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.