Helping Seniors Properly Manage Medications

Posted on Thursday, May 17th, 2012 at 8:31 am and filed under Medication Management

Living independently is important to all of us, but especially to seniors. As they age, seniors face unique challenges, such as losing a spouse and elderly friends, changes in physical and mental abilities, and other general lifestyle changes that often occur during the golden years. Living in a comfortable and familiar environment becomes paramount to a senior’s happiness and feelings of well-being. As the relative, friend or caregiver of a senior, it is important for you to help seniors achieve this goal.

One area that deserves special attention with seniors is managing medications they take. Chances are the number of medications they are required to take increases with age, as seniors are often prone to medical conditions that are regulated by medicine.  Taking the medications is important. However, it is equally important for seniors and their family caregivers to understand what medicine the senior takes, to become knowledgeable about side effects, and also to determine whether there appear to be adverse effects of taking different types of medications at the same time. Mismanagement of medications can be detrimental and sometimes even life threatening.

Medication mismanagement can be minimal or extreme. Forgetting to take medication can cause obvious problems but may not be of great concern if it does not happen often. But, combining some types of medicines can cause critical adverse reactions and if a senior is required to take painkillers, addiction can raise its ugly head. For these reasons it becomes essential to keep seniors well informed of the hazards mismanagement of medications can cause and to keep the doctor informed all of medications the senior is taking and of any apparent adverse side effects.

Signs of medication misuse include dizziness, nausea, confusion and memory issues, increased falls, troubled sleeping patterns, incontinence, and even hallucinations. Malnutrition can also indicate improper medicine administration, because confused seniors may not eat properly. Seniors who become addicted to painkillers may become secretive regarding their use of those drugs and seek prescriptions from various doctors and pharmacies. In extreme but not uncommon cases, some medications – when mixed – can cause death.

Seniors who have trouble successfully managing medications are not alone. In fact, research indicates that approximately 40% of people entering nursing homes do so because they are unable to self-medicate in their homes. In addition, 30% of all hospital admissions for people over age 65 are directly attributable to missed doses or overdoses of medication.

With these statistics in mind, the medical community has offered advice and other solutions to help seniors manage medications in their own homes. When family members visit, it is an opportunity to remind seniors to take their meds at designated times. If possible, seniors are encouraged to keep logs of the times they take their medications in order to keep track, determine the time of their next dose and to prevent over-dosage. Home health care companies, such as Comfort Keepers®, offer solid solutions in the form of medication reminder devices. The Safety Choice® TabSafe Medication System by Comfort Keepers stores medication and dispenses the proper dosage into a locked drawer at the bottom of the unit. If a dose is missed, the unit places a call to designated Comfort Keeper or other contact persons who can then call to remind loved ones to take their medicine. If no one is reached, a call to the monitoring station prompts a call or visit to the client or caregiver.

The use of one or all of these strategies can assist seniors who take multiple medications. It is also essential to make sure their doctors know of all medications seniors take so they can coordinate care and prescribe additional medicine, when needed, that will not cause adverse effects when combined with other meds. Others should keep a close eye on seniors who take medications to ensure seniors are properly administering their own meds.

Research shows seniors who live alone are more likely to inadvertently misuse medications. Knowledge is power, but control is key regarding medication management. The reward in helping seniors properly manage their medication is helping them achieve their ultimate goal of living healthy, independent lives in their own homes for as long as possible.

References

Comfort Keepers (2012). Safety choice® products. Retrieved on February 10, 2012, from http://www.comfortkeepers.com/technology-solutions/safetychoice-products.

Agingcare.com (2012). Seniors and prescription drug addiction. Retrieved on February 10, 2012 from http://www.agingcare.com/Articles/help-for-elderly-prescription-addiction-133459.htm.

Agingcare.com (2012). Surprising list of medications cause majority of senior overdoses. Retrieved on February 10, 2012 from http://www.agingcare.com/Articles/senior-drug-overdose-148701.htm.

Caregivingstress.com (2012). The warning signs. Retrieved on February 10, 2012 from http://www.caregiverstress.com/senior-safety/health-information-management/senior-medication-management/warning-signs/.

Marek, Karen Dorman. Ph.D., M.B.A., R.N., F.A.A.N. Antle, Lisa. A.P.R.N., B.C., A.P.N.P

U.S. National Library of Medicine – National Institutes of Health (2012). Chapter 18 medication management of the community-dwelling older adult. Retrieved on February 11, 2012, from http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK2670/.




Managing Urinary Incontinence in the Home

Posted on Tuesday, May 15th, 2012 at 10:17 am and filed under Urinary Incontinence

As seniors age, many things come into play – safety in the home and out, health conditions seniors face, the emotional ups and downs when dealing with the normal aging process, including the loss of loved ones. Whether someone is caring for an elderly relative or being employed to care for a senior, it is critical to the senior’s health and well-being for the caregiver to be sensitive to these issues and to interact in such a way that helps foster independence in the home for as long as possible.

Sometimes, this interaction is easy. Participating in activities such as playing games, walking in the park or cooking and eating with seniors keeps them engaged and fosters feelings of worthiness and self-esteem. However, a caregiver’s duties may stretch beyond those fun-filled moments and extend into the realm of uncomfortable topics. One such topic that is of concern among seniors is urinary incontinence.

Incontinence may be tough to tackle and downright embarrassing for seniors, but it is important for caregivers to take a proactive approach to help seniors recognize and successfully deal with the condition. While many seniors may believe incontinence is a sign of the normal aging process, this is not necessarily true. Medical conditions and some medications can cause involuntary loss of urine. Women generally suffer incontinence due to weakened pelvic muscles. Enlarged prostate glands are often the cause of incontinence for men.

It is important for seniors to discuss issues of incontinence with their doctors, as incontinence is a symptom, not a disease itself. Understanding the different types of incontinence is crucial. Stress incontinence occurs during moments of laughter, sneezing, bending or lifting. Urge incontinence is caused by sudden bladder contractions causing an urgent need to urinate. Sometimes the bladder is unable to hold urine, causing involuntary overflow of urine. Functional incontinence occurs in seniors with dementia who may forget to use the restroom, or in those with impaired mobility who are unable to reach the toilet in time.

The good news is there are ways incontinence can be treated and managed so seniors can continue to pursue active and happy lifestyles. The following are a few treatments that may be suggested and performed under a doctor’s care.

  • Strengthen pelvic muscles by performing Kegel exercises – the tightening and releasing of the muscles that control urine. Stronger muscles in this area enable seniors to hold urine in their bladders for longer periods of time.

 

  • Teach seniors to become more aware of their bodies’ signals, which aids in the training of strengthening pelvic muscles.

 

  • Chart voiding and leaking times to help seniors, including those with dementia, determine specific times they should use the restroom.

 

There are other factors that can contribute to incontinence. Alcohol and caffeine can cause incontinence in later years and exacerbate the problem once it surfaces. Excessive fluid intake and consumption of spicy foods, highly acidic foods such as tomatoes, citrus fruits and juices may contribute to the problem. Encourage seniors to pay attention to the foods they eat to determine if certain food affects their incontinence. Limit fluid intake before bedtime. Make sure bathrooms are easily accessible.

If none of the above techniques help, there are medications available to treat some types of incontinence. Temporary, disposable devices can be used to insert in the urethra to stop involuntary urine flow. The use of adult incontinence pads or briefs can provide seniors the freedom to enjoy active lifestyles.

Learning about incontinence and its causes can help seniors successfully manage the condition. The first step is to encourage seniors to talk about their issues to help determine factors that contribute to their incontinence. Work together to find solutions that aid in alleviating incontinence and the embarrassing moments it may cause. By doing so, caregivers help to create positive attitudes and environments that cultivate happiness and well-being for the seniors in their care.

References

Schneider, Adina. MD. Managing incontinence in the elderly. Retrieved on February 4, 2012 from http://sci.rutgers.edu/forum/showthread.php?t=14494.

Sollitto, Marlo. How to control incontinence. Retrieved on February 4, 2012 from http://www.agingcare.com/Articles/managing-incontinence-144710.htm.

Managing Incontinence in the Home – document outline provided by Comfort Keepers.

 




Drug Abuse Rising Among Seniors

Posted on Thursday, May 10th, 2012 at 1:51 pm and filed under Medication Management

Drug abuse in the senior population is on the rise. Shocking? Yes. After all, no one thinks of grandma, grandpa and drug abuse in the same thought. However, research conducted in 2010 shows that approximately 4.3 million older adults used illegal drugs within the previous year. Further, the Drug Abuse Warning Network (DAWN), the agency that monitors the utilization of medications and illicit drugs reporting in emergency rooms across the nation, reported the two most common prescription drugs that are abused are benzodiazepines (such as Valium, Xanax, Klonopin, and Ativan) and opiates (such as oxycodone (Percocet), hydrocodone (Vicodin, Lortab), morphine, and methadone). The abuse ranges from dependence on solely one drug to several combinations.[1]

When exploring this topic, it is important to note the difference between the misuse of drugs versus the abuse of drugs. Misuse is unintentional, usually the result of inadvertent mixing of multiple medicines some seniors take for various medical conditions that occur as they age. If patients and doctors do not communicate and pay strict attention to multiple drugs prescribed to a senior, that senior can suffer adverse reactions when those drugs are mixed. Abuse, on the other hand, is intentional and can involve not only prescription painkillers and other drugs, but also those of nonprescription variety.

In both instances, it is important to recognize the signs a senior may exhibit when either misusing or abusing drugs. Symptoms can include: loss of appetite, memory loss, increased incidents of falling, losing balance, fluctuations in blood pressure, disruption of sleep patterns, anxiety, depression, lethargy, weakness, confusion and increased agitation. Detecting the signs in older adults may be challenging, as some of the symptoms are prevalent in seniors due to medical conditions or simply aging in general.

When approaching a senior regarding a potential drug problem, it is important to determine the type of use in question. If misuse is suspected, the matter may be simply resolved by implicit coordination with the senior’s care providers to ensure multiple medications prescribed are safe to take together. Seniors in this instance may not even be aware they are misusing their medications. Monitoring the times these medications are taken can also be crucial to avoid accidental overdoses.

If abuse is suspected, the resolution can be a bit more challenging. Those who abuse drugs are clever at hiding it. Some seniors who abuse drugs may be doing so to alleviate physical pain. Others may use drugs to mask the emotional pain of losing a spouse and to combat general feelings of loneliness and isolation living alone can cause. Determining abuse in these cases might require stealthy measures, such as snooping through a loved one’s medicine cabinet, dropping in unannounced for visits or even alerting the senior’s doctor of the potential problem.

In the event of discovering a loved one is abusing drugs, one should not feel alone. With senior drug use on the rise, communities across the nation are rising to combat this growing problem. There are local, state and federal programs designed with seniors in mind to help them overcome these problems. Religious organizations also offer counseling services for families facing drug abuse. with proper help, there is success. It does not just take a village to raise a child – the village continues to care for its own as the child grows into adulthood and beyond. With helping hands, seniors can overcome these obstacles and achieve happy, healthy lifestyles throughout their golden years.

[1]May, Luella. NaturalNews.com (2010). Statistics show drug abuse in seniors is rising.Retrieved on March 8, 2012, from http://www.naturalnews.com/




5 Sings of Senior Stress

Posted on Tuesday, May 8th, 2012 at 9:22 am and filed under Senior Stress

Stress is a common factor in life. Children experience stress from school, new social situations and simply growing up. Adults feel the stress of working, paying bills, raising kids and maintaining households. Seniors also feel stress even though some may have retired, raised their children and paid off their homes. Certain amounts of stress are a part of life for people of all ages.

For seniors, sometimes stress has the potential to be especially overwhelming. This type of tension in older adults has unique contributing factors, such as the loss of an elderly spouse and friends they have outlived. Living alone can increase the sense of isolation. Sometimes the simple tasks of everyday life can cause stress in those who experience physical and / or medical limitations. The effects of stress can sometimes exacerbate health conditions from which some seniors suffer, causing additional worry.

Stress can present itself in various ways. Here are five of the most common ways to detect if a loved one’s stress is cause for concern:

  • Changes in eating habits such as over eating or loss of appetite can be caused by overwhelming stress.
  • Mood swings due to stress may present in increased irritability, general sadness or depression.
  • Memory issues may arise in the form of increased forgetfulness of names, places or other things that normally come natural to seniors. Lack of concentration may become a problem. Some seniors may exercise poor judgment such as excessive spending when they are already on a limited budget.
  • Physical signs of stress can include body aches and pains, or increased episodes of illness. Changes in sleeping patterns – either trouble falling asleep or interrupted nighttime sleep – can signal significant stress.
  • Seniors experiencing overwhelming stress often isolate themselves from others, refusing to socialize or participate in activities they used to enjoy.

 

Family caregivers of seniors should be cognizant of stress as it relates to their loved ones. Knowing the signs and detecting them early on can help seniors learn to recognize stress factors and to take steps to alleviate the effects stress can cause. Activities such as yoga, walking and other physical exercises designed for seniors are great tension relievers. Many seniors enjoy the benefits of Tai Chi classes geared to their physical abilities. The Mayo Clinic supports this gentle form of martial arts not only as a way to relieve stress but also as an activity that helps other health-related conditions.

Some seniors are unable to participate in physical activities, but there are other ways to reduce stress. Eating a healthy, well-balanced diet and getting a good night’s sleep can keep stress at bay. Joining a non-physical group activity, such as a bridge club or volunteering, offers socialization and a chance to clear the mind of daily responsibilities. There are also local agencies that can help with tasks that might cause undue stress for seniors. Respite care organizations can help with housework or grocery shopping. Religious organizations often have groups who can assist seniors with yard work or other strenuous tasks around the home.

The fact that stress is a fact of life does not mean that overwhelming stress is a burden seniors have to shoulder all alone. With help, seniors can combat stress and its negative effects. Spend time helping seniors determine what burdens they face. Help them plan ways suited to their lifestyles that are not only fun but that can minimize the pressures stress can cause. By doing so, the quality of life seniors experience can increase, further paving the way for them to lead independent lives within the comfort of their own homes.




April is Parkinson’s Awareness Month

Posted on Thursday, April 26th, 2012 at 11:24 am and filed under Uncategorized

 
10 potential warning signs that could indicate a person has Parkinson’s disease:

1. Tremors and shaking.

2. Small handwriting.

3. Loss of the sense of smell.

4. Trouble sleeping.

5. Trouble moving or walking.

6. Constipation.

7. Soft or low voice.

8. Masked face.

9. Dizziness or fainting.

10. Stooping or hunching over.

April is Parkinson’s Awareness Month – Parkinson’s disease is a progressive neurological disorder that affects nearly one million people in the Us.  Although promising research is being conducted, there is currently no cure for Parkinson’s.




Preparing to Care for Aging Loved Ones

Posted on Tuesday, April 24th, 2012 at 10:39 am and filed under Caregiving, Caregiving Support, Family Caregiving

There are many joys families experience within the relationships they have with senior relatives. Grandma and Grandpa are often able to tell the best tales of times past. The memories they impart during family get-togethers, along with valuable family history seniors recount, become the ties that bind many families together. Our elder ancestors are the very roots that strengthen each relative’s sense of place, comfort and knowledge of how they came to be in this world.

Along with the joys seniors bring to our lives come hard decisions that may eventually need to be made regarding their ability to live alone. Some seniors suffer mental or physical limitations that make it difficult for them to safely care for themselves. In these instances, family members find themselves in the position of deciding who can provide the best care for their loved ones. Typically, this decision-making process – from recognition to solution – can take approximately a year and a half. Usually a female family member such as a daughter or granddaughter is the one who makes the final decision of care.  In families where there is no daughter, this role often falls on the shoulders of the oldest son’s wife (the daughter-in-law).

There are two types of caregiving scenarios to consider – choosing a willing family member to provide care or hiring a home care company to deliver caregiving services for seniors. Deciding to become a family caregiver can be an incredibly rewarding experience. Family caregivers often find their relationships with their senior loved ones enriched and satisfying beyond words. It feels good to give the gift of time. Even so, becoming a family caregiver can have a negative impact in some ways, as well. Many family caregivers experience financial difficulties by either having to miss work to care for their loved one or by supporting two households. Family caregivers also become susceptible to suffering depression due to the physical and emotional impact caregiving for a family member can have. Careful consideration of all parties involved should be taken before a family member takes on a caregiving role.

An alternative to family caregiving is to hire a professional and experienced agency to provide care and support. Comfort Keepers® is one such home care agency that focuses on  serving the senior population. Comfort Keepers perform duties ranging from occasional housekeeping to daily companionship for seniors who need close monitoring.

Comfort Keepers is an expert in helping families make these crucial decisions. As a leader in the home care industry, the company has devised a list of critical questions for families to ask when interviewing caregiving companies. That list can be found here: http://www.comfortkeepers.com/information-center/news-and-highlights/in-home-care-for-mom-and-dad. Choosing a company that best fits a loved one’s needs and facilitates a safe environment for a senior in his or her own home is essential for success.

Comfort Keepers conducted extensive research among families and other home care resources to determine the best way to broach caregiving with a senior loved one. Simply initiating the topic can cause tension and unease. This decision can inspire guilt for the person making the decision as well as resentment from the senior who needs care. Visit http://www.comfortkeepers.com/family-education-center/starting-the-conversation to find ideas that help families understand the core issues surrounding caregiving. This article also gives helpful insight as to how to discuss the matter without hurting feelings or making a senior feel uncomfortable.

 In any event, deciding a loved one needs additional care can be a daunting experience. Deciding who can best care for a senior loved one is a very important decision. The end result should make everyone happy and provide peace of mind for all involved.

 




The Obesity Epidemic: How Does It Affect Seniors?

Posted on Thursday, March 15th, 2012 at 1:09 pm and filed under Caregiving, Healthy Living, Interactive Caregiving

Obesity, today, is a hot topic. In fact, due to the significant rise of obesity in children and the subsequent health issues it causes, health experts predict that today’s children may have shorter life spans than their parents. This projection has parents, the medical community and other health advocates promoting significant lifestyle changes and better eating habits for children in hopes they achieve brighter health statistics in their futures.

Another population suffering the effects of the obesity epidemic that is garnering widespread attention is America’s seniors. Many seniors battle weight issues, often thought of in terms of being too thin or malnourished. However, the growing population of seniors at risk of being overweight faces obesity-related serious health issues, as well, including risk of osteoporosis, cardiovascular disease, arthritis, loss of memory and an even higher risk of developing dementia in later years.

In short – proper eating habits should begin early in life and continue through the golden years. The problem is – no one is that perfect and today’s fast-paced, fast-food society makes it easy to deviate from healthy choices. However, no matter what age, practicing healthy nutritional habits can make a big impact on a person’s overall health.

Caregivers of seniors play an important role in ensuring seniors consume healthy, well-balanced diets. Simply interacting with seniors by helping them shop for nutritional items at the grocery store, choosing healthy snack alternatives, and planning menus that provide adequate nourishment without unnecessary calories are key. Preparing healthy meals together can foster better eating habits and provides an activity enjoyed by all. Dining with seniors whenever possible adds another opportunity to oversee healthy food choices. This also offers seniors a bit of socialization, making seniors feel less lonely and isolated than when dining alone. Companionship during meals stimulates appetites, paving the way for seniors and caregivers, alike, to eat proper amounts of nutrient-rich foods.

The benefits of good nutrition are many:

  • Improved energy and feeling of wellness
  • Strengthened immunity
  • Sharpened mental focus
  • Stronger bones and muscles
  • Improved weight control, digestion and regularity
  • Better cardiovascular health
  • Reduced incidence of mood swings and depression, and so much more

 

Along with good nutrition, daily exercise helps combat obesity. A stroll through the neighborhood or a bike ride in the park promotes cardiovascular health benefits for seniors while burning calories. Encourage seniors to develop an exercise regimen with their physicians’ help that offers the best benefits specific to their physical abilities.

Caregiving provides a unique opportunity for caregivers of seniors to make a difference in more ways than one. Interacting with seniors – talking together, sharing meals, and participating in other activities — cultivates overall healthy lifestyles that are crucial to helping seniors live independently in their own homes for as long as possible.

References:

YMCA of the USA. The y recognizes national childhood obesity month. Retrieved on February 7, 2012 from http://www.ymca.net/news-releases/20100827-childhood-obesity-awareness.html.

Comfort Keepers. Senior nutrition: balanced nutrition leads to a healthier life. Retrieved on February 8, 2012 from http://interactivecaregiving.com/senior-nutrition.

Caring Right at Home. Seniors aren’t spared by today’s obesity epidemic. Retrieved on February 8, 2012 from http://www.caringnews.com/pub.59/issue.1641/article.6925/

Dryden, Jim. Washington University in St. Louis – Newsroom (2012). Diet-exercise combo best for obese seniors. Retrieved on February 8, 2012, from http://news.wustl.edu/news/Pages/22091.aspx.




Testimonial from former Comfort Keeper Mary Leyendecker

Posted on Tuesday, March 6th, 2012 at 9:32 am and filed under Caregiving, Testimonial

Mary Leyendecker, former Comfort Keeper

“In reflecting on my experience with Comfort Keepers, I cannot express how much the opportunity helped me. From the fact that I was just leaving a difficult corporate experience to the fact that I needed to get in touch with who I really am. I left a corporate job not knowing what my next calling was. I was starting to look into nursing schools, however did not know if this was right for me. On a whim, I called Comfort Keepers to inquire about a position the company had available for caregivers. After only a few short months, I felt that I had heard my calling. I was employed with Comfort Keepers for 2 years & loved every minute of my work. During this time I started & finished my Masters Degree in Nursing. Words cannot express how much the experience at Comfort Keepers prepared me for school, my clinical rotations & still today in the hospital where I am working as a Rehab RN. I know I have a strong future ahead & I truly admire and respect those who allowed me a chance to try something new & realize that the best way to help myself is by helping others. Bless All At Comfort Keepers.” Mary Leyendecker




Heart Health Facts

Posted on Tuesday, February 28th, 2012 at 2:46 pm and filed under Healthy Living, Heart Health

Comfort Keepers 123 Care Coordinator Kay Bunke attended the Women’s Ideas Network luncheon on February 15, 2012 sponsored by UC Health.  Shyamala Jagtap, MD spoke on women’s heart health since February is American Heart Month.  We would like to share with you some of the facts and information shared by Dr. Jagtap. 

Shyamala Jagtap, MD

 

FACTS:

  • 1 in 4 deaths in both men and women in 2011 in the US were caused by Coronary Artery Disease
  • More than half of those deaths were in women
  • Number of deaths from stroke & heart attack is more than all cancers combined
  • The incidents of silent heart attacks are higher in women than men.
  • This results in higher incidence of complications like:  death, heart failure, arrhythmia or irregular rhythms, valve problems and rarely heart rupture.

Risk Factors for Heart Attacks:

  • Conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol
  • Behaviours like smoking, sedentary lifestyle, high fats and cholesterol in diet, excessive alcohol intake
  • Family history of heart attack at early age
  • Others like Obstructive Sleep Apnea, cocaine use

 

Women have additional risk of heart disease if they have:

  • Metabolic Syndrome with waist lines of greater than 35 inches, high blood pressure, high triglycerides and low HDL (good) cholesterol and fasting blood sugars of more than 100.
  • Have chronic inflammation anywhere in their body like gums & joints
  • Had preeclampsia when they were pregnant.  Preeclampsia is high blood pressure & protein in the urine.
  • Frequent hot flashes in menopause
  • Exposure to even second hand smoke or if they smoke.  The deleterious effect of smoking is more prominent in women.
  • They have a lot of mental stress or depression

 

Typical Symptoms of heart attack are not common in women.  They may have:

  • Neck, shoulder, upper back, abdominal discomfort
  • Shortness of breath, decreased exercise tolerance, fatigue
  • Breast tenderness
  • Sore throat
  • Sweating
  • Dizziness or lightheadedness
  • Nausea/Vomiting

 

The good news is you can take action to reduce your personal risk of heart disease by living a healthy lifestyle.  The first step for women is to visit their doctor for a thorough checkup.  Don’t hesitate to ask questions about your heart health, including those provided below by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

Questions to Ask Your Doctor:

  • What is my risk for heart disease?
  • What is my blood pressure?  What does it mean for me, and what do I need to  do  about it?
  • What are my cholesterol numbers?  (These include total cholesterol, LDL, HDL, and triglycerides, a type of fat found in the blood and food.)  What do they mean for me and what do I need to do about them?
  • What are my “body-mass index” and waist measurement?  Do they mean that I need to lose weight for my health?
  • What is my blood sugar level and does it mean I’m at risk for diabetes?  If so, what do I need to do about it?
  • What other screening tests for heart disease do I need?
  • What can you do to help me quit smoking?
  • How much physical activity do I need to help protect my heart?
  • What is a heart healthy eating plan for me?
  • How can I tell if I may be having a heart attack?  If I think I’m having one, what should I do?

Take steps today to improve your heart health and reduce your chances of developing heart disease.




Nutritious Eating For the Heart & Brain

Posted on Tuesday, February 21st, 2012 at 11:27 am and filed under Healthy Living, Heart Health

When you take healthful eating to heart, it will go to your head, too.

A well-balanced, heart-healthy diet—rich in fruits, vegetables and whole grains—reduces plaque build-up in the arteries to help deliver a free-flowing stream of oxygen to all parts of the body, including the brain. This boosts mental performance, slows the aging process and lowers the risk of dementia.

Nutritious eating benefits the brain in many ways. Here are a few examples:

  • Some vitamins—particularly folate and B12—help prevent the inflammation that causes plaque to narrow arteries, which can lead to heart attack and stroke, which, in turn, can diminish cognitive function. Folate comes from cooked, dry beans, peas, peanuts, oranges and orange juice, dark-green leafy vegetables like spinach and mustard greens, fortified cereals and enriched grain products. B12 is in salmon, trout, beef, poultry, cheese, eggs and fortified cereals.
  • Antioxidants—such as vitamins A, C and E and nutrients lutein, lycopene and selenium—promote brain health. Good sources include dark-skinned fruits and vegetables. Vegetables include kale, spinach, brussels sprouts, alfalfa sprouts, broccoli, beets, red bell pepper, onion, corn and eggplant. Fruits high in antioxidants include prunes, raisins, blueberries, blackberries, strawberries, raspberries, plums, oranges, red grapes and cherries. Almonds, pecans and walnuts also are good antioxidant sources.
  • Some minerals boost brain function. Iron—from organ meats, beef, pork and most legumes—supports focus and concentration. Zinc—from beef and other meats, oysters, whole-grain bread and soybeans—sharpens verbal memory, helping word recall.
  • Omega-3 fatty acids in fatty fish, such as salmon, trout, halibut, mackerel and tuna, help build gray matter, promoting intellectual performance. WebMD reports that one study found that healthy adults who ate the most omega-3 fatty acids had the most gray matter in brain areas that regulate mood. Among cooking oils, canola and walnut oil, are the best sources of omega-3s. On the other hand, a diet high in saturated fats may raise the risk for Alzheimer’s disease.

 

Maintaining a healthy body weight—through healthful diet and exercise—is essential to heart and mind. The Alzheimer’s Association reports that a long-term study of 1,500 adults found that those who were obese in middle age were twice as likely to develop dementia. And those who also had high cholesterol and high blood pressure were six times at greater risk of dementia.