1. Risk factors of osteoporosis include old age, family history, small bones, low calcium intake, low vitamin D levels, cigarette smoking, sedentary lifestyle and some medications such as Dikantin, prednisone and thyroid medications.

2. Calcium levels play an important role in osteoporosis. Seniors should make sure that they have the appropriate calcium intake. This could help avoid the onset of osteoporosis. Seniors should ingest a minimum of 1000mg of calcium daily. It is possible to increase that to 1500mg if needed.

3. Eating foods and plant products that contain soluble fiber can help with osteoporosis.

4. Seniors should not smoke or consume large amounts of alcohol. These can weaken the bones and make seniors more susceptible to osteoporosis.

5. If seniors do not include milk, yogurt, fish and cheese in their normal diets, they may want to add a calcium supplement. Before adding any supplement or changing a diet, make sure to discuss the possible changes with a doctor.

Source: gicare.com

Image: everydayhealth.com

1. There are two main types of fiber: soluble and insoluble. Soluble fiber slows digestion. This helps the intestine absorb less sugar and starch which could lower cholesterol and prevent heart disease. Insoluble acts as a laxative. It helps speed the passage of food through the digestive tract.

2. Fiber supplements are used to control the symptoms and onset of bowel issues and can help with constipation, diarrhea, irritable bowel syndrome, hemorrhoids, inflammatory bowel disease and diverticulosis.

3. Fiber can also help with other medical conditions, including high cholesterol, diabetes, heart disease and obesity. Studies have shown that diets rich in fiber can prevent type 2 diabetes. Soluble fibers can lower cholesterol, reduce risks of heart disease and help with obesity. The fiber will make individuals feel full, resulting in lower food intakes.

4. Insoluble fiber can be found in fruits and vegetables. It is also in products made with whole-grain. Soluble fiber is found in oats, barley, peas, and fruit. In addition to finding fiber in foods, it can also be in tablets, powders and capsules.

5. Before adding a fiber supplement, consult with your doctor. The recommended amount of daily fiber for women over 51 is 30g and for men it is 21g. Make sure to drink plenty of water when taking a fiber supplement. This will help prevent constipation, gas and bloating.

6. Fiber supplements can interact with other medications including diabetes medication, Cabamazepine, Digoxin, Lithium, antidepressants and medications for lowering cholesterol

Source: www.umm.edu

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1. Nutrition needs do change with age. Seniors do not need as many calories, but they may need more of certain nutrients. Calcium is important as you age. An increase of calcium will help keep bones strong. Calcium can also reduce the chances of bone fractures.

2. Vitamin D will help to protect the bones as well. Vitamin D can be ingested, but it can also enter the body by being exposed to sunlight. Seniors who expose their hands and face to the sun for 20 minutes two or three times per week will absorb enough Vitamin D.

3. A lack of Vitamin C can produce some health issues such as gums that bleed, low levels of iron and a slower healing time with injuries.

4. Sodium is an important nutrient. Some seniors who retain water will be on a low sodium diet. Older adults with heart disease or high blood pressure should reduce their sodium intake. Healthy seniors should not consume more than 3 grams, or 3000mg, of sodium daily.

5. By taking extra time to adjust the intake of these important nutrients, seniors will improve their over-all health and help to prevent the onset of other health issues in the future.

Source: gicare.com

Image: sxc.hu

1. Do some research into your health – researching health issues could help seniors reduce the time spent at the doctor’s offices. However, internet resources and books used for self-diagnosis should not replace a doctor’s care; they can however help seniors stay on the right track with diagnostics and care and keep costs lower

2. Avoid the emergency room – charges are higher at hospital emergency rooms. If you experience something that requires medical attention that isn’t an emergency, ask for an immediate doctor’s appointment or go to a walk-in clinic

3. Look for free or low-cost medical care options – during featured health months (like Breast Cancer Awareness month) or seasons where there’s an increase of certain health issues; look for free or low-cost clinics. Breast cancer screenings, flu shots, and even basic diagnostic tests like blood pressure and more are offered in different communities

4. Ask for second and even third opinions – just because one doctor mentions that surgery, or a specific, expensive medication is a requirement doesn’t mean that any senior needs to take it to heart. Ask for additional opinions if you’re uncertain

5. Never be afraid to ask – when it comes to medications, procedures and any element of medical care, ask how much it costs, ask if prices are negotiable, and don’t hesitate to shop around

Via: aipm.net

Image: sxc.hu

1. Make sure all legal documents are in place. This includes Advanced Medical Directives and a durable power of attorney for health care. The first informs all family members and physicians of the type of medical treatment and care the senior wishes to receive if they are unable to make their own decisions at that time. An example of this is a DNR or a Living Will. The second is also known as a health care proxy. This individual is appointed by the senior to make medical decisions on their behalf if they are unable to do so. Each of these documents must be signed. The family members and physicians should have copies.

2. Make sure you are able to provide all medical information when asked. Medical history is an important part of treatment plans, so you want to make sure you know all there is to know, including medications, allergies, current physicians and a description of the senior’s mental and physical capacities.

3. Be as active as possible. This requires the family member to be part of the health care team. This can be done by learning how to get in touch with the physician providing care, knowing the nurses who are caring for the senior, having the ability to speak with and social service workers and case managers and being a strong advocate for the medical care of the senior.

1. There are many symptoms associated with Type 2 diabetes. These include increased thirst, frequent urination, blurred vision, infections, dry and itchy skin and numbness in the hands, feet and legs.

2. Type 2 diabetes is caused by an excess of glucose in the blood. High blood sugar levels can cause many complications. Among these are depression, amputation of the extremities, cardiovascular disease, neuropathy and retinopathy.

3. There are not usually any noticeable symptoms that will indicate that someone has Type 2 diabetes. This is typically determined by blood tests.

4. It is important to detect diabetes early to avoid other health issues and complications. If you are at risk, you should talk to your doctor about being tested.

5. There are treatments available for the disease. This could include medications, insulin injections or a combination of the two. Daily exercise and weight loss can also be beneficial in managing diabetes.

6. You can also reduce the chances of getting diabetes by adjusting your diet, especially if you are at a high risk. Eat healthy, exercise and maintain a healthy weight.

1. Caregivers need to pay special attention to their own health. It may become difficult, or even impossible, to care for a senior if your own health is failing.

2. Take daily vitamins to promote healthy living. Caregivers, just like seniors, can benefit from exercise. This will be helpful for the physical and emotional well being of the caregiver.

3. It is ok to take a break. Many caregivers can become burnt out. It is important to take respite time. Use this time to relax and rest so you remain healthy and can continue being a caregiver.

4. Some caregivers may begin to experience depression, especially if the senior needs a lot of care. Watch for signs of depression and discuss them with your doctor as they arise.

5. Make sure to have routine check-ups. Flu shots are also advised.

6. Do not neglect your own life. Being a caregiver is demanding, but to remain effective and beneficial to the senior, you need to take time to enjoy life. Stay involved with family, friends and hobbies.

Source: thefamilycaregiver.or

Image Source: sxc.hu

Type 2 diabetes can be a common health issue that develops later in life and affects a large number of seniors. For those who may not make frequent visits to their doctor, it’s essential to be aware of the signs and symptoms of diabetes so that medical help can be sought and treatment started before the health issue progresses further.

Seniors and caregivers should recognize the following as being potential symptoms of diabetes:

1. More frequent urination – if suddenly there’s a more frequent need to urinate with no evident changes in drinking patterns or diet, this can indicate diabetes as the kidneys attempt to dilute the glucose

2. Weight loss – it’s not a apparent in Type 2 diabetes though even gradual weight loss with no obvious cause can be reason for concern

3. Fatigue or physical weakness – it’s not uncommon for seniors with diabetes to become more fatigued or have feelings of physical weakness. Often they attribute this to aging and don’t seek additional help, but these are not symptoms that should just be accepted

4. Extreme thirst – diabetes can cause seniors to feel constantly thirsty. Drinking more frequently is common, but even then thirst can be unquenchable

5. Tingling and Numbness – high levels of glucose, when left untreated can wreak havoc with the nervous system resulting in numbness or tingling in the limbs

6. Skin imperfections – frequent bruises that fail to go away, rashes, itching and dry skin can also appear

Via: about.com http://diabetes.about.com/od/symptomsdiagnosis/p/Symptoms.htm

• At The Restaurant—Sometimes when seniors go out to eat, those heart healthy diets fly out the window. Seniors should avoid restaurants with all you can eat buffets, as you are more likely to eat more food, which leads to more calories. Seniors should also resist ordering appetizers, cocktails, and sides with cheese, sour cream and mayonnaise. Asking for dressings and sauces on the side is a great way to control the quantity you consume.

• At The Drive In Window—Fast food can be easy and quick for seniors, but it is not always healthy. Avoid the unhealthy sides of fries and go with healthier options like fruit. Also seniors should pass on any value or super size.

• At The Supermarket—Seniors should stay away from fruit juices as they do not provide the fiber of whole fruit. In the dairy case, do not grab butter, ice cream and cream as they tend to have more saturated fats than whole milk. Seniors should also be weary of baked goods and desserts loaded with saturated and hydrogenated fats. The same goes for snacks. Fried chips should be replaced with vegetables or baked alternatives.

Source: americanheart.org

Image Source: sxc.hu

Seniors should always check with their doctor first before changing their diets.

• What Foods to Eat—Seniors following a heart healthy diet should only consume under 6oz of lean meat, fish, and skinless poultry a day. Instead of big meat dishes, seniors can incorporate small amounts of meat, poultry or fish with dishes featuring pasta, rice, beans, or vegetables as the main acts. Also 3 to 4 egg yolks per week should be included in the heart healthy eating plan. The standard 5 servings of fruits and vegetables a day along with 6 or more servings of grains a day should also be followed in the eating plan.

• What Foods to Limit—Those seniors aiming to clean out their hearts should stay away from liver, brains, chitterlings, kidneys, gizzard, sweetbreads, pork maws, and ironically, hearts.

• How to cook and prepare Foods—Seniors should try to use cooking methods that do not require fats such as boiling, roasting, poaching or broiling. When preparing food, always trim off the excess fat before cooking meat and poultry. Also after browning, drain off all the fat.

• Dairy—Skim or 1% fat milk is better than whole milk. Also, seniors should select nonfat or lowfat yogurt and cheese.

Source: fi.edu

Image Source: sxc.hu