Common Causes of Back Problems

25th of May, 2017

Common Causes of Back Problems:


Back problems are common and they often worsen with age and with intense physical activity.
So we made a list of the most common causes of back pain.

1. Spinal Stenosis is the narrowing of a spinal canal. During the narrowing of the canal,  it pinches the peripheral nerves and the spinal canal, causing radiating pain throughout the body. This usually occurs in older adults due to an arthritic spine and the natural process of aging. Spinal Stenosis is treated by a chiropractor and by alleviating pain through rest, adjustments, and icing.

2. Degenerative Disc Disease is also caused by osteoarthritis, which is arthritis in the back. This occurs when the discs in your spine and the cartilage that acts as a shock absorber, thins out and deteriorates. This causes pain, tingling sensations and on occasion numbness. Unfortunately, this is a natural part of aging and there is no way to prevent this.

3. Herniated Discs are bulges in the spinal discs. This occurs when the discs become damaged due to old age, car accidents, sports injuries or any types of falls. The disc slips out of places, bulges, and presses into the nerves around it - causing excruciating pain. This most commonly occurs in the lumbar region but can occur in any area of the spine. Treatment for this may include spinal surgery, pain medication, physical therapy and chiropractic adjustments.

4. Nerve Compression in the spine can occur in individuals of any age but is more common in aging individuals. A pinched nerve may occur due to any of the conditions listed above. The symptoms include aching, shooting pain, swelling, and inflammation. Icing or heating the back can reduce swelling and inflammation and reduce pain.


For people with severe back problems, the following forms of exercises are recommended: swimming, biking, yoga and walking. These exercises are low impact and do not cause extra stress on the spine.To treat back pain you need to see a medical professional such as a chiropractor to discuss your treatment options.

Geriatric Living Facilities

24th of May, 2017


Geriatric Living Facilities:

When deciding where to place your aging parent, the decisions one is faced with can be tough. It is difficult to know the different between various types of facilities. Here are some ways for you to be able to differentiate and to place your parent in the proper facility for them.

1. Independent Living Facilities are facilities where the elderly residents have good to moderate health and are able to care for themselves. In this type of facility, residents have their own private apartments and require no additional supervision. There is often a common gathering area for all the residents to meet and maintain their social life. These types of facilities are often referred to as Retirement Communities.

2. Assisted Living Facilities are facilities where the elderly residents need regular supervision but can maintain moderate independence as well. The residents at these facilities need assistance with Activities of Daily Living (ADLs). Assisted Living Facilities can offer housekeeping services, medication management services, laundry, transportation and assistance going to doctor appointments. Occasionally, doctors make visits to these facilities so the residents don't have to travel. Entertainment, excursions and trips are frequently provided to residents who want to participate.

3.  Nursing Homes are facilities that provide 24/7 medical care to the elderly with poor health and mobility. This is the primary choice for those that cannot take care of themselves at all and need around-the-clock supervision. Nursing Homes provide skilled nursing care and high security rooms for those with dementia and Alzheimer's.

Considering the rates for these facilities can range
anywhere between 6k-15k per month, in-home care can provide a personal and more cost affective touch.

Best Summer Flowers to Plant

23rd of May, 2017

Best Summer Flowers to Plant:


Summer is just around the corner and a great summer activity is gardening. Gardening can be done alone, with a family member, friend or with a caregiver. You can grow fruits, vegetables or flowers that can freshen up the look of your garden.
Some flowers are easy to grow even if you are a beginner gardener.

Here are some of the easiest plants/flowers that you can grow this summer:

1. Sweet peas are a common flower for gardening. They need plenty of sunlight and water but not much of other maintenance. Some pesticides may need to be used with this flower as they do attract insects.

2. Marigolds are another beautiful flower that can be planted for a pop of color. They are a beautiful yellow flower that will brighten up even the dullest of gardens. Marigolds can survive the hottest weather and are low maintenance.

3. Pansies are a classic, simple flower for any beginner gardener. They grow very quickly and are easy to plant  - their seeds can be purchased anywhere and the flower comes in several different colors.

4. Lavender is a bright purple flower that smells absolutely exquisite. If you are into fragrant flower, this may be the perfect flower for you. Adding it to your garden will create a relaxing scent and the maintenance is not difficult once it is planted. Lavender can grow in wet and dry climates - so choose wisely.

Tips and Tricks for Beginners 

-Plant your plant in an optimal spot in your home or garden. Some plants thrive better in sunshine, others in rain - read the description prior to purchasing the plant and plant it accordingly. Some areas of your home are sunnier than others.

-If the leaves of your plants begin to turn yellow - that means you are watering your plant too much. Try to avoid watering the leaves directly when watering the plants.

-Check the requirements for watering your plants. Not all plants and flowers require the same amount of water. Check the requirements before purchasing. If you are a busy person, purchase flowers and plants that require minimal watering.

Summer Heat Safety Tips

18th May, 2017

Summer Heat Safety Tips:


As summer approaches and the heat wave begins, people are trying to find ways to stay cool. During the hot summer months, certain groups of people are more prone to heat strokes. Children, pregnant women and the elderly are more likely to get a heat stroke if exposed to sun for too long.


To prevent this, here are some time-tested tips:


1. Drink plenty of fluids.
    An important part of beating the heat is ensuring that you are staying hydrated, especially if you are outdoors. Drink non-sugar drinks, teas, and water. Water is always the BEST source to staying hydrated!

2. Wear UVA/UVB protective sunglasses. As we age, our eyes become dryer and more sensitive to light. Make sure to protect your eyes by wearing sunglasses anytime you are outdoors. It is important that the sunglasses have a tag or sticker that says "UVA & UVB" protection.

3. Wear Sunscreen and hats when outdoors. Wearing sunscreen with a stronger SPF (between 30 and 60) is recommended. This prevents you from getting sunburned and decrease the risk of developing skin cancer. Wearing a hat, especially if you are bald, prevents your head from getting overheated. It shields you from the harsh rays and is very important to wear any time you are outside in the sun.

4. Try to avoid being outside during the peak heat hours. The greatest heat is between the hours of 12 pm and 6pm. Try to stay in the shade or indoors during these hours.

5. If you are an older adult who does not own an air conditioner, consider going to a "cooling center." Sometimes cities set up "cooling centers" in public places, such as libraries, where people without AC's can go to cool down.


Take these tips into consideration and have a fun and safe summer!

Dealing With Multiple Sclerosis

8th of May, 2017

Dealing with Multiple Sclerosis (MS)

Multiple Sclerosis occurs when an individual's immune system attacks the nervous system and destroys the covering of the nerve called the myelin. The myelin, which is the protective covering of nerves all over the body, is necessary for healthy communication in the nervous system to take place. Myelin protects the nerves from damage, insulated them and ensures that signals are sent quickly.

Causes of Multiple Sclerosis are unknown. It is considered an autoimmune disease because the body attacks itself without a known cause. If one of your family members had MS, then you are more likely to develop it as well. It has been noted that people who are more likely to get MS are the ones who live in countries with limited sun exposure. Although there has been no direct link, vitamin D deficiency is speculated to be another reason for MS.

Unfortunately, there is no cure for Multiple Sclerosis. The medical treatment that is available is aimed at decreased the suffering of the patient and slowing down the progression of the disease. Medications such as corticosteroids will be give to the patient to reduce inflammation in the nerves.
Multiple Sclerosis can subside and relapse. Some of the things that trigger MS are smoking, heat, stress, poor diet and sleep.
Following a healthy diet and exercise plan can help prevent and decrease the likelihood of Multiple Sclerosis.