Archives for Healthy Living

Becoming a Super-Ager

Becoming a Super-Ager

July 4, 2013 | No Comments

Could you be a super-ager? A “super-ager” is someone who at 80 has the brain size and memory performance of a 50 year old.  They tend to live longer and be healthier.  If you see someone still happily at work in her 90’s, it would be a fair guess that they are a super-ager. So, how do we know if we are one of the lucky ones?  Neurologists and other scientists are still trying to figure out the “key” to aging well, although genetics are certainly a big indicator.  Often those whose parents lived long and healthy lives do the
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Avoiding a Healthcare Crisis

Avoiding a Healthcare Crisis

July 3, 2013 | No Comments

As more baby boomers pass 65, a healthcare crisis is beginning to appear.  With medical advancements, seniors today will be living longer than their parents or grandparents.  They will also be living sicker for longer. According to surveys, 8 out of 10 seniors have chronic conditions, with half having two or more.  According to the CDC, seniors will spend three to five times more money on healthcare than everyone under 65.  This will put a heavy burden on seniors and their families. What can seniors do to prepare? Make small changes to improve health.  Many of these chronic diseases, such
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Seniors Star in New Video Game

Seniors Star in New Video Game

June 28, 2013 | No Comments

One of the biggest fears of a senior is falling and getting injured.  One video game company saw this problem and set out to find a solution.  Now the company Blue Marble Game Co. has created a game they are confident will revolutionize fall prevention. The best way to minimize falls is through balance and strength exercise.  If the muscles are strong, they will prevent the fall.  So Blue Marble created a video game called Zoezi Park that will help the senior exercise specifically aiming at building the muscles to maintain balance. This fun and educational game takes place in a virtual
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Study Finds High Blood Pressure Linked to Cognitive Decline

Study Finds High Blood Pressure Linked to Cognitive Decline

June 26, 2013 | No Comments

An estimated 67 million American adults have high blood pressure – that is a third of the adult population!  We know that hypertension can cause conditions such as strokes, aneurysms, and kidney damage.  But now we can add another condition to the list:  decreased cognitive abilities. A recent study found at Huffington Post was done in Australia to determine if there was a relationship between high blood pressure and cognitive abilities.  It was found that those with hypertension fared worse with visual processing, recognition, and processing speed. Why do they think this is happening?  Our arteries are the blood vessels
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Healthy Living One Day at a Time  

Healthy Living One Day at a Time  

June 21, 2013 | No Comments

Want to lead a healthier life but just don’t know where to begin?  Dedicate one day to well-being and see the benefits.  A few small changes will make a world of difference.  1. Drink more water.  Our bodies need water for many functions and getting enough water is essential.  Have an extra glass with lunch to boost your energy for the afternoon.  2. Hug someone.  When you hug someone your body releases a hormone called oxytocin.  This hormone builds relationships and wards off depression.  3. Meditate.  Having a moment to yourself to clear your head can boost your mood and improve memory.  Add
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Eating Oranges Boosts Health

Eating Oranges Boosts Health

June 20, 2013 | No Comments

Last month we talked about the benefits of eating green. Now here are some advantages of eating orange! Not only are oranges delicious but they also provide many nutrients we need to keep our bodies healthy.  We all know that they have high levels of Vitamin C to boost our immunity, but oranges also contain a Vitamin A precursor, calcium, potassium, pectin, citrus limonoids, and fiber.  This combination of vitamins and nutrients benefits our bodies in many ways. Eating oranges has been linked to preventing and fighting cancers of the liver, skin, breast, lung, colon, and stomach.  Each glass of orange juice
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4 Tips on Getting Better Sleep

4 Tips on Getting Better Sleep

June 18, 2013 | Comments Off on 4 Tips on Getting Better Sleep

Have you had too many nights when you are awake at 3 a.m., staring at your ceiling fan?  Well, you’re not alone.  Nearly 30% of the population has some form of insomnia.  But don’t pop a sleeping pill just yet.  Here are some suggestions to help you get a full, restful night of sleep. 1.   Catch a catnap.  Are you afraid that if you nap during the day you will have a harder time falling asleep that night?  Not so, say sleep specialists.  Taking a 20-40 minute nap during the day will make you ready for sleep come nighttime.  However, a nap longer than 40 minutes will have
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Food for Thought…and Memory

Food for Thought…and Memory

June 13, 2013 | No Comments

Many seniors are reading and doing crossword puzzles to fight off Alzheimer’s disease.  But is it enough?  A recent study showed links to healthy behaviors and good memory, no matter the age of the participant.  This study, done via telephone survey by UCLA, examined how eating, exercising, and smoking affected memory. The first result was that healthy eating positively affected memory in all age groups.  Although it clearly helped the younger participants, it was most dramatic among the seniors in the study.  Those older participants who did not eat well were much more likely to report memory loss. Also, although
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Fight the Risk of Dementia

Fight the Risk of Dementia

May 30, 2013 | Comments Off on Fight the Risk of Dementia

The risk of dementia can be worrisome, not only for the senior but also for the family members caring for him or her.  Although much of the research suggests that Alzheimer’s disease and other dementia may be out of our control, some studies are saying that there are ways to prevent the condition. Here are three ways to beat the odds of getting dementia: Work up a sweat.  It has been found that the positive circulatory effects of light exercise can reduce the risk of dementia.  Beginning a new exercise routine should be discussed with a medical provider first for
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The Key to Longevity Revealed

The Key to Longevity Revealed

May 24, 2013 | Comments Off on The Key to Longevity Revealed

Well, the key to longevity may finally be revealed. A 94 year old man tells an incredibly inspiring story about how he was able to stay active in his old age by simply exercise routinely. It seems none of us have an excuse anymore, at least when it comes to regular exercise.  Recent studies have shown that regular exercise has an even bigger impact on longevity than weight does. You read that right. According to the research, someone who maintains an active lifestyle will live years longer than those who do not.  And it seems to not matter if you
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