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.

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

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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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

1. Talk about it – while family might believe a senior requires home care assistance, their elderly loved one might not feel the same. Talking about it gently is essential, and not all seniors are likely to simply accept the suggestion of help. A family counselor can intervene if necessary.

2. List the help needed – talk together and determine specific things that a senior care provider like Home Care San Francisco could assist with. Whether it’s grocery shopping, help with bathing and dressing, or other tasks.

3. Do research – talk to friends and family about home care agencies they’d recommend, but during that process as costs are addressed, it’s also essential that any funding or insurance coverage that may be available is investigated

4. Don’t jump into a decision – even once a specific agency is narrowed down, it’s okay to interview them and ask questions about their history and their policies. Ask if they’ll spend time with the senior first to assess comfort level, and also verify that a replacement caregiver will be provided if one doesn’t work out

Via: The Family Caregiver

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.

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.

Valentine’s Day can be lonely for seniors, particularly those of you who are reminded of romantic activities that you may have done in the past with a spouse that’s no longer with you. But that doesn’t mean you have to succumb to those feelings; instead get out there and have some fun!

• 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 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.