Most caregivers and family members of elderly patients  are aware of the severity of hypertension. This disease not only causes other complications, but it can also be fatal. The disease is often managed by the use of medication in seniors. While this type of treatment is successful in many cases, there are other ways to manage the disease. The following list contains some risk factors that are associated with hypertension, as well as some ways to reduce high blood pressure and prevent the onset of the disease.

- Diets that contain high amounts of salt. Studies have indicated that the reduction of daily salt intake will lower the blood pressure. Low sodium diets are highly recommended for most elderly patients.

- High levels of alcohol intake. If you, or an elderly family member, consume high amounts of alcohol on a daily basis, the risk of the development of hypertension is increased.

- Past family history of high blood pressure. It is important to be aware of any family member who has been diagnosed with hypertension. The disease does run in families and can be transferred genetically, even if the patient does not live a lifestyle that includes any other risks.

- Obesity. It has been proven that hypertension affects obese individuals more often than those who maintain a normal weight.

 Individuals with an African American heritage will be at a higher risk of developing high blood pressure.

Source: TheDoctorwillseeyounow.com 

Carol Marak Carebuzz 

If you ask most elders, they will tell you that having a condition that affects their memories is one of their greatest fears. While it might not be possible to prevent conditions like Alzheimers and dementia, there are steps that all seniors can take  in order to keep their brains sharp at any point in life!

1. Eat with your brain in mind - its not just our bodies affected when we make bad food choices, are minds are affected as well. To boost your brain power, start the day with a meal that contains protein by including eggs, nuts (like peanut or almond butter), or lean protein from animals. For lunch and dinner, include protein that contains Omega 3 fatty acids like tuna, salmon or sardines. With meals, try organic foods and whole grains

2. Sleep well - sleep improves brain function greatly, it might be something taken for granted, but its crucial to overall health, both mind and body! Getting 8 hours of good sleep per night is crucial for seniors, no matter what it takes!

3. Use vitamins to your advantage - since our diets dont always provide the essential number of vitamins and nutrients for optimal brain functioning, multi-vitamins can fill the void. Your multi-vitamin should have the following nutrients in these quantities provide the greatest benefit:  omega 3 fats (1,000 mg of fish oil), vitamin D3 (2,000 IU), calcium (600 mg), magnesium (400 mg) and B vitamins like folic acid, B6 and B12.

4. Learn how to turn off - whether youre a senior or a caregiver, you lead a busy life; learn how to turn off to relax and rejuvenate, your brain will thank you and youll find yourself more productive.

5. Think green - while green vegetables are of course beneficial to health, its green living were referring to here. Avoid environmental toxins and pollutions, which the brain is sensitive to.

Via: AOL Health 

Carol Marak Carebuzz 

There are a lot of rumors circulating about the H1N1 virus, and as flu season is here or on its way depending upon specifically where you live, its time to set some of them to rest. With better information about the virus, you can make informed decisions about the vaccine and your health.

1. The swine flu shot isn't for everyone - unfortunately, there is not enough of the H1N1 vaccine to make sure the complete population is protected, although the CDC does recommend it. Those who are in higher risks groups should receive the vaccine as soon as its available, including women who are pregnant, those who are around or care for babies under 6 months of age, everyone age 6 months through age 24, and anyone with pre-existing medical conditions between the ages of 25 and 64.

2. The seasonal flu shot offers protection against the Swine Flu - the H1N1 virus varies from the season flu, and therefore those in the high risk groups should receive BOTH shots to ensure protection and cannot expect that one shot offers protection for both. However, do note that the risk groups for the seasonal flu shot vary from the H1N1 Virus.

3. Getting the seasonal flu vaccine makes people more susceptible to H1N1 - studies have both proven and disproven this myth, so at this stage there is no firm answer.

4. Seniors are most at risk for H1N1 - seniors are actually in the lower risk group for H1N1 and in the higher risk group for the seasonal flu. Seniors over the age of 65 are less likely to contract H1N1 but should speak to their doctors to determine if they should receive the shot due to existing medical conditions.

Via: DailyFinance

Carol Marak Carebuzz

No one ever said aging was easy, but you can reduce your stress load  by incorporating simple activities in your day like walking. You might think that inflicting mandatory exercise upon yourself daily basis would just create stress in your life, but not if you take the right approach and find a routine that works for you.

1. Go out in the morning – once your day gets started, and you start to look at all of the things you have to do, it becomes harder to find the motivation to get out for a walk. Going in the morning will help you start your day off right and will also allow you to think through and plan the rest of your day

2. Remain positive about it – sure, going out for a walk everyday may begin to feel like a chore; but if you remain positive and remind yourself that you’re doing yourself a big favor for your health and productivity you will be much more motivated.

3. Find the time – you might not be able to find a large chunk of time to exercise, so squeeze it in where you can. Park farther from the store when running errands so you have to walk farther, or take a stroll around the block.

4. Walk somewhere you enjoy – nice surroundings can be inspiring and rejuvenating, pick an area to walk where you can take in the scenery, and vary it from day-to-day to keep your walks fresh and interesting.

5. Speed up or slow down – if you feel you’re pushing yourself too hard, take it slower; or, motivate yourself by pushing your pace and even trying to “race” another walker you’re passing.

Source AOLHealth

by Carol Marak at Carebuzz