Q – I am a caregiver for my elderly father in San Diego. He seems to tire of the meals I serve him, and I’m looking for some healthy, new ideas to make for him this summer. We are on a more limited food budget, and with all the other responsibilities I have caring for him, I don’t want to spend hours slaving over the stove, especially when it’s hot; can you suggest some healthy, summertime meal ideas?

A – During the summer months, mealtime in San Diego should be all about Convenience, and with the availability of fresh fruits and vegetables, it’s easy to make quick, healthy meals while maintaining a budget. During the summer, many healthy fruits and vegetables are in season, which reduces the price and increases the variety. For even more selection at a low price, try frequenting a local farmer’s market in San Diego or browse the aisles of your favorite grocery store for great deals on produce.

A great way to make fast, healthy, and delicious meals is to take advantage of the nice weather and barbeque outside. Using the barbeque speeds up the cooking time of most meals, and tastes great even with limited seasonings. Instead of laboring over sauces to flavor your meats or fish, use a few fresh herbs and allow the taste from the grill to come through. Ensuring your father’s diet is rich with fruits and vegetables will also help him prevent heat exhaustion during the warmer months!

Sources:

1. Senior Advocate

2. eHow.com

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Heart failure, also known as congestive heart failure, is loosely defined as the heart’s inability to pump enough blood as required by the body to function properly. There are many potential causes of this often deadly disease, many of which seniors are more susceptible to contracting due to the natural aging process. Conditions that may result in heart disease can be silent killers, as they often are not detected until damage has already occurred. Causes of heart disease include both heart related problems, and diseases which may appear unrelated to the heart but can have severe consequences.

Heart Problems Causing Heart Failure

• Coronary Artery Disease – most common form of heart disease and the most common cause of heart failure.  Occurs when there is a build up of fatty deposits, which narrows the arteries. This can deprive areas of the heart muscles of oxygen creating greater weakness.

• Heart attack – plaque formed by fatty deposits in the arteries rupture, creating a back flow of blood clots to the heart.

• Faculty heart valves – healthy valves are forced to work overtime to make up from the lack of blood flow from the faulty valve.

• Cardiomyopathy (damage to the heart muscle) – diseases, infections, alcohol and drug abuse can all damage the heart muscle.

• Myocarditus (inflammation of the heart muscle) – often caused by a virus.

• Congenital heart defects – valves or chambers in the heart may not form correctly at birth, which requires the healthy parts of the heart to work overtime.

• Heart arrythmias – the heart beats too fast, which creates extra work.

Aging Factors and Other Illnesses Causing Heart Failure

• High blood pressure (hypertension) – requires that the heart work overtime to pump the blood through the body.

• Diabetes

• Severe anemia

• Hyperthyroidism

• Emphysema

• Lupus

• Hemochromotosis

• Viruses that attack the heart muscle, severe infections, allergic reactions, blood clots in the lungs, and certain medications might cause acute heart failure.

If you or an important elder in your life have a family history which includes any of the above diseases or ailments, ensure these issues are discussed with your family doctor so your risk of heart failure can be assessed and treated. The potential for heart failure doesn’t have to be a looming fear, with proper diagnosis and treatment, effects can’t be reversed but severe damage can be prevented. Remember, a healthy life means a healthy heart, so take care of yourself through a well-balanced diet and regular exercise, and you will be rolling in the benefits.

Source:

1. Mayo Clinic

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In San Diego, a moderate to vigorous exercise program can be safe for seniors of all ages who exercise caution and gather knowledge about safe exercise methods so that the physical activity generates improvement to their health rather than create complications. Before beginning any exercise program, seniors should consider the following exercise tips.

1. Clear it with a doctor – before beginning any exercise program, a doctor can ensure that physical activity will be beneficial to a senior’s health

2. Start easy – if you’re a senior who doesn’t normally exercise regularly, start with light exercise and work yourself up to more vigorous activities

3. Consider your options – would you prefer to exercise at a gym or outside? What options are available close to home? Which options are best considering the climate where you live?

4. Choose safe gear – ensure that you have shoes with proper support, and clothing that is easy to put on and is comfortable to wear during exercise

5. Forget “no pain, no gain” – when you’re young you might want to feel the burn, avoid activities that cause you pain during, or extreme discomfort later; know your limits.

6. Pay attention to your body – if you begin experiencing new health issues or symptoms like chest pain, irregular heartbeat, severe shortness of breath, extreme weight loss, infections, or severe muscle or joint pain, consult a doctor and avoid further activity without medical approval

7. Set goals – short and long term goals will get you to where you want to be

8. Have a buddy – exercise with a friend or a senior care professional to make the physical activity more enjoyable

Sources:

1. SeniorLiving.about

2. Healthy Ontario/ Health Day News

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All adults know that driving keeps us independent - for many years it’s been a routine and a large part of our lives.. like breathing. When taking the car keys away or questioning their ability to drive will be one of the most difficult decisions you will make as their adult child or family member. Losing driving privileges is extremely difficult and a tough adjustment for someone living with Alzheimer’s disease.

Safe driving demands focus, quick reaction, and concentration. A person with Alzheimer’s disease has difficulty in making quick decisions. It’s near impossible for them to execute a quick decision while driving.

Alzheimer’s disease affects drivers:

• They easily get lost driving and become frightened and agitated, potentially leading to an accident.
• They also become distracted while driving which impairs visual cues like brake lights or traffic lights and signs.
• Their spatial skills decline. These visual skills help monitor distances.

When to Stop Driving

This decision is typically left up to family members. You decide when your aging parent has diminishing skills that make driving unsafe in San Diego.