National Disaster Preparedness is Especially Important for Seniors by Bethesda Gardens Assisted Living in Phoenix, AZ

Being prepared in the event of a disaster may mean different things for a senior than someone younger.  Many seniors take medications on a daily basis; some have hearing or sight problems, while still others may not drive or be as mobile anymore.  Chronic health conditions and dementia or Alzheimer’s only add to making seniors more vulnerable.   This presents special circumstances when and if such an emergency might occur.                                                                                                                                                                                    

This is why it pays to have some advance preparation in place.  The U.S. Department of Homeland Security recognizes that many senior citizens will need outside help if they have to evacuate.  According to the CDC, “A 2005 Harris poll found that 13 million people aged 50 and older said that they would need help to evacuate during a disaster”.  Government agencies are working hard to make sure that they are prepared to address this in the case of an emergency.

The U.S. Administration on Aging (AoA) gives this advice to seniors and their families:

·         Have a communication plan-all family members should report in to one key person

·         If it becomes necessary to evacuate, predetermine a meeting place that is convenient and familiar to all of your family members

·         Make sure you always have on hand a two-week supply of medications, ready-to-eat food and water for three to six days, first aid supplies, flashlights, candles, and any other items needed for your disability

·         Have a kit put together with extra batteries, eyeglasses, medications, copies of prescriptions, identification papers, insurance information, and a small amount of cash (no more than $50)

Just remember that having a plan can give you the peace of mind to know that you will be ready in the unlikelihood of a disaster.  The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) states on its website: “Being prepared can reduce fear, anxiety, and losses that accompany disasters.”   

Bethesda Gardens Assisted Living Phoenix, AZ is an assisted living and short term care community.  Foodborne bacteria are serious but easy to prevent using basic guidelines when handling and preparing food.  Please read our latest post to find out about food safety and seniors.

Medical Innovations in 2012 by Bethesda Gardens Assisted Living in Phoenix, AZ

We are fortunate to be living in a time where there are so many medical breakthroughs.  The Cleveland Clinic is a nonprofit, academic medical center that has been responsible for such major medical advances as coronary artery bypass surgery and the first face transplant done in the United States.  Once again this year, they have published their list of top medical innovations for 2012.  

One of their nominations includes, “Catheter-based renal denervation to control resistant hypertension”.   Since it is estimated that one in three Americans has hypertension or high blood pressure (HBP), this is major step forward in helping millions of people.  Renal denervation is a new forty minute procedure that could permanently lower blood pressure.   A catheter is used to deliver low-level radio-frequency energy to disrupt the nerves surrounding the kidneys.  The method will be used on patients that have drug resistant HBP and may be taking as many as four different drugs to treat it. 

Another top innovation they cite is “Harnessing big data to improve health care”.  It is about organizing and managing the huge amount of data involved in patient healthcare but still protecting privacy.  Chris Coburn, the Cleveland Clinic Foundation’s executive director of innovations, states, “It’s bringing new efficiency to patient care at the individual level and then aggregating it with billions of records.  So on a single question that might have taken days to answer in the past now can be addressed in seconds-or less”.

A new treatment for diabetes also made the list called “Novel Diabetes Therapy: SGLT2 Inhibitors”.   This is a revolutionary way to treat diabetes and given the number of people afflicted with the disease it could make a huge difference.  SGLT2 inhibitors are a new class of drugs that reduces blood sugar by allowing it to be excreted during urination.  The medication is taken once a day and also helps with weight loss.   

It will be interesting to watch how these advancements will be brought into mainstream patient care and how they will change treatment.  Part of the Cleveland Clinic’s criteria for choosing the top innovations are that they have a high probability of success and are already on the market or close to being available.  We can only hope that they are as successful as some of the early data is showing. 

*This is for informational purposes only and not intended as medical advice.  Please consult your physician or health care provider with any concerns and questions you may have.

Bethesda Gardens Assisted Living, Phoenix, Arizona is an assisted living and short term care community.  It is great to spend time with our grandchildren and share special activities with them.  Please read our blog with some fun ideas on baking withgrandkids.

Swimming and Water Exercises for Seniors by Bethesda Gardens Assisted Living in Phoenix, AZ

Swimming and water exercises can be a fun, low-impact choice for seniors to try.  The CDC reports that, “water-based exercise can benefit older adults by improving the quality of life and decreasing disability.  It also improves or maintains the bone health of post-menopausal women”.  It is one of the safest exercises to do and is right behind walking in the number of injuries reported.

There is a lot of data to supports that seniors’ health does improve with swimming and water exercises.  It is both easier and safer to start an exercise program that is water based especially for those that are not as physically fit.   The buoyancy of the water eliminates much of the stress that is placed on a body during other forms of exercise.  Aquatic exercises work on cardiovascular and strength training and helps in improving balance (hard to fall in water) and flexibility.  Water exercises are also a safe and effective way for someone who is overweight to start getting in shape.   

The Arthritis Foundation (AF) has sponsored aquatic classes for over 25 years.  They believe it can be beneficial in improving bone, muscle and joint troubles.  Shannon Whetstone Mescher, a certified health educator and vice president of programs and services for the AF, said, “Over a period of time, people see things like a decrease in pain, improved daily function, and improved perceived quality of life”.

Please check with your doctor before starting any new exercise regimen.  Even though swimming is a low impact exercise and easy on joints and muscles, it is not for everyone.  People that suffer from breathing disorders, congestive heart failure, or high blood pressure should not be exercising in water that is above the waist.   It can cause too much pressure on the cardiovascular system and create breathing problems. 

*This is for informational purposes only and not intended as medical advice.  Please consult your physician or health care provider with any concerns and questions you may have.

Bethesda Gardens Assisted Living in Phoenix, Arizona is an assisted living and short term care community.  Limited range of motion or a disability can make an everyday task like getting dressed even harder.   Please follow our latest blog on how adaptive clothing canmake seniors’ lives easier.

Try Dance Lessons! by Bethesda Gardens Assisted Living in Phoenix, AZ

Dance lessons are a great way for seniors to get out and enjoy themselves along with the many benefits they offer.  As a senior, exercise plays an important role in maintaining independence and health.   Dancing is a wonderful example of doing something that is good for you and something that is just fun!  

Dancing can be a low-impact workout that aids in improving cardiovascular fitness, balance (good for fall prevention), and flexibility.   It builds muscles which can help to control weight gain.  It has been reported that half an hour of line dancing will burn an average of 300 calories.   It also helps to increase bone mass which is important in preventing broken bones.  

Dance lessons for seniors are plentiful and easy to find.   Contact your local senior or community centers to see what they offer, or if you are in an assisted living community, check their activity calendars.  Many professional dance studios have classes that are geared toward an older age group and for different levels of experience.   

Square dancing, ballroom, and tap are very popular with senior citizens as well as line dancing.   Dancing can bring up past sentimental memories which add even more to the enjoyment.  Some clubs and organized dance groups travel to dance conventions and competitive events.   The Dancing For the Dream Corporation is a non-profit group that uses line dancing to promote healthy lifestyles and fitness in seniors.  They host one day line dancing seminars across the country and gather statistics on the benefits that movement and exercise provides to seniors.   Dance has been proven to be an excellent choice of exercise to stay active as a senior.  

*As with any new form of exercise, it is always best to check with your doctor or health care provider and follow their advice.

Bethesda Gardens Assisted Living, Phoenix, Arizona is an assisted living and short term care community.   Diabetes is a serious disease but with the proper care can be managed.   Please read our post with information regarding seniors and diabetes.