affirmation to change negative thinking into positive thoughts. Moreover when we focus on the changes we wish to make in our lives, it can help boost self-esteem and confidence. Positive affirmations can be simple and include things like giving thanks each day for your longevity and for all of the people in your life who you love and who love you. Be grateful for the wisdom you have learned in life and recognize your ability to contribute. Affirm that these are the best years of your life, that you have the right to good health, and the right to live with joy and purpose. The beautiful MorningStar of Arvada senior living community has a sterling reputation in the greater Denver area. This is probably due in part to our mission to value all seniors as gifted and contributing individuals; and our commitment to creating a community that promotes a healthy, engaged lifestyle, while providing security and independence. We offer 112 bright independent living and assisted living suites, with another 29 secure memory care suites in our Reflections’ wing devoted to caring for those with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia. When visiting our website, please read our protocols for dealing with COVID-19 and how we are safely accepting new residents into our loving independent living, assisted living and memory care community. MorningStar of Arvada offers the very best in senior living with a unique 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 as we work toward creating a true home for residents amidst a serene setting. Please visit our website for availability of assisted living and independent living as well as experienced, loving memory care in Arvada CO. Source: seniorslifestylemag.com/health-well-being/the-hidden-power-of-positive-affirmations/ If you have started the search for senior housing, we recommend taking a look at MorningStar of Arvada. Situated on 1.5 acres and encircled by historic Golden and the nearby Arvada Reservoir, our gorgeous community offers all-inclusive independent living, assisted living and memory care for relaxing, carefree retirement years. To ensure residents’ every need is met, we offer a broad range of amenities, wellness programs, care services and more.
For a deep dive into our community, our website is a good place to start as it is loaded with information including floor plans, a list of amenities, lots of pictures, and background on the MorningStar Senior Living Company. We explain more about what the difference is between independent living, assisted living, and memory care, along with a decision guide to help your family determine if senior living is the right choice for your loved one. You will also find a link discussing affordability and Veterans aide as well as other options such as companion living and short-term stays. For families who need memory care in Arvada, CO, we offer lots of info regarding our compassionate expertise and holistic program. Our website’s FAQs are handy as they go over a whole range of topics to many of the questions you most likely have. This includes information on how prices are structured, how the level of care is determined in assisted living, our transportation services and pet policy. Other popular questions regard our dining program and medication management services. We also go over special circumstances like if your health needs change while in independent living are you able to transfer into our assisted living wing? The answer is of course. If nothing is available immediately, you can bring in a home care agency to help out until we have a unit open. While this is just a small portion of the extensive information on our site, we are also ready to answer any other questions you may have through a phone call, email, Facebook, or use our Virtual Assistant that lets you start a live chat. We look forward to hearing from your family and are ready to serve. MorningStar of Arvada offers the very best in senior living with a unique 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 as we work toward creating a true home for residents amidst a serene setting. Visit our website for more information on the area’s most trusted independent living, assisted living and memory care in Arvada, CO. The Medical News Today website recently published an article debunking some commonly-held myths people have about growing older. It may spring from the fact that achieving old age is a relatively new phenomena but according to the World Health Organization (WHO), “Between 2000 and 2050, the proportion of the world’s population over 60 years will double from about 11% to 22%.”
Since so many more of us are sticking around for a longer time, it is important to tackle some of the misconceptions regarding the aging process and just exactly what is normal. One strongly held belief is that physical deterioration is inevitable. Scientists concede this is both true and untrue and explain while our bodies do wear down; we can delay the process. In fact they cite research that suggests “merely expecting physical deterioration increases the likelihood that someone will physically deteriorate.” The WHO explains, “Increased physical activity and improving diet can effectively tackle many of the problems frequently associated with old age.” These include reduced strength, increased body fat, high blood pressure, and reduced bone density among others. There are also people who think they are too old to exercise but doctors say exercising is good for us at any age and we are never too old to start receiving the benefits. Staying physically active improves muscle strength, reduces fat, and protects mental health. Another myth research has debunked is that cognitive decline is a normal part of aging. Medical experts report that the truth is only “22.2% of people in the U.S. aged 71 or older experience cognitive decline. Of these, each year, 11.7%–20% develop dementia.” The Alzheimer’s Association wants everyone to know that a healthy diet and lifelong learning or cognitive training can reduce your risk for cognitive decline. The MorningStar of Arvada senior living community encourages seniors to join us in celebrating carefree retirement years with 112 bright independent living and assisted living suites in various configurations including spacious studios and one- and two-bedroom floor plans. We additionally provide 29 secure suites for individualized care for those suffering from Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related diseases. Please visit our website for more information. MorningStar of Arvada offers the very best in senior living with a unique 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 as we work toward creating a true home for residents amidst a serene setting. Visit our website to learn more about our community’s independent living and assisted living as well as memory care in Arvada, CO. Source: medicalnewstoday.com/articles/medical-myths-all-about-aging#1.-Physical-deterioration-is-inevitable Like most everything else, standard procedures and guidelines for care before and after surgery have evolved in an effort to promote and speed recovery. Dr. Charla Fischer, an orthopedic surgeon at NYU Langone Spine Center in New York City, suggests you think of surgery as you would a marathon or race. She says, "The surgery itself is just the first part of the race – there is also the recovery after.” So what you do before a planned surgical procedure and what you do after can all be part of a better outcome and even includes diet and exercise.
One example is a change in the way a person is treated after surgery in many hospitals. Now rather than limiting patients to ice chips and intravenous fluids, they are served a meal. In addition people are encouraged to get up and move as soon as the night right after surgery, which appears to hasten recover. However doctors warn that people should be screened before surgery for conditions such as malnutrition, anemia, diabetes and pain, and if it is found they have any, it should be addressed. Also find out what exercises would be helpful and doable before and after surgery, and what is not recommended. Ask about your hospital’s rehabilitation program or the availability of a physical therapist. After surgery, stay hydrated and be sure to eat a protein-rich diet and lots of fresh vegetables. Another thing that will aid your postoperative recovery and overall health is to stop smoking. As a bigger percentage of surgeries are in people over 65 years of age, your doctor will let you know the type of screening that is required before surgery. It will most likely include things such as cardiac health, functional status and history of falls, frailty and other factors. MorningStar at Golden Ridge is a beautiful senior living community in Peoria, AZ. In addition to our independent living quadraplexes with attached garages, our main building offers assisted living, memory care and respite care for seniors recovering from surgery or illness. Please visit our website to learn more about our community and the various senior living options we are pleased to offer. MorningStar at Golden Ridge’s distinct mission statement “to honor, to serve, to invest” sets us apart from other senior living options. Our foundation is built on honoring God, valuing our seniors and hiring staff with a felt calling to serve. We are in a warm, loving environment with exceptional architecture and resort-style amenities. Visit our website for more information and availability regarding respite care as well as independent living & assisted living in Peoria. Source: health.usnews.com/health-care/patient-advice/articles/tips-for-recovering-from-surgery If you have arthritis, heart or lung issues, pain and weakness in the feet and legs, impairment due to a stroke, visual impairment, or other balance problems, a mobility aid can help you feel more independent, reduce pain, and increase confidence. With a number of options available ranging from canes to walkers, wheelchairs, and scooters, you may be wondering which one is best for your needs.
Experts explain that your choice of aids will depend on your disability and/or medical condition. Canes are the most common choice and are good for someone with balance problems. In fact the journal, Medical News Today, says that one in 10 adults over the age of 65 uses a cane. However even here there are decisions to be made. While white canes are reserved for the visually impaired or blind, you may find a four-footed cane with its wider base offers more stability. If you need to shift weight from the wrist to the arm, try a forearm cane. Walkers, also called Zimmer frames, provide stability and are used by an estimated 4.6 percent of people in the country over the age of 65. Along with the basic walker, styles include rollators that have four wheels, handlebars and a seat. Knee walkers are similar to a rollator but have a padded cushion to rest a knee on while the stronger leg moves it forward. Walker-cane hybrids are another option that offers better support than a standard cane. For more severe disabilities or to move longer distances, a wide range of wheelchairs and scooters are available. If mobility problems are long-term, modifications to your home may also be necessary. Regardless of what mobility aid you decide on, doctors recommend making an appointment with your health care provider or physical therapist to learn how to use the new device properly. MorningStar of Beaverton proudly provides the very best in senior living with our unique mission statement of “to honor, to serve, to invest.” With a foundation built on honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve, we create a true home for residents amid a beautiful setting. Please contact us to discover why we are a step above an ordinary assisted living facility. Source: medicalnewstoday.com/articles/318463#Types-of-mobility-aids The American Heart Association (AHA) reports that every 40 seconds a person has a stroke and every four minutes someone dies from one. While that is alarming, the AHA says that almost 80 percent of strokes can be prevented.
Did you know that one of the leading causes of strokes is high blood pressure, also called hypertension, and is the most prevalent health condition facing Americans? Statistics show one in four US adults have hypertension, and as people age, their blood pressure goes up. Experts now believe as many as 80% of people 65 years and older have hypertension and should take steps to reduce it. If you fall into that age group or at risk for HBP, start by regularly monitoring your blood pressure. If high, work with your doctor to find ways to lower it including getting more exercise and eating a healthy diet. Another way to help prevent strokes is to quit smoking. Smoking reduces the amount of oxygen in the bloodstream and forces the heart to work harder, which in turn, increases the likelihood of blood clots. Also if you are diabetic, you need to manage the disease. The American Diabetes Association reports that diabetics are two to four times more likely to have a stroke than someone without the disease. Exercise is another way to lower your risk. Doctors say 30 minutes of moderate exercise fives a week, like a brisk walk, yoga or dancing are beneficial. Moreover if you are overweight, try to lose weight as obesity put you at risk for any number of health issues including stroke. And don’t forget to get your cholesterol checked. The AHA recommends everyone 20 years of age and over should have it done at least every 5 years. Check with your healthcare provider regarding other risks for stroke. At MorningStar at Golden Ridge, we approach senior living from all angles to provide our residents with a lifestyle of comfort, wellness, and community. We have 38 Casitas (quadraplexes with attached garages) for independent living. Our main building is designed with 65 private suites for assisted living and another 35 secure suites devoted to the individualized care for residents suffering with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia. Visit our website to learn more. MorningStar at Golden Ridge’s distinct mission statement “to honor, to serve, to invest” sets us apart from other senior living options. Our foundation is built on honoring God, valuing our seniors and hiring staff with a felt calling to serve. We are in a warm, loving environment with exceptional architecture and resort-style amenities. Please visit our website to learn more about the area’s best independent living & assisted living. Right now many of us prefer to consolidate trips to the grocery store by stocking up on staples we know we will need at some point in the future. While buying in bulk may seem like a bargain, consumer experts caution you may not actually be saving money in the long-run. It turns out lots of foods and goods have a shorter shelf life than we think and many can degrade or lose their efficacy over time.
A prime example is stocking up on laundry detergent and other cleaning supplies we know we will need in the future. Here the problem lies in the fact that they may start to lose their cleansing and sanitizing power over time. Experts say liquid laundry detergent is most effective if used within 6 months of opening and up to a year from purchase. Chlorine products start losing their strength after about a year and other types of disinfecting wipes are generally good for about two years. Sunscreen also has a short shelf life and outdated sunscreen (all should have an expiration date) may put us at risk for sunburns, sun damage and skin cancer. The FDA reports the same goes for trying to stock up on over-the-counter drugs, which can also lose some of their effectiveness and/or even cause unintended side effects. Food staples such as flours, cooking oils and spices all have a shorter shelf life than many think. White flours typically are good for one year stored in a cool dry space or two years in the refrigerator. Whole wheat flours are at their best for three months in the pantry, and one year in the refrigerator. Olive and many vegetable oils are best three to five months after opening. At the MorningStar at Golden Ridge senior living community, our assisted living and memory care residents do not need to worry about groceries as we gladly do the cooking! In our main building, we have 65 private suites for assisted living with one and two-bedroom floor plans; and a memory care wing for those with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia. We also have 38 Casitas (quadraplexes with attached garages) for independent living. Please visit our website for availability and pricing. MorningStar at Golden Ridge’s distinct mission statement “to honor, to serve, to invest” sets us apart from other senior living options. We have a foundation built on honoring God, valuing all seniors, and hiring staff with a felt calling to serve. With exceptional architecture and resort-style amenities, we proudly offer unsurpassed independent living & assisted living in Peoria, AZ. 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 a recent 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. Along with independent living and assisted living, MorningStar of Arvada offers 29 secure suites for the care of residents with memory impairment from the onset of the disease to the most advanced stages. Our Reflections Neighborhood is staffed by a team of individuals who understands the unique needs of each resident and delivers that care with compassion and thoughtfulness. Please visit our website or contact us for more information. MorningStar of Arvada represents the finest in senior living with our unique mission statement “to honor, to serve, to invest.” With a foundation built on honoring God, valuing our seniors and hiring staff with a felt calling to serve, we provide a true home for residents. Please contact us to learn more about the finest independent living, assisted living and memory care Arvada CO offers. As we grow older, we start to think more and more about “what if” this or that happens. Many of us worry about getting a disease or disability that could make it difficult for us to care for ourselves, and many worry about having the financial means to get the long-term care we may eventually need.
Financial advisors say one way to give ourselves peace of mind is to purchase Long-term Care insurance (LTC). While a LTC policy can be expensive, experts say you need to remember that trying to pay for long-term care can jeopardize your financial wellbeing as well as that of your spouse, children and even grandchildren. Many of us have worked our entire lives to provide our families with financial security and would hate the thought of them shouldering the economic and personal responsibilities related to our long-term care. The AARP says everyone should have a plan for long-term care, and as we are living longer than ever before, at some point we may need help with our day-to-day care. As many LTC insurance policies cover some of the expenses your regular health insurance does not, it is easier to “maintain your lifestyle if age, injury, illness, or a cognitive impairment makes it challenging for you to take care of yourself.” Buying a LTC policy is also a good idea for those who do not have family members or others to care for them in the event of changing circumstances. If you are looking for the finest memory care or assisted living Beaverton Oregon offers, we encourage you to consider MorningStar of Beaverton. While we work hard to make our community affordable, we also help potential residents to find creative ways to help pay for senior living. Long-term care insurance can help pay for senior care and protect personal assets by covering a variety of services in senior living communities. Please visit our website for more information. MorningStar of Beaverton’s mission statement of “to honor, to serve, to invest” sets us apart from other senior living communities. 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, we provide the finest memory care and assisted living Beaverton Oregon has to offer. Source: nylaarp.com/Landing-Pages/LongTermCare |
At MorningStar Senior Living we strive to create a true home where you can enjoy your retirement years as carefree as possible. Offering a lifestyle of comfort, wellness and community, our care team is committed to giving residents a quality of life that other senior living communities simply cannot match. Archives
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