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.

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.

Staying Safe During the Storm

13th of March, 2017

Staying Safe During the Storm:

Winter time can be challenging for everybody. It can cause mood disorders due to decrease in daylight, traffic jams and holiday stress. However, winter time can also wreck havoc on the elderly or disabled who live alone and rely on someone to help care for them. Many older adults rely on their caregivers to arrive but the caregivers are not able to due to the storm.


Here are some tips for the elderly and their families to follow to survive the winter flurries or the rain:

First, prepare all the groceries in advance. As everyone braces for the storm - grocery stores will be jam packed with people. Be smart and get there first - stock up enough food for several days to make sure you don't need to leave the house and have all the food you need. Make sure to prepare water and warm drinks as well (such as coffee, tea or hot chocolate).

Second, purchase flashlights, candles and enough batteries to last for a minimum of 4-7 days. Although unlikely, sometimes the power does go off during an intense storm. It is better to be safe than sorry - which is what will happen if you're stuck in the dark for such a long time. Prepare to light your own way through the house just in case the power goes out.

Third, have a first aid kit prepared for yourself and loved ones in advance. Most likely you will not need it - but is better to have it if you do, in case of emergency. Here are some things that must be in a First Aid Kit, courtesy of the Red Cross (this can also be found on their site):

• 2 absorbent compress dressings (5 x 9 inches)
• 25 adhesive bandages (assorted sizes)
• 1 adhesive cloth tape (10 yards x 1 inch)
• 5 antibiotic ointment packets (approximately 1 gram)
• 5 antiseptic wipe packets
• 2 packets of aspirin (81 mg each)
• 1 blanket (space blanket) 
• 1 breathing barrier (with one-way valve)
• 1 instant cold compress
• 2 pair of nonlatex gloves (size: large)
• 2 hydrocortisone ointment packets (approximately 1 gram each)
• Scissors
• 1 roller bandage (3 inches wide)
• 1 roller bandage (4 inches wide)
• 5 sterile gauze pads (3 x 3 inches) 
• 5 sterile gauze pads (4 x 4 inches)
• Oral thermometer (non-mercury/nonglass)
• 2 triangular bandages
• Tweezers

Some additional tips: 

• have the batteries in your hearing aides replaced so you don't run out. 
• charge your cell phones in advance
• enough pet supplies and food
• ample heating methods such as personal heaters or fireplace
• enough medication especially if you have an existing condition

Most importantly, stay warm and safe!

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.