Those with diabetes know that staying on top of the disease requires patience, persistence, and endurance. With 29 million Americans diagnosed, and likely as many as 86 million more in the pre-diabetic stage, we can all benefit from learning what it takes to keep the disease under control. Educate yourself. Knowledge is power, and learning as much as possible about diabetes, the most recent research findings and treatment options, and recommended lifestyle changes is crucial. Keep a record book. This can be as simple as a file kept on the computer or in a notebook that documents A1C, cholesterol, blood pressure and other readings by date. Sharing this with the doctor at each appointment makes it easier for him or her to provide the best possible care. Form a network of support. … [Read more...] about Top Tips for Diabetes Self-Management
Losing Weight & Feeling Great After 70
Anything worthwhile takes time and effort, and that’s certainly true for maintaining a healthy weight. It may seem even more difficult for older adults to lose the extra pounds that can lead to serious health concerns. Research shows that as many as 25% of seniors in America over age 65 are obese, placing them at a greater risk for diabetes, heart attack or stroke, reduced mobility, depression, and more. So how should older adults who want (and need) to lose weight begin? THE MEDICAL TEAM has put together a simple step-by-step process to help. First and foremost, schedule an appointment with the doctor. The senior’s doctor should perform a full physical and provide guidance on whether obesity is a concern and how to address it. Review the senior’s current dietary plan. Evaluate … [Read more...] about Losing Weight & Feeling Great After 70
Working Toward a Stress-Free Heart
Life is full of stressors, and high levels of stress have been linked to a number of health concerns, particularly for the heart. The good news, however, is that taking steps today to reduce and better manage the stress in your life can help protect your heart and improve your overall quality of life. THE MEDICAL TEAM offers the following tips: Stay connected. Sharing life with others is so crucial for older adults who may find themselves spending a lot of time alone. When family and friends live at a distance, seniors can utilize technology, such as Skype, to recreate the feeling of a face-to-face visit. And although it may seem like a lost art, writing letters and cards is still a great way to stay in touch as well. But nothing can replace in-person contact. Help seniors stay … [Read more...] about Working Toward a Stress-Free Heart
Helping Seniors Stay Flu Free
As we kick off the New Year and resolve to make lifestyle changes to improve our health, one of the top resolutions on our list should be to steer clear of coming down with the flu – particularly for seniors, who are more susceptible to complications from the flu. At THE MEDICAL TEAM, our goal is to help seniors remain as healthy and well as possible, especially during flu season. Keep these flu facts and prevention strategies in mind: Is it the flu, or just a cold? While flu and cold symptoms share a lot of similarities initially – running and stuffy nose, sneezing, coughing, fatigue – flu symptoms escalate to include fever that can last for several days, muscle aches, worsening cough and shortness of breath. The flu can also lead to more serious health concerns such as pneumonia and … [Read more...] about Helping Seniors Stay Flu Free
Conquer Winter Blues with Companion Care
Many of us feel a bit more sluggish during the shorter days of winter, and older adults are no exception. One possible cause is seasonal affective disorder (SAD), which can mimic depression and other mental health conditions, but can also be effectively treated once accurately diagnosed. Symptoms of SAD can vary widely, and may include low energy, loss of interest in previously enjoyed activities, feelings of hopelessness, sleeping problems, weight gain, and difficulty concentrating. If you notice these or other concerning signs in an older adult, the first step is to schedule an appointment with the physician, who can diagnose or rule out seasonal affective disorder. If SAD is indeed affecting the senior, treatment options can include light therapy, psychotherapy/counseling, … [Read more...] about Conquer Winter Blues with Companion Care
Therapeutic Activities for Each Stage of Alzheimer’s
Although each person experiences Alzheimer’s disease uniquely, the disease typically progresses through three main stages, and each stage brings with it different challenges to address in order to provide the best level of care. Understanding these stages, and where a senior falls within the continuum, can help in delivering the most appropriate therapeutic approach. THE MEDICAL TEAM’s Alzheimer’s disease and dementia care team offers these details on what to expect in each stage, and suggests appropriate activities to help seniors reach their highest potential. Stage 1 (Mild): In the early stage of Alzheimer’s, mild forgetfulness and misplacing items is common. It can become challenging for the senior to recall names of new acquaintances, to plan out tasks, and to remember recently … [Read more...] about Therapeutic Activities for Each Stage of Alzheimer’s