If you've reached older adulthood, hopefully you've been through a number of breast cancer screenings from the age of 40. But if youre one of the seniors who has put it off for fear of the process, this breast cancer awareness month couldn't be a better time to put your fears aside so you make an appointment to have the important screening process completed.

What you can expect during a mammogram:

1. When dressing the day of the mammogram, avoid applying deodorant, talcum powder, or any other heavily scented items that can be irritating to others, or that could affect the imaging. Also wear a 2 piece outfit.

2. When arriving at the imaging office, you will be asked for copies of previous mammograms, if they do not have them already, and will also ask you to fill out a form with your medical records.

3. Upon going in to have the mammogram done, you will be asked to remove jewellery and clothing that can interfere with the procedure, including your shirt and bra, and any other clothing you have on above the waist.

4. To prepare for the mammogram itself, one breast at a time will be placed on an imaging cassette and will be compressed with a paddle so that the maximum amount of breast tissue is visible on the image.

5. The image will be taken and then the process will be repeated with the other breast.

6. The images will be examined, not for results but to ensure they are effective. Typically, you will be allowed to get dressed and wait to find out if you are able to leave, or if more images are needed.

7. The images and results will be returned for your doctor for review.

Sources

About.com

Imaginus.com

by Carol Marak  Carebuzz

Whether seniors choose to engage in cardiovascular activity, or try resistance training to get active, there are a number of ways that exercise will improve the health and the aging process in general: 

•  Increases muscle mass that is loss, and regains strength
•  Burns additional calories and prevents weight gain which happens with aging due to a decrease in the  metabolism
•  Less body fat is stored, since more is burned off or turned to muscle in active seniors
•  Risk of heart attack declines in active seniors because cardiovascular and cardiorespiratory health and fitness are improved
•  Exercise improves insulin sensitivity and improves carbohydrate metabolism, helping the body better process blood sugar and reducing the risk of diabetes
•  Exercise increases the level of good cholesterol
•  New bone growth is facilitated with exercise, preventing the effects of low bone density and osteoporosis
•  Blood pressure naturally decreases with exercise

Sources:

1. Suite101
http://www.suite101.com/article.cfm/physical_activity/72108/1

2. About
http://seniorliving.about.com/od/exercisefitnes1/a/diet_exercise.htm

Carol Marak  Carebuzz 

If you are a senior living with physical limitations or suffer from conditions like arthritis, you may find it difficult coming up with activities, beyond walking, that can help you remain active and fit. Chair yoga helps seniors remain active  without causing harm or aggravating an exiting condition. People of all ages, especially seniors ask about yoga, and now there is a new trend that is ideal for those who are concerned about the effects of physical strain upon the body. Many elderly seniors have given chair yoga a try, and here are some of the benefits of chair yoga that we've learned about:

•  One or two chairs are used to provide balance and support in poses to seniors who might not be as limber
•  Virtually all yoga poses can be done in modified versions using a chair, so seniors still get the same benefits    without risking injury
•  Despite the fact that seniors feel as though they wont receive the same benefits by using a chair, all poses are still kept challenging, and many are surprised about how difficult chair yoga can be without the strain!
•  Yoga, even when using a chair can improve concentration and help seniors to alleviate symptoms of insomnia and other health issues

If you are a senior and want to maintain good fitness, give chair yoga a try!

Carol Marak
Carebuzz

Via: USA Today http://www.usatoday.com/news/health/2005-02-03-chair-yoga_x.htm