San Francisco Non Medical Care allows seniors to live happy, healthy, and independent lives in their own homes.

Seniors with diabetes have a lot of concerns. A recent study has revealed that they may have another issue to worry about. The study has shown that stress could increase the risk of memory loss in diabetic patients. This is a cause for concern for millions of seniors. The list below provides facts from the study on how stress could play a large role in memory issues and seniors.

1. The study focused on more than 1000 men and women who had type-2 diabetes. All of the people involved in the study were between the ages of 60 and 75. This type of diabetes has been linked to memory issues, but the reason was never clear until this study was performed.

2. The study revealed that diabetic patients who have high levels of stress are at a much higher risk of experiencing memory loss and cognitive decline. The levels of cortisol in the blood may play a role in memory function.

3. Cognitive decline in patients with type-2 diabetes may be controlled by regulating the levels of cortisol.

4. Prior studies have revealed that patients with diabetes may be at risk of memory loss that is associated with Alzheimer’s disease.

5. Cortisol may be the key factor in regulating memory loss. This hormone is responsible for much of the brain’s function. If patients with type-2 diabetes have high levels of this hormone, they will be at risk for memory loss.

Source: telegraph.co.uk

Home Care San Francisco Bay Area serving seniors in San Bruno, San Mateo, Walnut Creek and Concord. Call us at 415-333-3944 or 650-877-8009.

San Francisco Senior Care allows seniors to live happy, healthy, and independent lives in their own homes.

Food safety plays a key role in senior health. Seniors need to make sure that all foods that are stored in the home are done so properly. They must also know how to safely prepare the food. When making a meal, there are some tips on food safety that should be followed. This will reduce the chances of seniors getting ill from food that is not stored or prepared properly. The list below offers some food safety tips for seniors.

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 San Francisco Bay Area serving seniors in San Bruno, San Mateo, Walnut Creek and Concord. Call us at 415-333-3944 or 650-877-8009.

Our San Francisco Caregivers allow seniors to live happy, healthy, and independent lives in their own homes.

Seniors need to be aware of some things that may cause a foodborne illness. There are some simple things that can be done while preparing foods that will help avoid becoming ill. It is important for seniors to practice safe preparation of all foods to ensure they do not become ill from a certain food. Below is a list that provides seniors with some tips that can be useful.

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

Home Care San Francisco Bay Area serving seniors in San Bruno, San Mateo, Walnut Creek and Concord. Call us at 415-333-3944 or 650-877-8009.

San Francisco Aging Care allows seniors to live happy, healthy, and independent lives in their own homes.

Food allergies can cause a number of problems for seniors. When a senior has a food allergy, they need to be extremely careful of what they eat. An allergy could be life-threatening, which is why awareness is essential. Many seniors also have food intolerances. These do not include reactions as severe, but can cause major problems for seniors. Below is a list of facts about food allergies and intolerances.

1. Food allergies are more common in children, but they do affect seniors as well. Family history plays an important role. Seniors should be aware of any other family members who have allergies or intolerances.

2. Food allergies can be mild or severe. Seniors need to know how they react to specific foods and be prepared for the worst possible reaction at all times.

3. The most common allergies include those to milk, peanuts, eggs, fish, shellfish, wheat, soy and tree nuts.

4. The best way to cope with food allergies and intolerances is to avoid the foods that trigger a reaction. Most seniors will be tested by a doctor to determine what foods cause a reaction and how severe that reaction may be.

5. Anyone with a food allergy or intolerance should know what is in the foods they eat. Since some food allergies are to common ingredients, this is very important when managing allergies.

6. When preparing food at home, always read the labels. Even if you are familiar with an ingredient in a recipe, it may contain traces of an allergen.

7. Make everyone informed of your allergies and intolerances. This includes family members, caretakers and friends.

Source: eatright.org

Image Via: healthinlife.com

Home Care San Francisco Bay Area serving seniors in San Bruno, San Mateo, Walnut Creek and Concord. Call us at 415-333-3944 or 650-877-8009.

San Francisco Home Care allows seniors to live happy, healthy, and independent lives in their own homes.

It is very common for seniors to have food allergies and intolerances. They are two different things, so seniors need to be aware of the facts of both conditions. The following list contains some important information for seniors with food allergies. When managing an allergy or intolerance, the best way to win the battle is by being informed.

1. There are eight foods that account for more than 90% of all food allergies. These include eggs, peanuts, milk, soy, wheat, tree nuts, fish and shellfish. Many people can have an anaphylactic reaction when they ingest a food they are allergic to.

2. Anyone with a food allergy or intolerance should know what foods make them ill and do their best to avoid these foods. It is important to make mention of any food allergies to anyone who is preparing food you will be eating.

3. Food allergy symptoms appear almost immediately after eating the food. The symptoms can include itchy nose and throat, watery eyes, shortness of breath or hives. There are many symptoms, but these are the most common.

4. Food intolerance is when the body cannot digest the food components. This is common with foods that contain lactose or sulfides. The symptoms may include abdominal pain and cramping, diarrhea or nausea. Unlike food allergies, food intolerance is not life-threatening.

5. If you have a food intolerance or allergy, make sure to meet with a dietician to understand what foods you need to avoid. You also need to learn about food ingredients so you know what to watch for. Make sure to read all labels on packaged foods and inform family members and friends of the intolerance or allergy.

Source: eatright.org

Home Care San Francisco Bay Area serving seniors in San Bruno, San Mateo, Walnut Creek and Concord. Call us at 415-333-3944 or 650-877-8009.

There are many ways seniors and caregivers can stay fit together. The list that is provided below contains some useful tips and resources. Caregiver health is just as important as the health of the senior. By engaging in programs and activities together, seniors and their San Francisco Caregivers can stay fit and have a great time doing so.

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

Home Care San Francisco Bay Area serving seniors in San Bruno, San Mateo, Walnut Creek and Concord. Call us at 415-333-3944 or 650-877-8009.

Our San Francisco Caregivers allow seniors to live happy, healthy, and independent lives in their own homes.

Type 2 diabetes is a common form of the disease that can affect seniors. There is no particular time of onset. Diabetes can affect people of all ages. This is why it is important to be aware of the risk factors associated with Type 2 diabetes. Below is a list that contains risk factors that all seniors should know.

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

Home Care San Francisco Bay Area serving seniors in San Bruno, San Mateo, Walnut Creek and Concord. Call us at 415-333-3944 or 650-877-8009.

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

Millions of seniors have Type 1 diabetes. Many of them have had it since they were young adults, though it can develop later in life. With this type of diabetes, patients are required to inject insulin because the pancreas no longer produces it naturally. It can take a lot of time to find a balance of insulin that works best, but once this is achieved, patients carry on with daily life as they always have. Below is a list that contains some important facts and useful tips about Type 1 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

Home Care San Francisco Bay Area serving seniors in San Bruno, San Mateo, Walnut Creek and Concord. Call us at 415-333-3944 or 650-877-8009.

Home Care San Francisco cares for many aging adults, and we know that high blood pressure is a common occurrence in the senior population. It is important for all seniors to know and understand the facts of high blood pressure, as well as any symptoms that are associated with it. The list provided below contains symptoms and facts about high blood pressure.

1. High blood pressure is the primary risk factor for heart attack and stroke. It can also cause kidney damage, blindness and heart disease.

2. The symptoms of high blood pressure can be different for each person. Some seniors will never experience any symptoms. Symptoms include dizziness, blurred vision, headaches and fatigue.

3. If the heart has been affected, the following symptoms may be present: chest pain, heart palpitations, shortness of breath and dizzy spells.

4. If the kidneys are affected by high blood pressure, patients may experience frequent urination, urinary tract infections, pain in the lower abdomen, increased glucose and protein in the urine or blood.

5. Should high blood pressure affect your eyes, you will experience loss of vision, blurred vision, headaches or double vision.

6. Malignant hypertension is caused by the rapid onset of high blood pressure and may cause shortness of breath, severe headaches, nausea, chest pain, confusion or seizures.

7. Talk to your doctor if any symptoms are present. Then work on a solution to lower your blood pressure, either by diet changes, medications, exercise or a combination of all three.

Source: hearthealthyonline.com

Image Source: sxc.hu

Home Care San Francisco Bay Area serving seniors in San Bruno, San Mateo, Walnut Creek and Concord. Call us at 415-333-3944 or 650-877-8009.

One of the best ways to promote heart health is by adding an exercise program to your daily life. This does not mean intense exercise. Simple stretching and sitting exercises can be beneficial. Heart health is a major concern for seniors, so more people are starting an exercise program to help their hearts and increase over-all health. The list below contains some tips when starting a program.

Before starting any exercise program, Home Care San Francisco wants to remind all seniors to check with their doctor first to make sure that the exercises they’re doing are safe.

1. Make sure all exercises are paced. You do not want to go too fast or over-do it. Give your muscles time to relax between exercises.

2. Individuals who have heart failure should always exercise in a controlled climate. Do not exercise outside in the extreme heat or cold.

3. During all exercises, make sure to have water nearby. Staying hydrated is one of the most important factors of a healthy exercise regime.

4. If you become fatigued, stop the exercise. Do not exercise if you have not been feeling well or if you experience any shortness of breath.

5. Pain can be an indicator of other health problems. If you experience any pain, stop the exercise, especially if the pain is in the chest.

6. After all exercises, check your pulse 15 minutes after you have stopped. Your pulse rate should be lower than 120.

Source: webmd.com

Image Source: sxc.hu

Home Care San Francisco Bay Area serving seniors in San Bruno, San Mateo, Walnut Creek and Concord. Call us at 415-333-3944 or 650-877-8009.