One-third of Americans have some sort of vision-impairing eye disease by the age of 65. And many don’t even know it. They simply think that their eyes are worsening because of old age. But a senior can improve his or her chances of keeping their vision clear by getting an eye exam every year and working with their doctor. The earlier eye diseases are caught, the more likely that the eventual effects may be slowed or even stopped. The four most common conditions that affect senior eye health are cataracts, glaucoma, age-related macular degeneration, and diabetic eye disease. Each of
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Posts by Freedom Home Care
How to Choose the Best Doctor for You
A good relationship with your doctor is essential. The difference between a bad doctor and a great doctor could be the difference in your level of health. Here are some guidelines you can use to find the best primary care physician for you: Do the research. Make a list of three doctors who may be a good fit. Call your local medical society to see if any complaints were filed against any of them. If you’re Internet savvy, check reviews online. Get a good idea of what you’re walking into. Visit the office. Visit the office of each and talk
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Get Screened for Heart Damaging Conditions
Nearly 800,000 Americans die each year from heart disease. This is nearly 30 percent of all deaths. And it is estimated that a quarter of these deaths, around 200,000, could have been avoided with proper screening and treatment for preventable causes. Physicians nowadays are aware of the risks associated with certain conditions and how critical it is to get them under control. Here are two conditions that should regularly get screened to keep a healthy heart. High blood pressure. High blood pressure, also called hypertension, can have many causes and many devastating effects on the body. The high pressure of
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Dogs Monitor Owners’ Blood Sugar
Dogs have long been used to help the blind, the physical and psychological disabled, the hearing impaired, and even the allergic navigate their surroundings safely. Now, we can add “diabetics” to that list. Service dogs are being trained to detect if their owner’s blood sugar is too high or low. Amazingly, the dogs can perceive this by just smelling the person’s breath. Seniors whose blood sugar levels are erratic and have been given a service dog report that the dog has probably saved their life on at least one occasion. cash advance cash advance This is truly an amazing life-saving
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Could Washing Your Hands Cause Alzheimer’s Disease?
Could Alzheimer’s disease be so prevalent in the United States because of our good hygiene? Some scientists think so. The “hygiene hypothesis” has been thrown around to explain many different ailments – everything from allergies to autoimmune conditions. The idea behind it is that because we live in such a “clean” society that our bodies are not exposed to the normal bacteria, viruses, and parasites it would normally be. Because of that, they theorize, our immune systems don’t get the exercise that they should be and so we become overly sensitive. Essentially, our immune systems get bored and start acting
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The Dementia-Fighting Secrets of the Mediterranean Diet
We know that eating healthy foods can help our bodies stay strong through old age, but are we eating the right healthy foods? For several years, doctors have been touting the “Mediterranean Diet” to increase health and stave off heart problems. And now there is research that indicates it can also reduce the risk of dementia. More studies need to be done before there is a definitive link between this diet and decreased dementia, but that doesn’t mean that you can’t start eating these healthy foods today. Here are some tips to eating a Mediterranean diet: Know the pyramid. The
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Broccoli Boasts Big Benefits
Not only is broccoli delicious in everything from soups to side dishes, it is incredibly healthy for you too. Packed with nutrients and low in calories, it is one of the most tastiest and easiest-to-prepare super foods. Here are a few things that you may not have known about broccoli: It’s packed with nutrients. From Vitamin C to Folic Acid, this super food is a good source of a variety of vitamins and nutrients. For those who do not eat dairy, broccoli is a wonderful source of osteoporosis-fighting calcium. It also has loads of beta-carotene that promotes eye health and
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Reasons Why Seniors May Not Be Suited for a Dog
Many seniors love having a dog in their house. The pups are friends and companions. They can lower our blood pressure and provide us laughs and love. But caring for a pet does not suit every senior. Here are four reasons a senior should not get a dog: Cost. Caring for a pet can be expensive. Not only do they need food, dogs also need annual vet visits, vaccinations, grooming, and equipment such as leashes, toys, and dishes. Some seniors with limited funds may not be able to afford to buy a dog everything that he needs. Falls. Anyone who
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Hormone Therapy Can Prevent Disease for the Elderly: Interview with Dr. Cheryl Perlis, M.D.
In a recent interview with Dr. Cheryl Perlis, M.D., we learned a lot about the benefits of hormone therapy and supplements in preventing everything from serious diseases like dementia and heart disease, as well as preventing more common every day symptoms like fatigue, weight gain, sleeping difficulties, and thinning hair. How did you get into the field of hormone therapy, and what are the basics that we should know about how it works? I founded Perlis Wellness Center in 2004, after practicing conventional obstetrics and gynecology for 15 years. I became interested in cosmetic medicine and trained with the elite physicians in using Botox and dermal
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Start Planning Now To Avoid the Worst
No one likes planning for the future. It’s tedious, frustrating, and forces us to think about things that we perhaps would rather not. However, when you plan long-term care for seniors early, you will be less likely to have to make snap decisions or miss something later on. When you begin to plan for the senior’s future, keep these key items in mind: Paperwork: Even though organizing paperwork doesn’t sound like fun, it can avoid headaches in the future. Make sure that family members not only know where wills are located, but also know about bank accounts, insurance information, doctor
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