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
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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. If you are a senior who is starting to feel overwhelmed by the care and upkeep of a home, it may be time to consider making a lifestyle change. At MorningStar of Arvada, we think you will be pleased to discover that not only are you giving up a houseful of problems but you are gaining a beautiful, no-maintenance home as well as a broader community of friends.
Independent living provides seniors with a range of benefits including predictable monthly budgeting and tasty meals they no longer need to cook as well as built-in companionship. Once they fully resume, residents can take part in our community activities, join us for sponsored outings, and have full access to the many amenities our community offers. In addition, we take care of all the maintenance, both inside and out, and offer weekly housekeeping, which allows our residents plenty of time to pursue their interests. Our community offers well-designed private suites in a variety of floorplans including studios, one-bedroom and two-bedrooms (some over 1300 sq. ft.). Several of the plans have two bathrooms. Each unit has high ceilings, large windows, wall-to-wall carpeting, ceiling lighting, and many feature balconies or patios. Suites have private heating & air conditioning controls and include basic cable TV and utilities. Also, we are happy to welcome your furry friend as we are pet friendly. Along with independent living, MorningStar of Arvada offers suites for assisted living for those who need help with the activities of daily living. The Reflections Neighborhood provides an additional 29 secure suites devoted to the individualized care of those with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia. If you are looking for exceptional independent living, assisted living or memory care, Arvada CO’s MorningStar community may be the place for you. We are currently accepting new residents and are confident in our Covid-19 protocols for keeping all those beneath our roof safe. Please visit our website for more information including a virtual tour of our beautiful community. 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 If you haven’t kept up with new guidelines regarding CPR, the American Heart Association (AHA) says the first step when someone has stopped breathing is to call 911 or have someone else call, and use simple, direct words such as "Heart stopped. I need help." Now begin chest compressions, which help to move the blood around the body. Several years ago, the AHA stopped recommending doing mouth-to-mouth resuscitation immediately as “in the seconds before a heart stops, the person takes a big deep breath and fills their lungs with air.”
Chest compressions on an adult or teen should be done by putting the heel of one hand on the breastbone of the chest and the other hand on top of it. Now start pressing down at least two full inches or more (not less) hard and fast, about 100 to 120 pushes per minutes. Experts suggest several songs in a variety of genres to pace your compressions by. For county music fans, recommendations include Blake Shelton's "All about Tonight" or Johnny Cash’s "Ring of Fire." There are songs for fans of Lady Gaga like "Just Dance," Dianna Ross’ fans with “Ain't No Mountain High Enough," or "Stayin' Alive" by the Bee Gees. While anyone can do CPR, getting certified by an American Red Cross CPR class gives you the extra confidence to response quickly as well as information regarding rescue breathing. Once you complete the course, you are certified for two years but to keep yourself up-to-date, it is suggested you take a refresher course before your certificate expires. At the MorningStar at Golden Ridge senior living community, we offer independent living, assisted living and memory care. For assisted living and memory care residents, our 24/7 care managers are certified in both CPR and First Aid. In addition all team members, regardless of their role, complete three foundational one-day training sessions that include Radiance (our culture and customer service initiative); and Lavender Sky (our dementia care philosophy and approach to programming). We also provide continuing education through in-services and online video training. Our Med Techs (QMAPs) are also trained in medication administration. Visit our website to learn more about our loving community. 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 unsurpassed independent living & assisted living in the Peoria area. Source: cnn.com/2020/03/09/health/cpr-living-to-100-wellness/index.html We all may be eating and drinking foods we consider to be healthy but they may contain far more sugar than we think they do. It can even happen with foods we do not necessarily think of as sweet such as ketchup or barbeque sauce. Also making what we assume is the healthier choice like “low fat” or “light” yogurt may actually contain more sugar than the regular variety. Some low-fat yogurt has over 30 grams of sugar; and the American Heart Association (AHA) recommends men consume no more than 9 teaspoons (36 grams or 150 calories) of added sugar per day. For women, the amount is just 6 teaspoons (25 grams or 100 calories) per day.
Another food we think of as healthy is granola. While it is true that the main ingredient is rolled oats, which provides protein, healthy fats and fiber, it also can be loaded with lots of sugar and calories. This is where label reading can help as the Washington Post did a story on granolas and found a single serving can range from one gram of sugar to 14 grams. Another thing to look for are the words “added sugar” as the sugar from dried fruit is not bad for us (more calories for those watching) as is corn syrup or cane sugar. However, do keep in mind that while honey, maple syrup, and coconut sugar may be healthier, they still add empty calories. Drinks such as sugared ice teas and flavored coffees also add a lot of sugar to our diets as do some sport drinks and vitamin waters so be sure to read the label. If you want to avoid empty sugary drinks altogether, make flavored waters by adding fruit or vegetable slices. Toss in some lime and cucumber slices to your water or a handful of berries, orange slices, or mint leaves; use your imagination. If you are looking for exceptional memory care or assisted living, Beaverton Oregon’s Morningstar community may be your answer. Our delicious meals take into account seniors’ dietary restrictions with choices that include low sodium, sugar free, no sugar added, vegetarian and low fat for our residents to self-manage. Please see 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 offers. Research has shown that having a pet can improve our mental health, cardiovascular health and PTSD symptoms. In fact even if you do not own a pet but just spend some time interacting with animals, it can lift your spirits and decrease stress. Also during times of isolation and uncertainty, many of us feel our pets are more important than ever.
The great thing about pets is they offer unconditional love and loyal companionship. Caring for an animal can be a welcome distraction from life’s other worries and can provide more meaning to our life. Moreover how can you feel upset or angry when sitting with a cat on your lap and hearing the relaxing, melodious sound of their purr? Research has shown that an act as simple as petting a dog or cat has been shown to reduce stress and help regulate our mood. Also many people believe their pet has the ability to pick up on their emotions and know when they are sad or stressed and need a little “extra love.” In addition dogs need exercise so many dog owners are motivated to get outside and exercise, which is always a good thing. However experts caution that before you rush out and adopt an animal that you think about how much time you have to care for one, and do you have the money to pay for the extra expenses. Also if your choice is a dog, are you physically able to provide the animal with the daily exercise they need? At MorningStar at Golden Ridge in Peoria, AZ, we understand how important our residents’ furry friends are to them, which is why we are pet friendly. Our gorgeous community has 38 Casitas for independent living, 65 assisted living suites, and another 35 secure suites devoted to the individualized care of seniors suffering from Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia. We encourage you to visit our website to learn more about all of our services and amenities including à la carte services for pet feeding, dog walking and pet grooming. 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 trusted independent living & assisted living in Peoria. Ophthalmologists want to remind seniors to not neglect their eyes and to know that all is being done to keep them safe during routine eye exams. In fact several of the most common leading causes of blindness including glaucoma, age-related macular degeneration and diabetic eye disease are more effectively treated when discovered early.
Doctors explain that people often do not realize their eyes are weakening as the brain does a good job of compensating for a creeping loss of vision, and may be putting themselves at risk for future blindness. A dilated-eye exam can catch eye diseases early and may not only help save your vision but in some cases reverse damage. Yvonne Ou, associate professor in ophthalmology at the University of California, San Francisco, says when glaucoma is caught early through a comprehensive eye exam, it is a very treatable disease and generally can prevent vision loss that affects quality of life. Doctors recommend getting tested every year at the age of 50 and older. Those with a family history of glaucoma may need to be tested more often. Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a progressive disease that causes damage to the macula, and as its name suggests, age is one of the biggest risk factors. There are two type of AMD, wet and dry, with dry AMD being the most common. Treatments for early-detected dry AMD involve lifestyle changes such as quitting smoking and taking steps to reduce cholesterol and blood pressure numbers, wearing UV-blocking sunglasses, and eating a healthy diet. Another eye problem picked up with a dilated-eye exam includes diabetic retinopathy, which is “the top cause of blindness in working-age adults in the U.S., according to the CDC.” Cataracts are also a condition that is age-related but fortunately very treatable. When your doctor first sees signs of a cataract, experts say it may be 10 or 20 years before you will be bothered enough to do something about it. At MorningStar at Golden Ridge, we offer independent living, assisted living and memory care. Our wide range of services are designed to make life easier for our residents including scheduled transportation so you never have to worry about getting to a doctor’s appointment or other important trips. Please visit our website for contact information and to learn about 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. 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 top independent living & assisted living in Peoria. Source: aarp.org/health/conditions-treatments/info-2020/eye-disease-blindness-risk.html?intcmp=AE-HP-TTN-R2-POS3-REALPOSS-TODAY Due to much research on the subject, we now know it is not only important to get a good night’s sleep but it is essential to our overall good health and wellbeing. Sleeping balances our active life with the time our body needs to renew and rejuvenate. However, unfortunately with age comes a variety of health conditions that can interfere with getting a good night’s sleep.
Experts explain that the elderly are more likely to “suffer from chronic insomnia characterized by difficulty maintaining sleep than difficulty initiating sleep.” Suffering from Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS) or sleep-disordered breathing, including snoring and sleep apnea are more frequently seen in older adults and can result in poor sleep patterns. We also know that bright sunlight helps to regulate melatonin (a hormone that promotes sleep) and sleep-wake cycles, and many elderly people do not spend enough time out-of-doors. Not getting an adequate amount of sleep each night can impact vitality and resilience that seniors need to age better. In fact, insomnia is associated with poor health and mortality. Lack of sleep can also increase older adults’ risk of a fall, and some studies suggest a history of sleep deprivation can increase the risk of cognitive problems. Routinely napping during the day is another problem that interferes with a good night’s sleep. Tips for getting a better night’s sleep include avoiding eating and working late. Experts say to turn off the TV and other smart devices at least 30 minutes before bedtime as the blue light emitted from electronics prevents the body from releasing melatonin, a hormone that promotes sleep. Follow a set bedtime, and right before you plan to go to sleep do some deep breathing and light stretching. It is recommended we try to get eight to nine hours of sleep on most nights. MorningStar of Beaverton’s senior community includes 66 suites for assisted living and 38 secure suites devoted to the individualized, specialized care for residents with memory impairment. Our spacious suites are available in a variety of well-designed floor plans and have details reflective of those found throughout our beautifully appointed assisted living facility. Please see our website for more information on our community as well as our coordinated defense in the fight against the coronavirus to ensure the health of both residents and team members. MorningStar Assisted Living & Memory Care of Beaverton represents the very best in senior living with our distinct mission statement of “to honor, to serve, to invest.” We are dedicated to providing a true home for residents amidst a beautiful, serene setting by creating a foundation built on honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve. Please contact us learn more about our exceptional assisted living facility. Source: ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2516307/ |
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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