By Anna Hazard
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Part 1 - Exercise & Precautions
Diet
As well as the clothing and skin protection discussed in our previous blog post, seniors should take care to remain hydrated especially if they are engaging in outside exercise during warmer weather. As one ages, the body's ability to notice thirst may decrease and the presence of medications or pre-existing conditions that are more likely to occur in the elderly can also lead to easier dehydration. Dehydration interferes with memory & concentration as well as greatly increases the risk of falling.
When it comes to keeping hydrated, healthier choices include water, tea, and fresh vegetable or fruit juices instead of indulging in coffee, processed fruit juices, or sugary sodas. The heavier meals of winter can also be replaced with salads, light soups, and other lightly cooked fares. Fruits & vegetables should be plentiful for a healthy & balanced diet, with a special focus on those that are now in season that should be at their peak when it comes to flavor and nutrients (and less expensive compared to imported out-of-season produce). Seasonal spring fruits & vegetables include asparagus, artichokes, broccoli, collard greens, corn, peas, rhubarb, and spinach as well as apricots, honeydew melon, limes, mango, oranges, pineapple, and strawberries.
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By Tim Povtak
A well-trained medical staff will determine the best course of treatment for a patient with mesothelioma, but the primary caregiver will determine just how that patient lives. A caregiver is vital in so many ways. Don’t underestimate the role. Mesothelioma is the rare and aggressive cancer often caused by occupational asbestos exposure. Typically, the cancer engulfs both the patient and the family.
By Anna Hazard
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Part 2 - Diet & Allergies
Introduction
With the advent of spring and more welcoming weather, people are coming out of their own inside hibernation during the past winter months. Now that the temperatures are more co-operative, seniors as well should take advantage of the chances for outside exercise, as the greater exposure to sunlight helps in the production of Vitamin D, something that the body produces less and less efficiently as one ages and which can often fall below the healthy threshold for seniors during winter months.
By Anna Hazard
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Part 1 - Introduction to Gout
Dietary Recommendations
A low purine diet is not a cure for those suffering from gout, yet it may help decrease the levels of uric acid present within the body which may help lower the risk of a flare-up as well as slow down the progression of joint damage with chronic gout. When it comes to a gout prevention diet, a balanced diet that skimps on processed foods and which will help maintain a healthy weight is recommended.
Complex carbs such as fruits and vegetables should be sought out over simple/refined carbohydrates such as pastries, sweetened beverages, and high fructose corn syrup. Saturated fats found in red meat, poultry, oil, butter, mayonnaise, salad dressing, cheese, whole milk, and cream should be kept to a minimum with plant oils such as virgin olive, canola, and sunflower used in their stead. Most proteins in the diet should come from plants, secondarily from fish, then poultry, and finally red meat (lean meat only, no more than 4 - 6 ounces per day).
By Anna Hazard
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Part 2 - Gout Prevention Diet
Introduction
Gout is a type of inflammatory arthritis as well as a metabolic disease that revolves around the production and elimination of uric acid within the blood. Those people whose bodies overproduce uric acid or whose kidneys process it inefficiently are at much higher risk for developing gout.
Uric acid is a byproduct formed when the body breaks down nitrogen-containing proteins known as purines which are found within human cells and in many foods. Uric acid is found dissolved within the blood and is normally processed through the kidneys and excreted through urine. The high levels of uric acid in the body (also known as hyperuricemia) can cause the formation of hard needle-like crystals in the joints and surrounding tissues. Gout is more common in older adults as it takes years for uric acid to build up within the joints and is also more typically found in men and in post-menopausal women or those with naturally low estrogen, About 4% of American adults (6 million men and 2 million women) suffer from gout. |
AboutNews updates, tips, and guides on senior care, senior health, stress relief and a host of other caregiving related topics from the professionals at Ella Stewart Care. |