Osteoporosis is a common concern for seniors. As people age, their bones become weaker. This can cause many other health problems. This is why it is very important for seniors to be aware of nutritional needs. There are some things that should be included in daily diets that will help avoid the onset of osteoporosis. Below is a list of facts and tips for seniors about osteoporosis and nutrition.

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

Seniors need to be aware of the facts associated with fiber and bowel health. Many seniors have bowel problems. These issues can be controlled by adding a fiber supplement or altering your diet. Fiber has many health benefits in addition to helping with bowel health. The list below provides some facts on fiber for 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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Seniors need to be aware of their nutritional needs. Not only does good nutrition promote health, it can also play a large role in many medical issues. Many seniors find that they are placed on specific diets. What you eat can have a huge effect on health issues. The following list contains some important tips about nutrients seniors should know about.

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

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Many seniors have a weight problem and they cannot seem to find a way to maintain a healthy weight. While some of this may be due to medical conditions, the vast majority of the senior population does not ingest the right foods. It is important to make sure foods contain essential nutrients. Eating right can help seniors control their weight. Some facts and tips are provided in the list below.

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

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Health insurance is something that only a small percentage of seniors are fortunate enough to have, and even those that are covered by Medicare or Medicaid may still need to cover a substantial amount of their health care expenses out of pocket. Finding ways to reduce costs is therefore essential and here are some 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

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When a loved one is hospitalized, the family must be active in the treatment and over-all care of that person. Seniors often have a family member of caregiver act on their behalf. This can be an overwhelming experience, so it is best to be as prepared a possible. The following list provides some tips that will help family members know what needs to be done when the senior is hospitalized.

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.

Millions of seniors are affected with diabetes. The most common is Type 2. This type of diabetes has many risk factors. Obesity, metabolic syndrome, poor diet and gestational diabetes can all be a risk factor for the development of Type 2 diabetes. The following list contains some important facts for seniors with this type of diabetes.

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.

Source: http://diabetes.about.com/od/whatisdiabetes/qt/type2diabetes.htm

Many seniors are in need of caregivers. While the support and services received from the caregiver is very important, the overall health of the caregiver is also a concern. A healthy caregiver can make a huge difference in the life of a senior. If the caregiver is not healthy, they will not be able to offer the proper care to the senior. The list below contains some tips for caregivers on how to stay 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.org

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What are the Signs of Diabetes?

Diabetes affects a large portion of the American population, especially older adults. But would you know if you were demonstrating the symptoms of this illness in order to determine when medical attention was necessary? Not all seniors are aware, which can result in more serious health problems if diabetes is unrecognized and left untreated. Make sure you familiarize yourself, and if you are a senior caregiver, help the seniors you care for by making yourself aware too.

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

From ice cream to potato chips, there are certain foods those senior hearts do not always appreciate. Sometimes it can be a challenge for seniors to know exactly what foods they should stop ordering at restaurants or picking up off the grocery store shelf.

• At The Restaurant—Sometimes when seniors go out to eat, those heart healthy diets fly out the window. Seniors should avoid restaurants with all you can eat buffets, as you are more likely to eat more food, which leads to more calories. Seniors should also resist ordering appetizers, cocktails, and sides with cheese, sour cream and mayonnaise. Asking for dressings and sauces on the side is a great way to control the quantity you consume.

• At The Drive In Window—Fast food can be easy and quick for seniors, but it is not always healthy. Avoid the unhealthy sides of fries and go with healthier options like fruit. Also seniors should pass on any value or super size.

• At The Supermarket—Seniors should stay away from fruit juices as they do not provide the fiber of whole fruit. In the dairy case, do not grab butter, ice cream and cream as they tend to have more saturated fats than whole milk. Seniors should also be weary of baked goods and desserts loaded with saturated and hydrogenated fats. The same goes for snacks. Fried chips should be replaced with vegetables or baked alternatives.

Source: americanheart.org

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