Does playing games cause bigger brains and sharper thinking, or are those who already have healthier brains more likely to play games? This chicken or egg question is something that scientists have been wondering for some time.  The popular theory is that the mental activity of playing games exercises the brain in such a way that deters dementia. But, another theory says that those who already have sharper minds and have a mental reserve of sorts are inclined towards game playing and naturally less susceptible to suffering from dementia. However, in either case, doctors can agree on one thing –
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About one-third of all seniors over 65 will have a fall this year.  Many are left with serious injuries requiring medical attention and perhaps hospitalization. Staying safe from falls is more than just trying to be careful.  A better prevention is knowing exactly why seniors fall and overcoming those obstacles. Here are three reasons: 1. Fear. After a senior’s first serious fall, they can become afraid of falling again.  Their fear could cause them to avoid activities and become something of a couch potato.  But, as we know, less activity can lead to obesity, stiffness of joints, weak muscles, and
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Summer is the season to be outdoors, visit with friends, and enjoy the sunshine.  But the summer heat and sun can also make it dangerous for seniors. Are you being safe enough this summer? Here at Freedom Home Care, we understand how important it is for seniors to be careful on extremely hot days. Our caregivers can help senior clients avoid dangerous situations and stay safe. Ask yourself these 5 questions and see if you are staying safe in the summer heat. Or if you have a loved one who is elderly, see if they are following these 5 safety
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Many years ago, hardly anyone knew what a chiropractor was.  Now, it seems that everyone is making weekly trips to get adjusted.  But this phenomenon is not just a new trend.  Chiropractic care has many healthy benefits, especially for seniors.  Here is what seniors should know about the importance of chiropractic care: What exactly is a chiropractor? A chiropractor is a doctor specialized in joint movement.  The vertebrae of the spine, for example, can become misaligned due to muscle tension, posture, or a past fall or accident.  When the vertebrae aren’t lined up correctly, that person can experience pain and
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Caring for a family member with dementia is truly a labor of love.  Once you get past figuring out how to assist with various aspects of care giving, there is an emotional component that never quite gets easier.  It’s a combination of stress and the sadness of watching your loved one’s memory slip away. Because you can best care for the senior when you are well, taking care of yourself is essential.  Here are a few things that you can do to keep yourself healthy and happy: Exercise.  Exercise keeps the body health and the mind at ease.  Working out
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Arthritis affects nearly half of all seniors, and the numbers are on the rise.  But what exactly is arthritis?  It’s not a general term for joint pain as many people think.  In fact, there are a few different kinds of arthritis, each with its own symptoms and treatments.  Here are a few things that all seniors should know about arthritis. Types of Arthritis: Osteoarthritis. This arthritis has to do with wear and tear.  In our joints, there is cartilage at the end of each bone.  The cartilage, which is as smooth as ice, covers the rough ends of the bone. 
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  The moment you put on your shoes, you know it’s going to be a bad day.  You try to ignore it.  Walk it off, you think.  But it only gets worse.  You then spend most of the day sitting, avoiding even getting up to get a glass of water.  Sure, you’re thirsty, but it beats the alternative.  And that is commonly what happens with severe foot pain. Foot pain in seniors is very common.  That’s because feet change as we age.  They begin to flatten and widen.  The fat that has been protecting the bones on the bottom of
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During Thyroid Awareness Month, we should focus on the 1% of Americans who suffer from hyperthyroidism, which is one type of thyroid disease.  Hyperthyroidism is especially prevalent in seniors, so know the symptoms to alert your doctor at the first sign. What is hyperthyroidism? The thyroid is a butterfly-shaped endocrine organ located on the front of the neck.  It produces hormones that regulate metabolism, which is how quickly each cell in the body does its job.  Hyperthyroidism is when too much of the hormone is released and the cells work too much and too quickly. Why is it important that
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As we get deeper into winter, driving conditions can worsen daily with snow, sleet, and ice.  That makes this a great time to get a refresher on good driving techniques.  Here are a few driving secrets that you may not have known but should use. 1. Use your brakes.  When it appears that a collision is going to happen, think “Stomp, Stay, Steer.”  First, stomp on your brake pedal with all of your might.  Then stay stepping on the pedal.  Ignore the noises or the pulsating of the pedal;  you aren’t hurting the car.  Third, steer around the obstacle.  With anti-lock
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Interview with Brian Gordon, President, CLTC, MAGA, Ltd. What sets Freedom Home Care apart from other care giving services in the North Shore? First and foremost, they have great reputation in the area. On top of that, they can help clients facilitate the paperwork that goes along with long term care insurance, whereas a lot of agencies out there are not up to speed with that process. An agency like Freedom Home Care knows how to submit the claim forms and appropriate documentation, which really helps eliminate those headaches for the children of those receiving care services. That stands out
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