Home Care Pasadena

Tips for Seniors on Food Safety

Carebuzz — Sat, 13 Mar 2010 00:13:14 +0000

Pasadena Aging Care enables seniors to live happy, healthy, and independent lives in their own homes.

Food safety is an important concern for seniors. Since so many seniors still do their own shopping and meal preparation, they must know how to store and prepare foods safely. By following some of the provided tips, seniors will be able to practice food safety techniques that can prevent illness. Food safety plays an important role in maintaining senior health.

1. Always wash your hands often when cooking and handling any raw foods. Make sure to wash before, during and after preparation. This will reduce the risks of cross-contamination and will help ensure food is being prepared safely.

2. After shopping, be sure to store foods separately. Never keep raw and cooked foods stored together. When preparing meals, do not use the same cutting board or knife on meats and poultry on breads and vegetables.

3. Always make sure that foods are cooked to the proper temperature. Undercooked foods can pose a health threat to seniors. Consuming raw and undercooked foods, such as meats and eggs, could increase the chances of illness.

4. When buying perishable foods, make sure they are put away quickly. Never leave perishable foods on the counter. Place them in the refrigerator as soon as you return home to make sure they do not spoil.

Source: eatright.org

Image: organic.kysu.edu

Home Care Pasadena provides home care for the elderly, aging, and seniors in Pasadena, Altadena, San Gabriel, San Marino, Alhambra, Monterey Park, Eagle Rock, La Canada, South Pasadena, Los Angelesarea. Call us today at 626-486-0800.

Seniors Should be Aware of Food Safety Issues

Carebuzz — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 23:55:07 +0000

Our Pasadena Caregivers enable seniors to live happy, healthy, and independent lives in their own homes.

Food safety is an important issue for seniors. Since many seniors do not have strong immune systems, they are more prone to becoming ill after eating certain foods. Seniors also need to take precautions when preparing their own meals. The list below provides useful facts and tips on food safety for seniors.

1. Older individuals, newborns and pregnant women are more susceptible to foodborne illnesses. This is because they usually have a weaker immune system than a healthy young adult. People in these groups need to be very careful of the foods they ingest.

2. To protect yourself from becoming ill from a food, make sure that all food is stored properly.

3. When cooking food, make sure that the food has reached the proper temperature. This can be done by inserting a thermometer into the food as it is being prepared. This is very important when cooking meat and poultry.

4. When preparing food, be sure to wash your hands often. This will help prevent cross-contamination. This is important when coming in contact with raw fish, meat and poultry.

5. Some foods are more prone to carrying bacteria. This is common in chicken and some red meat. Try to avoid preparing or eating these foods, especially if they are undercooked.

Source: eatright.org

Tips to Eating Healthy for Seniors

Carebuzz — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 21:35:48 +0000

Pasadena Home Care enables seniors to live happy, healthy, and independent lives in their own homes.

Seniors should eat healthy foods, no matter what their current medical needs or conditions are at this time. Healthy eating habits promote good health and can even help with existing medical conditions. Having a healthy diet has many benefits and seniors should make sure their diet is nutritious. The list that is provided below contains tips for seniors on how they can eat healthy and improve their health.

1. Variety is the spice of life! Just because seniors do not require as many calories as younger adults, this does not mean they cannot mix up their daily diets. Having a variety of foods in a diet is a great way to get the proper nutrition while enjoying what is being eaten.

2. Fruits and vegetables are essential. It doesn’t matter if they are fresh, frozen or canned, but having daily servings of fruits and vegetables will provide the body with essential nutrients. Dark green and orange vegetables should be included in a diet.

3. Seniors require protein, so make sure a diet contains some beans, fish or peas.

4. Whole-grain products are very beneficial. Try to switch from white bread to whole-grain bread. Cereal, rice and pasta are also available in whole-grain.

5. When eating dairy, make sure it is low-fat. Seniors should keep an eye on their fat intake, so low-fat milk, yogurt and cheese should be incorporated into the diet. Make sure the products are fortified with Vitamin D as well.

6. When consuming foods with fat, try to choose foods that contain healthy fats. These include monosaturated and polysaturated fats.

Source: eatright.org

Image Via: webspin.org

Seniors Should Know about Nutrition

Carebuzz — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 19:50:55 +0000

Pasadena Home Care enables seniors to live happy, healthy, and independent lives in their own homes.

Nutrition is an important part of general health. Many seniors do not get the necessary nutrients from the foods they eat. This results in them having to take daily supplements. By eating the right foods, seniors will be able to absorb necessary nutrients. This can help maintain health and avoid medical issues in the future. The list below contains some nutritional facts for seniors.

1. Poor nutrition is a health risk for all seniors. There are many things that can increase the chances of poor nutrition. They include illness, taking multiple medications, poor dental health, poor eating habits and loneliness or the lack of socialization.

2. Since the need for calories is reduced with age, seniors need to choose foods that are rich in nutrients. Try to opt for foods that are high in fiber and low in fat. Reduce the intake of foods with high calories or high amounts of sugar.

3. Seniors may need more calcium, Vitamin D and Vitamin C. If you cannot increase your intake by adjusting what foods are eating, you may want to take a daily supplement to ensure you are getting enough of these important nutrients.

4. Seniors with heart disease or high blood pressure need to watch how much sodium is consumed daily. Processed foods contain high amounts of sodium. It is best for seniors to eat freshly prepared meals including vegetables and meats that are not processed. Seniors who do not have a health condition should not consume more than 3000mg of sodium each day. This number will be lower for those with heart disease, diabetes and high blood pressure.

Source: gicare.com

Benefits of Staying Fit – Caregiver Health

Carebuzz — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 20:49:22 +0000

Caregiver health is an important issue. Caregivers need to allow themselves time to stay fit and remain healthy. It is possible to include seniors in many activities. Pasadena caregivers and seniors can engage in programs that will keep them healthy while allowing them to spend quality time together. The list below contains some resources and tips for caregivers.

1. There are many programs available through AARP that will be helpful when trying to get in shape or stay fit. These programs offer some great ideas on starting points and can also provide structure for those who are already active and wish to follow a schedule or set a regimen each day. Seniors can also join in with many of the activities provided, allowing another opportunity for the caregiver and senior to have special time together.

2. The benefits of exercise far exceed just toning the body and staying fit. There is a mental and emotional component to it as well. The Fat 2 Fit journey is a great program for seniors and caregivers to do together. This program will walk you through the steps to losing weight and keeping it off. It also provides some daily exercise that will benefit seniors and caregivers.

3. Make sure to take time for mental breaks. If you have a negative thought about the way you are exercising or your weight at the current time, it may be time to take a break. There are links on the source page that contain useful information for keeping your mind as healthy as the rest of your body.

Source: aarp.org

Type 2 Diabetes – Risk Factors

Carebuzz — Mon, 22 Feb 2010 23:05:04 +0000

Pasadena Aging Care enables seniors to live happy, healthy, and independent lives in their own homes.

Seniors should be aware of all of the risk factors of diabetes. Type 2 diabetes is common, so seniors should know what factors could play a role in the development of the disease. Below is a list that contains some common risk factors. If you believe you may be at risk of developing the disease, talk with your doctor.

1. If you are over the age of 45, you are at a higher risk of developing Type 2 diabetes. Family history also plays a large role in the risk factor.

2. If you are over-weight, you will be at a risk. Individuals who are not physically active will be at risk. Try to exercise daily and maintain a healthy weight.

3. Females who have had babies weighing more than 9 pounds, or who have had diabetes during a pregnancy will be at a higher risk.

4. High blood pressure is a risk factor for Type 2 diabetes. If your HDL cholesterol level is below 35 mg/dL, your risk factor is increased.

5. Previous diagnoses of metabolic syndrome and an impaired glucose tolerance both play a role in the development of Type 2 diabetes.

6. Polycystic ovarian syndrome and acanthosis can affect Type 2 diabetes. If you have been diagnosed with either of these conditions, you will be at a high risk of developing the disease.

Do you have a parent with diabetes? The American Diabetes Association offers these tips on how to help your parent manage their diabetes.

Source: www.nlm.nih.gov

Health of Caregivers

Carebuzz — Fri, 19 Feb 2010 20:03:49 +0000

Home Care Pasadena enables seniors to live happy, healthy, and independent lives in their own homes.

The over-all health of a caregiver can have an effect on seniors. Seniors rely on caregivers and they need them to be a reliable source daily. This is why all caregivers need to pay special attention to their own health needs. If you are a caregiver and provide services to a senior, make sure you remain as healthy as possible. This will ensure that you will be able to continue working. The list below contains useful tips that all caregivers should read.

1. Daily vitamin supplements can make a huge difference. The vitamins can be very useful for those who are tired and listless.

2. Exercise is the key to a healthy lifestyle. Even if it is just a short walk each day, exercise can be very beneficial in maintaining health.

3. Respite time is very important. Since many caregivers do experience stress and the feeling of being burnt out, respite time can provide for rest and relaxation. These are needed to remain healthy so you can continue to provide for a senior in need.

4. Flu shots can help caregivers stay healthy. Not only will this help avoid the flu, but it will also remove the chances of spreading the virus to a senior.

5. Do not make work your entire life. Being a caregiver is very demanding. It is important to have a well-balanced life. This includes having hobbies and spending quality time with family and friends.

6. Make sure to visit the doctor regularly. Routine check-ups can prevent illness and will help with over-all health maintenance.

Source: thefamilycaregiver.org

Facts for Seniors About Type 1 Diabetes

Carebuzz — Mon, 15 Feb 2010 21:51:48 +0000

Home Care Pasadena enables seniors to live happy, healthy, and independent lives in their own homes.

Type 1 diabetes is a common type that affects many seniors. While the disease is manageable, it may take some time to determine the correct amount of insulin needed daily. With this type of diabetes, the pancreas no longer produces insulin, thus requiring the patient to inject insulin daily. Below is a list containing some important facts about this type of diabetes.

1. Those with Type 1 diabetes must take insulin every day. Without insulin, the patient will not survive. It is important to find out exactly how much insulin is needed to control blood sugar levels.

2. The onset of Type 1 happens rapidly. The warning signs of the development of type 1 diabetes include increased blood sugar levels, increased urination and thirst, weight loss, blurred vision and fatigue. If any of these symptoms are noticed, contact a doctor as soon as possible.

3. It is important to test blood sugar levels regularly. These levels allow patients to monitor their diabetes and can tell them how much insulin they need to control the levels. It is best to test before meals, a few hours after meals and before bedtime.

4. A regular diet is important, but so is the time meals are eaten. Many diabetics have to eat at the same time every day to keep their blood sugar levels under control.

5. A healthy life style will help the battle with Type 1 diabetes. Work with doctors to find a regime that works best and stick to it. Once your diabetes is under control, you will lead a normal life.

Source: diabetes.about.com

Image: diabetic-forum.net

Valentine’s Fun for All Ages

Carebuzz — Fri, 12 Feb 2010 15:24:07 +0000

Home Care Pasadena enables seniors to live happy, healthy, and independent lives in their own homes.

The fun of Valentine’s Day doesn’t have to expire with childhood, or once you’re no longer in a new relationship. It can carry out throughout life, even if the focus is more upon fun and friendship than romance. Here are some great ways to celebrate Valentine’s Day as a senior:

• Attend a community event – visit a senior’s center or community center hosting Valentine’s Day celebrations. Performances like concerts by choirs, plays and poetry readings can be fun to attend and great for the whole family

• Try doing some crafts – seniors who are already part of craft groups are likely to be beginning themed activities for Valentine’s Day, but do them at home as well. Seniors can also make cards and decorations with their family members

• Do some baking – Valentine’s Day is often associated with treats. Chocolate and goodies are usually a feature of the holiday. For seniors that can eat these items without any health repercussions, they can do some baking with family members. Otherwise healthier recipes can be tried incorporating food coloring of heart shapes to get into the spirit!

Via: Suite101

Image: daylife.com

Home Care Pasadena provides home care for the elderly, aging, and seniors in Pasadena, Altadena, San Gabriel, San Marino, Alhambra, Monterey Park, Eagle Rock, La Canada, South Pasadena, Los Angelesarea. Call us today at 626-486-0800.

Statin Doses Reduce Risk of Heart Disease

Carebuzz — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 17:37:20 +0000

Home Care Pasadena helps seniors remain active and healthy in their own homes.

Elderly patients are now being told that an increase in dosages of statin could help with other heart risks. Many studies have been conducted and the results show that these increased dosages can be beneficial in many ways. Statin is used to lower bad cholesterol, which in turn has other health benefits. Many seniors are now trying to reduce the chances of heart risk. The list below contains some useful information about statin and heart health.

1. Increased doses of Lipitor or other cholesterol lowering medications has been shown to reduce the risk of developing heart related health problems.

2. In combination with medication, lowering bad cholesterol can reduce the chances of heart disease.

3. Seniors who have coronary heart disease should try to get their bad cholesterol levels below 100mg per each deciliter of blood.

4. High doses of statin has been shown to lower cholesterol levels to 70.

5. In addition to reducing the chances of developing heart disease, seniors can also reduce the likelihood of stroke and heart attack.

6. Regardless of the current heart condition, lowering bad cholesterol can have many health benefits for seniors, including lower blood pressure, lower mortality rates and the reduction of risks of coronary heart disease.

7. Seniors who are currently taking medication to lower their cholesterol should speak to a doctor regarding the possible benefits of increasing the dosage.

If you are a caregiver, or know anyone with a heart condition, you could benefit from watching the following clip, which features a modified form of CPR called CCR that is easier to learn, easier to do and can save even more lives!

Source: reuters.com