Preventing Atherosclerosis

19th of July, 2017

Preventing Atherosclerosis:

Atherosclerosis is the clogging of the arteries due to cholesterol build up. This occurs when excess fat is present in the arteries and sticks to the walls. The fat builds on top of each other and sticks until it blocks the artery and prevents clean blood flow.


Atherosclerosis prevents free blood flow to the brain and extremities and can cause permanent damage to the brain.

Preventing atherosclerosis is very possible when following a good diet and exercise plan.

• Adopt healthy eating habits. Eat more fruits and vegetables of diverse colors on a regular basis.
• Quite bad habits such as smoking tobacco immediately.
• Alcohol should be limited to 1 drink a day for women and 2 drinks a day for men.
• Managing and maintaining a healthy weight is also helpful in preventing atherosclerosis.
• Regular cardio and resistance training exercise, several times a week prevents clogged arteries.
• Decreasing consumption of animal fats (dairy, meat etc) is also beneficial.

It is also recommended to avoid sugary drinks, high salt and sugar content foods. Avoid Saturated fats because they have artery clogging properties and are more likely to cause atherosclerosis.
If a loved one had atherosclerosis, you are more likely to have it as well. That is why it is so important to watch your health to make sure you can prevent this.Have check-ups with the doctor on a regular basis - at least twice a year. Make sure you get good quality sleep, manage stress well and overall create a mental balance in your life.

Tips for Dementia Caretakers

11th of July, 2017

Tips for Caretakers:

Whether you are a relative caregiver or a caregiver sent by a home care agency, dealing with people who have dementia can be difficult and challenging. The challenges come from having to absorb the emotional toll of dementia and also from having to use proper techniques to interact with dementia patients.

Here are some tips to be a good caretaker without the burn out:

Set a positive atmosphere.

When talking to a dementia patient, set a positive tone and atmosphere.
your body language and tone matters a lot when communicating. 

No matter your mood, remain positive, calm and pleasant. 

It will help your loved one or dementia patient absorb information 

better and be more receptive.

Redirect their attention.

Sometimes dementia patients get easily upset and agitated. 

When this occurs, acknowledge their feelings and change the subject. 

"I am sorry I upset you, can you help me fold the laundry and then make dinner?"

 It is important to change their focus to something positive to end the feeling 

of frustration or agitation.

Think back on the past.

You may have heard their story about how they met their spouse a million 

times, but it is important to be receptive to these stories. Often, these are the most 

significant to the person with dementia. Their short term memory may be 

suffering but they will remember events that happened years ago. Ask them questions, 

enjoy their stories; it will make them feel so happy and put them in a good mood.

Communicate simply (ask easy questions).

Do not bombard the dementia patient with questions. 

Ask one question at a time. Do not ask open-ended questions;

 rather stick to "yes or no" questions. It will be easier for them

 to answer and will reduce confusion.

Parkinson's Disease

6th of July, 2017


Parkinson's Disease:

Parkinson's Disease is a disease of the Central Nervous System and mostly occurs among the elderly.
As we age, our cells don't regenerate at the rapid rate they use to and cause a decline in mobility and memory.
Some of the symptoms of Parkinson's are tremors of the hands, stiffness, poor balance.

Unfortunately, there is no cure for Parkinson's Disease but medications can be taken to alleviate the symptoms. Muscle rigidity is a very common symptom and can limit the range of motion in this case. Automatic movements such as chewing, blinking, and smiling can decline as well. In severe cases, slurred speech also occurs and makes talking very difficult.


There are several causes of Parkinson's:


Natural aging process where cells do not multiply rapidly enough to keep up with demand
Environmental Triggers. Constant exposure to environmental toxins can increase the risks for Parkinson's.
Genetics. Certain genetic mutations increase the likelihood of developing Parkinson's.
Lewy Bodies are clumps of proteins that collect inside nerve cells and increase the chances for Parkinson's as well.

Men are more likely to develop Parkinson's Disease. This is possible because men do not reap the protective benefits of estrogen and they are more likely to hold jobs which leads to head injuries.

To diagnose Parkinson's Disease it is important to see a medical professional. They can conduct brain scans such as PET scans and MRIs. Levodopa is a popular medication that may be used to treat the symptoms of Parkinson's.

What is Sleep Apnea?

28th of June, 2017

What is Sleep Apnea?

Sleep apnea is a sleep condition in which the flow of air is decreased while you are asleep because the airway is obstructed or narrowed.

On occasion, this can happen to anyone but when it is not a consistent issue, it is called a "sleep apnea episode."

Two types of sleep apnea exist:

• CSA (Central Sleep Apnea): This type of sleep apnea occurs when the brain and muscles are not in sync. The brain does not signal the muscles to breath and breathing can stop. It is less common than Obstructive sleep apnea.
• OSA (Obstructive Sleep Apnea): This type of sleep apnea occurs when the airway is blocked and air does not have free passage to the lungs. This is a more common type of sleep apnea. This often occurs when "soft tissue" obstructs the passage way. These muscles become more relaxed during sleep, and fall back and block the airway.

A common and annoying symptom of sleep apnea can be snoring. Snoring occurs when the area is trying to get past the obstruction and into the airway.

            Some characteristics that increase the likelihood for sleep apnea are:

• Unique shapes of the airway that cause the airway to be narrower or collapse 
• Large neck or collar size (17 inches or more in men and 16 inches or more in women)
• Large tongue, which may fall back and block the airway
• Being overweight, pregnant or obese
• Large tonsils and adenoids in children that can block the airway
• A lower jaw that is shorter than the upper jaw
  A narrow airway that is smaller than average
• 
  
• Tips for Preventing Sleep Apnea:
• 
  
• Losing weight if you are overweight.
• Do not sleep on your back.
• Decreasing or cutting out alcoholic drinks.
• Adjusting sleeping positions to open up airway.
• Quit Smoking Cigarettes. Smoking can increase the swelling in the nasal passage and increase the risks for apnea.

Preventing Dehydration

22nd of June, 2017

Preventing Dehydration:

Dehydration can occur when your body does not have enough water to maintain daily functions.
Signs and symptoms of dehydration include extreme thirst, fatigue, dark urine, lack of urination, tiredness.

Dehydration can occur when spending an excessive amount of time in the sun, especially during intense physical activity. Another cause for dehydration can be extreme diarrhea, which causes the body to lose a lot of water. Excessive sweating, vomiting and urination can also cause dehydration as these also cause water to be removed from the body. Dehydration can also be caused by severe, 3rd degree burns. Normally our skin prevents water loss and helps us keep equilibrium. Skin damaged by severe burns, cannot maintain its function so the body loses a lot of water. 

If you suspect extreme dehydration, contact your doctor or go to the hospital immediately.

Here are some tips to stay hydrated:

Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water before, during and after all physical activity. This is vital to retaining your fluids and maintaining a healthy temperature, especially if it is very hot out or you are engaging in intense physical activity.You can do this by always carrying water with you anywhere you go in your own container.

Avoiding a lot of protein is advisable as excess protein consumption can cause dehydration. If you are consuming a lot of protein, drink 8-10 glasses of water a day to stay hydrated.

Avoiding alcoholic beverages is necessary when trying to stay hydrated in extreme heat or during physical activity. All alcoholic drinks should be avoided, including cocktails, beers, wines, liquors etc.

Avoid excessively sugary or salty drinks and foods as they cause your body to retain water unnecessarily and increase blood pressure. You want to stick to low sodium, low sugar foods and drinks to help your body run at its optimal level.