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.

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.

Preventing Arthritis

21st of June, 2017

Preventing Arthritis:

Arthritis is the inflammation of joints which causes stiffness, pain and limited range of motion. Arthritis is more likely to inflict people of older ages, from normal wear and tear of the joints. Genetics, excess wear

and tear, injury and the natural aging process can both increase the risk for arthritis. While arthritis can be painful, it is not life threatening. Here are some tips to prevent arthritis from afflicting you:

1. Keeping your weight at a healthy number can definitely reduce the likelihood of arthritis. When the body carries around excess weight, it puts extra stress on the skeletal system, joints, and muscles. keeping excess weight off will reduce stress on your joints and prevent deterioration.

2. Keeping a healthy diet and eating plenty of fish can help you keep your bones healthy. The healthy omega-3 fats in fish, help you keep a strong skeletal system, keep excess weight off and provide your body with much-needed nutrients.

3. Engage in low-impact exercise, which will help strengthen your muscles, keep the excess weight off the bones and joints. The best, low impact exercise is biking, swimming, yoga, pilates, walking.

4. Prevent injury during any activity by wearing the appropriate protective devices, cushioned shoes, and other safety gear. Preventing injury is the best way to diminish the likelihood of arthritis in people of all ages and genders.

5.  Keep your Vitamin D levels high by engaging in outdoor activities with sun exposure. Yes, you can take vitamins to ensure you have proper levels of Vitamin D. However, Vitamin D from the sun cannot be replaced by a pill and is necessary for proper calcium absorption and strong bones.

6. Stay Hydrated by drinking plenty of non-sugary water throughout the day. The cartilage in our joints largely consists of water and drinking water is necessary to replenish it. Not only that, drinking water helps keep off excess weight and helps the body function better overall.

Use these tips daily, check in with your doctor regularly and help prevent arthritis!

Hepatitis B & C: what is the difference?

5th of June, 2017

Hepatitis B & C: what is the difference?

 There are five hepatitis types: A, B, C, D, and E. Hepatitis B and C are both viruses that affect the liver and are the most detrimental ones. Hepatitis literally translates to inflammation of the liver. Before we get into the detrimental effects of hepatitis, it is important to understand why the liver is important to the body. The liver cleanses the blood of pathogens and toxins, stores glucose for energy and digests fats. 
Hepatitis wrecks havoc on the liver and prevents it from completing its daily functions. 

Symptoms for Hep B and C are the same.  The symptoms include but are not limited to fever, joint pain, abdominal aches, vomiting, jaundice (yellowing of the eyes), diarrhea, loss of appetite.

Hepatitis B has a longer incubation period than Hep. C but both are spread through contact with blood or other bodily fluids. They can both be transmitted sexually. There is a vaccine to prevent Hep. B but unfortunately no vaccine for Hep. C. It is advised that infants, children, and teens get vaccinated for hepatitis B. In cases of all Hepatitis versions, alcohol should be avoided or kept to a minimum. Alcohol is very toxic for the liver and increases the likelihood of liver failure. 

You can prevent Hepatitis by not sharing needles, using protection during sex and not being in close proximity to bodily fluids.

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.

UTI Infections: Causes and Prevention

18th of April, 2017

UTI Infections: Causes and Prevention


A Urinary Tract infection (UTI) is the infection of the urinary system. Although both genders can be affected, the risk of getting a UTI is higher in women than men because women have a shorter urethra. A shorter urethra means the bacteria have less distance to travel and infect the urinary system.

The symptoms of a UTI include but are not limited to: a constant need to urinate, dark or cloudy urine, burning during urination, painful pelvic cramps in women, nausea, fever.
The most common type of bacteria that causes UTI is E. coli. UTIs are all different depending on where E. coli takes up residence. E. Coli  can be found in any part of the urinary system: the urethra, the bladder (where urine is stored), and kidneys. The symptoms will vary depending on where the bacteria is.



Most UTIs are treated with antibiotics but prevention is the best thing to practice to avoid the pain and discomfort.

Here are some ways to prevents UTI infections:

Urinate as frequently as you need. Do NOT "hold it" and wait for the last possible minute to urinate. Your bladder needs to be emptied soon after you feel the need to urinate.

During defecation, wipe from front to back so not to bring in germs from the anus into the urethra.

Urinate immediately after sex to flush out any bacteria that may be stored by the urethra.

Stay constantly hydrated with water (soda and sugary drinks DO NOT count and should be avoided).

Keep your genital area clean and avoid scented products as they can increase genital irritation.

Glaucoma: Signs, Symptoms and Treatment

27th of March, 2017


Glaucoma: Signs, Symptoms and Treatment.

Glaucoma is a disease that damages the optic nerve of the eye. It can cause loss of vision, pain and blindness in some cases.
There are two types of glaucoma. Open-angle glaucoma has the least amount of signs and the damage is permanent. Sadly this is the most common type of glaucoma and gives very little warning. Regular visits to the eye doctor are necessary for early detection. In this type of glaucoma, the eye's drainage angle becomes blocked and due to excess fluid and pressure, the nerve deteriorates.

The second type of glaucoma is Angle-closure glaucoma. It gives a lot more warning and has the following signs and symptoms: blurry vision, severe eye pain or headaches, red eyes, nausea, rainbow/halo type-pattern around bright lights. The drainage angle becomes very narrow and slowly becomes blocked.

Although glaucoma does affect the older population significantly more often, children can also get congenital glaucoma. The symptoms in children usually include photosensitivity, watery and cloudy eyes.

You are likely to get glaucoma if someone in your family had it.  If you are diabetic you also have an increased risk for glaucoma. The chances of glaucoma increase with age as well.

Accurate treatment for glaucoma should come from a doctor. Glaucoma is diagnosed through the dilation of pupils and examination of the eye by a medical professional. Treatment may include prescription eye drops, laser eye surgery, and microsurgery to drain the eye of excess fluids.

Please refer to your health care professional if you feel you may have glaucoma. Don't wait until it is too late!

Fall Prevention for the Elderly

8th of March, 2017


Fall Prevention for the Elderly:


A tumble can happen at any age. We learn to walk as little kids, and we fall quite often - its a natural part of life. Unfortunately when elderly people fall, it is much more dangerous because their brittle bones cannot withstand the impact.

As we age, our gait/balance changes and becomes more unstable due to lack of practice. Falling can also lead to anxiety, depression and a sense of vulnerability. Which is why it is so important to prevent falls.

There are several ways to prevent falls::

First, encourage the elderly person in your family to get an eye check up to make sure their vision is not deteriorating. Poor vision can affect their ability to walk and see what is in their path.

Second, be familiar with their medication. Some medicine does include sleep aids or can lead to drowsiness and disorientation. This is especially dangerous at night when the elderly may get up to use the restroom. Consider bed pans to reduce late-night walking.

Third, get companion care for your loved one. This is the easiest step but unfortunately people always hire help AFTER a serious fall has taken place. A companion will ensure your love one's safety and prevent falls.

Other tips and tricks to prevent falling:

• install grab bars in showers
• use non-slip rugs
• keep a well-lit home
• secure rails on stairs

Keep your loved one safe and healthy by using these tips to prevent falls!

Take Advantage of Spring: Vitamin D

8th of March, 2017


Take Advantage of Spring: Vitamin D


As we begin to approach spring, the days are getting longer and the sunlight is available more hours of the day. There are great advantages to this; going for walks at the parks, hiking, beautiful beaches and just spending more time outdoors. One of the major benefits of spring is being able to spend time outside and enjoying the sunshine. The sunshine releases feel good chemicals such as serotonin and improves the mood. However, it is also a great source of Vitamin D. Vitamin D from the sun is essential to growing and keeping strong and healthy bones!

A large majority of elderly people do not spend a lot of time outside and unfortunately this contributes to the deterioration of their skeletal system. Taking your aging parent or grandparent for walks or to just sit in the sun is beneficial to preventing fractures during falls and deterioration of bones.

Vitamin D actually facilitates the absorption of calcium, which is also an essential part of healthy and strong bones. Getting Vitamin D just from your foods is not as advantageous as getting it from food AND the sun!

So this spring, take a walk outside and enjoy the sunlight - it has more health benefits than you think!

Lowering Your Cholesterol Levels the Natural Way

7th of March, 2017


Lowering Your Cholesterol Levels the Natural Way:


It is bound to happen to a lot of us, but rising cholesterol levels as we age are definitely preventable.
But is it reversible? It most definitely is with the right attitude, diet and exercise.

First let's find our how high cholesterol actually happens. Several factors affect cholesterol: aging, foods we eat, family history, being overweight. The negative aspects of cholesterol are possible heart attack, stroke, clogged arteries (atherosclerosis).

It is much more difficult to control cholesterol levels as we age, but is certainly not impossible. You can decrease your risks for high cholesterol by exercising several hours a week and eating a healthier diet consisting of fruits and vegetables. Decreasing foods from animal sources can also help decrease cholesterol. This means eating less meat, cheese, milk, etc. Not smoking cigarettes and decreasing alcohol intake are also a huge help! Increasing cardio and resistance training is definitely also a great source for lower cholesterol.

 While there are medications available for cholesterol control, changing old habits into healthier ones will take you a long way and have the most impact. Always consult your doctor prior to making any drastic changes to diet or exercise.

What Home Care Costs?

What Home Care Costs?

As you investigate the different options available to you, you want to choose the type of care that fits into your lifestyle. One of the first things on your mind is how you care decisions will affect your bank account. You are not alone: many people searching for care are apprehensive about the potential financial burden of paying for long-term care. What will home care cost for you? It maybe more affordable than you think.

The Average Cost Of Care

The cost of non-medical home care varies depending on where you live and the amount of care you will need. According to the "Cost of care Survey" an annual report by Genworth, home care costs less than other options like adult day care, assisted living and skilled nursing. The national average cost of home care per hour ranges between only $ 10 to $ 36. By comparison, the average resident at an assisted living community pays $3,600$ per month. Nursing homes can cost up to $250 per day. In the past five years, the costs of assisted living and skilled nursing have risen by 3,5%.

Preventing Costly  Accidents 

In addition to being an affordable option, home care can prevent the accidents and injuries that lead to hospital stays and visits to the doctor. ComForCare Companion  Caregivers help with activities of daily living: they can help prevent falling and promote a healthier living environment. Falls can lead to head injuries and broken bones, and having a steady hand helps many seniors be more sure on their feet.

Keeping track of prescription  is also a challenge  for many people using home care services. Medication reminders given by a ComForCare Companion caregiver  can prevent our clients from forgetting to take their medication or overdosing, both of which can lead to more serious health concerns.

ComForcare Companion Care is proud to provide the services that lead to a higher quality of life for many people and their families. Contact our ComForCare Companion Care office in Brooklyn     New York to find out more about what home care cost for you.  

  

 

Elderly Companion Care in Brooklyn, NY

Comforcare companion home care provides outstanding companion-caregiver services 

at an affordable price. Our clients’ comfort and peace of mind is our top priority. We are there every step of the way to ensure your companion is not only an experienced one but also has an ideal personality match to complement our client. You will meet your caregiver prior the date of service, in your home or in another comfortable environment of your choice. With our free in-home consultation, we will be able to address your concerns and find you the best care possible at an affordable price!

We have a minimum of 12 hours per week and a minimum of 4 hours per day.