10 Reasons Why You Should Quit Smoking Cigarettes

Saturday, November 19^th is the American Cancer Society’s Great American Smokeout event. Smoke from across the nation can use this day as a way to finally decide that they should quit smoking, or have it be the day when they actually quit. Either way, the goal is to create more non-smokers.

According to the CDC, as of 2014, approximately 17% of American adults smoked cigarettes. That equates to about 40 million adults. There have been many studies done showing the harmful effects of cigarettes, yet many adults continue to smoke.

With the Great American Smokeout just around the corner, we want to share 10 reasons why you should quit smoking cigarettes today:

1. The smoking rate has declined in the last 10 years; 21% in 2005 to 17% in 2014. More people realize the harm smoking does to their bodies.
2. Even with the drop in number of people smoking, almost 500,000 deaths each year can be attributed to smoking. This is 1 in every 5 deaths.
3. Smoking can hard almost every organ in your body and can cause many diseases.
4. Smoking is the cause of over a dozen cancers, including esophagus, lung, stomach, liver, kidney, cervix, bladder, colorectal and more.
5. Smoking causes 90 percent of all lung cancer deaths.
6. Smoking causes almost 2 dozen chronic diseases, such as stroke, cataracts, heart disease, pneumonia, asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), diabetes, reduced fertility, arthritis and more.
7. Smoking may increase your risk of stroke and heart disease by 2 to 4 times.
8. Smokers are 12 to 13 times more likely to die from COPD than nonsmokers.
9. Within 2 to 5 years after you quit smoking your risk of having a stroke could fall to the same level as a nonsmoker.
10. Within ten years after you quit smoking your risk of lung disease drops by half.

If you haven’t seriously thought about quitting smoking in the past, now is as good a time as any. There are deadly consequences to people who continue to smoke. As each year goes by once you quit, you start to reverse the negative effects smoking had on your body. We have seen first-hand what a lifetime of smoking does to the health of a person. Use the Great American Smokeout event on November 19^th as your reason to quit.

At Assisting Hands^® Home Care, our goal is to provide our clients with the help they need to keep them safely in their own home for longer. Whether you need someone to be with your loved one during the day, in the evening or overnight, our at-home care can accommodate your needs. You will have peace of mind knowing that they aren’t home alone when they need help with medication, fall prevention, personal care, eating or other needs.

Contact us today to schedule your free in-home fall prevention assessment at 630-305-9100. To learn more about our in home senior care, click here.

Health Risks that Increase for Veterans

Did your dad, uncle, grandfather or a female relative serve in one of the armed forces? Chances are that someone in your family was in the military. My dad was in the Army, stationed in Key West during the Bay of Pigs invasion. You may think that Key West would be a prime place to be stationed, but being that close to Cuba during those trying times was not the ‘fun-in-the-sun’ that you might think!

On behalf of everyone here at Assisting Hands® Home Care, we want to thank all veterans for their service. It is because of their service that we have the freedoms we sometimes take for granted. We pray that the men and women currently serving in the Armed Forces stay out of harm’s way.

In addition to the dangers that these soldiers face, there are a variety of health risks that are greater for men and women who serve in the military than those who do not. Below we identify the added health risks they may face.

Most of these factors are prevalent whether veterans are young or old:

• Higher Risk of Heart Disease. Veterans who suffer from PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) may have blood vessels that don’t expand as much as non-veterans, leading to a higher risk of heart attacks and strokes. According to a researcher from the University of California, San Francisco, there needs to be more research into the relationship between mental health and cardiovascular disease.

• Suicides. Beginning in 2008, the rate of suicides in the Army outnumbered those of civilians. Almost one-third of suicides of military personnel involved alcohol or drug use. Depression and PTSD are suicide risk factors that should not go unchecked.

• ALS (Lou Gehrig’s Disease). U. S. veterans are almost twice as likely to contract ALS as the rest of the population, according to the ALS Association. It doesn’t seem to matter if the veteran served in a time of war or peace. Researchers are still looking for the link between military service and this incurable disease.

• Cancers and Other Health Problems Associated with Agent Orange Exposure. Veterans who served in Korea or Vietnam and were exposed to Agent Orange are at an increased risk for several diseases, including cancers, type 2 diabetes, Hodgkin’s disease, heart disease and more. It is even more important that these veterans and their loved ones take care of them in the hopes of preventing one of these diseases.

At Assisting Hands® Home Care we take pride in serving our veterans, as well as civilians. With all the sacrifices they have made for our country, we are honored that we can be with them when you can’t be there. Our caregivers are aware of these health risks and are trained to look for these symptoms.

Whether you need someone to be with your loved one during the day, in the evening or overnight we can accommodate your needs. You will have peace of mind knowing that your loved one isn’t home alone when they need help with medication, fall prevention, personal care, eating or other needs.

Contact us today to schedule your free in-home fall prevention assessment at 630-305-9100.

3 Ways to Prevent Heart Disease

According to the CDC, heart disease is the number one cause of death among men and women in the United States, killing over 600,000 people each year. That equates to approximately one in four deaths! Only American Indians and Alaskan Natives have a lower percentage at one in five deaths.

Although some heart disease is genetic, over 80 percent of deaths caused by heart disease are preventable. Just think what those almost 500,000 people who die each year might be doing today. Although prevention can start at any age, it is best if it is practiced when we are young. By having good habits throughout our lives, we may reduce our risk not only of heart disease other deadly diseases like strokes and cancer.

With World Heart Day falling on September 29^th, we thought we would call attention to heart disease and some prevention tips:

1. Have a healthy diet. Eating more fruits and vegetables and less processed foods is a good rule of thumb. By avoiding processed foods, you are also limiting added sodium and sugar in your diet, which will help to lower your blood pressure and blood sugar levels.
2. Get regular exercise. Whether you walk, run, bike, swim, or cross-train, it is important to get 2 to 3 hours of physical activity every week. Talk to your doctor before starting any type of exercise regimen.
3. Don’t smoke. If you don’t smoke now, don’t start. If you do smoke, stop. There are a variety of products and programs that can help a person quit smoking. If you tried to quit and it didn’t work, try again until it does. You can greatly reduce your risk of heart disease (and other diseases) by not smoking.

When you eat healthy foods and exercise regularly, you should be able to maintain a healthy weight. This will help you reduce your blood pressure, cholesterol and sugar levels, all of which are contributing factors to heart disease. It is not too late to make some simple changes to your diet and exercise routine so your senior years are happy and healthy ones!

At Assisting Hands® Home Care, our skilled caregivers will make sure the seniors in our care are eating and exercising appropriately. Whether you need someone to be with your loved one during the day, in the evening or overnight, our at-home care can accommodate your needs. You will have peace of mind knowing that they aren’t home alone when they need help with medication, fall prevention, personal care, eating or other needs.

Contact us today to schedule your free in-home fall prevention assessment at 630-305-9100. To learn more about our in home senior care, click here.

Protect Your Loved Ones During The Dog Days of Summer

Most of us love being outside in the summer when the weather is warm and the sun is shining. The kids will be back to school soon, so you need to make the most of it while you can. But these are the dog days of summer, a time when the heat and humidity can be deadly, especially for seniors (as well as infants and pets).

Below are 3 tips to help you keep your senior loved one safe during these dog days of summer:

1. Make sure their air conditioning is working properly. If they don’t have air conditioning, make sure they have plenty of fans where they live. Many seniors tend to be cold anyway, but you don’t want their residence to be too hot. Spend some time with them so you get a sense of the climate in their home.
2. If they go outside regularly, suggest that they go in the morning or evening hours when the temperature is lower and the sun isn’t so hot. If they have to be out mid-day, make sure they dress appropriately so they don’t get too much sun exposure. We all love the vitamin D from the sun, but only with the proper protection for our skin! Make sure they have on a hat and loose, light clothing. If you can, be outside with them in the morning or evening. Take a walk, go for ice cream, sit on the porch and watch the sun set.
3. Have them drink plenty of water. Did you know that the average person sweats about a quart of fluid every day? We would suggest that everyone drink plenty of water all year long, but it is especially important in the hot summer months when we sweat even more. You don’t want your loved one to become dehydrated. Make it easy for them; have a cup out on the counter so they can easily reach for it and get some water.

At Assisting Hands® Home Care, our skilled caregivers will make sure the seniors in our care are in the proper climate, whether inside or outside. Whether you need someone to be with your loved one during the day, in the evening or overnight, our at home care can accommodate your needs. You will have peace of mind knowing that they aren’t home alone when they need help with medication, fall prevention, personal care, eating or other needs.

Contact us today to schedule your free in-home fall prevention assessment at 630-305-9100. To learn more about our in home senior care, click here.

5 Things to do with Your Parents on Parents’ Day

Since a Congressional Resolution was passed in 1994, the fourth Sunday of July has been designated as Parents’ Day. As we come upon a holiday that revolves around family, why not take the time to get together with your parents to see what they are doing and how they are doing.

While you are with them, here are 5 things you can do to help them stay mentally sharp and safe:

Look at Old Photos: If you are of a certain age, you probably still have boxes of old prints in the basement or in albums somewhere. Don’t worry if they are not in order; share them with your parents anyway. See if they remember who is in the pictures, where they were taken and the occasion. Let them go down memory lane and tell stories from these occasions. This may enlighten you more than them! Take notes or record them so you can pass this information down to your family too.

Play a Game: What is your parents’ favorite game(s)? Checkers? Rummy? Find the game and play it with them. This will help to keep their memory sharp. Even a simple game of Go Fish will help fuel the brain.

Make Them a Meal: Do they like scrambled eggs and bacon? Maybe chicken is more to their liking. Whatever they enjoy having, why not make them a homemade meal instead of going out? Restaurants meals (and packaged meals in the grocery stores) tend to have too much sodium and added sugar anyway. Bring enough so you can package leftovers for them to have the next day. This way you know they are eating well a couple days that week.

Assess Their Surroundings: Is there any furniture in the way of their normal path throughout the house? Are there throw rugs on the floor? Make sure your parents have a clear path through their house and there are no trip hazards. Does it look like their clothes and other linens have been washed recently? If not, do a load or two of laundry for them while you are there. They did your laundry as you were growing up; now it’s your turn!

Assess Them: How do your parents look? Have they lost or gained unexplained weight since you saw them last? Do they look groomed (showered, hair combed, teeth brushed)? If not, they could be having issues with their memories. Ask them questions to fully understand what is going on.

At Assisting Hands Home Care we will make sure that your parents are happy and well cared for. We provide them with safe transportation to and from doctors and other appointments, grocery shopping or other errands and make sure they are getting the appropriate nutrition and exercise that is appropriate for them. Whether you need someone to be with them during the day, in the evening or overnight, we can accommodate your needs. You will sleep better knowing that they aren’t home alone when they need help with medication, fall prevention, personal care, eating or other needs.

Contact us today to schedule your free in-home fall prevention assessment at 630-305-9100.

3 Ways to Protect your Loved One from Skin Damage

It’s summertime and you know what that means? Time outside enjoying the warm weather; shorts and flip-flops; bar-b-ques and cook outs! You know what it also means? Skin Damage!

We are in the time of the year when UV exposure is the strongest in the United States, which means you are more easily at risk for skin damage. Skin damage may lead to premature aging of the skin, wrinkles, uneven skin tone, age spots and possibly skin cancer.

You can damage your skin if you are out in the sun at any time of the year, so keep these 3 tips in mind in order to protect yourself and your loved ones from skin damage all year long:

•  Stay in the Shade. If you can find a shady spot for yourself of your loved ones, do it! This is most important during the middle of the day when the sun’s UV rays are the strongest. Keep in mind that UV rays reach the ground even on cloudy days, so just because the sun isn’t shining brightly doesn’t mean you let your guard down.
• Wear Protective Clothing. No one wants to be bundled up in the middle of summer when it is hot out, but if you or your loved ones will be outside, think about a light-weight garment to protect your skin from the sun, a hat and/or a pair of sunglasses. These items will all help to block the UV rays from your skin. Again, keep in mind that if you can see through the piece of clothing, so can the sun, so this will only provide partial protection.
• Use Sun Screen. Whether you are outside for an hour or all day, you should use sun screen. Since all sun screens are not created equal, make sure you buy one that blocks UVA and UVB rays, or broad spectrum sun screen. Even when sun screen is used, if you are in the sun you are still exposed to the sun’s rays, so you are not completely protected. Apply sun screen often and make sure to reapply after being in the water or sweating.

Don’t let the appeal of a summer tan cause irreparable damage to your skin that you will regret later. Take the appropriate steps to protect yourself and your loved ones from harmful UV rays.

At Assisting Hands Home Care we will make sure that your loved one is properly protected if he or she is outside. We provide them with safe transportation to and from doctors and other appointments, grocery shopping or other errands and make sure they are getting the appropriate nutrition and exercise that is appropriate for them. Whether you need someone to be with them during the day, in the evening or overnight, we can accommodate your needs. You will sleep better knowing that they aren’t home alone when they need help with medication, fall prevention, personal care, eating or other needs.

Contact us today to schedule your free in-home fall prevention assessment at 630-305-9100.

Is your senior loved one safe at home?

In-home safety is the number one concern of adult children for their aging parents. “Will they be safe staying in their home?” It’s a question we hear all the time. The answer is usually ‘yes’ (with exceptions, of course), but there are things that the children need to do for their parents to make sure they can stay at home safely.

Since June is National Safety Month, we want to provide 7 tips for making your loved one’s home safe as they get older:

• Consider a medical alert system. You remember the commercial, “I’ve fallen and I can’t get up!” That could happen to your loved one. Make sure they can easily reach out for help if they need it.
• Get up slowly. When they get up from a sitting or sleeping position, make sure they do it slowly so they don’t get light-headed and lose their balance.
• Remove throw rugs. They may protect the carpet, but they can easily create a tripping/falling hazard. Your loved ones need an unobstructed path throughout their home.
• Remove items that can block their path. Following up to the point above, your loved ones need a clear path not just from removing throw rugs, but also from furniture, paper piles, cords, or other hazards. Their route should be free from all obstructions.
• Remove step stools. The risk of injury from a fall increases exponentially for every foot you are above the ground. If something is out of reach from your loved one, move it so it is within reach when they are on the ground.
• Install railings. If your loved ones are unsteady on their feet, install railings throughout the house, inside and out, including places like the shower. This will give them one more place to steady themselves if they need it.
• Consider a stair lift or have stairs with non-slip surface. If your loved ones live in a two story house and they need to access the upstairs often, you may want to consider a stair lift if they are not steady going up and down. At the very least, make sure the stairs have a non-slip surface.
• Use assisted devices in the home. Does your loved one use a cane or walker when they go out, but they don’t think they need to use it in their home? Most falls occur going from bedroom to bathroom. Make sure those devices are near their bed so when they get up they can easily reach them.
• Have lights on throughout the house. It may be well-placed nightlights, but make sure your loved ones have a little illumination at night so they don’t have to fumble for a light switch in the dark and they can see where they are going.

At Assisting Hands Home Care, it is important to us that your loved ones are in a safe environment. We can provide you with a free in-home fall prevention assessment so you know the best way to protect them while they are in their home. Our skilled in-home care associates can also provide your loved one with safe transportation to and from doctors and other appointments, grocery shopping or other errands.

Whether you need someone to be with them during the day, in the evening or overnight, we can accommodate your needs. You will sleep better knowing that they aren’t home alone when they need help with medication, fall prevention, personal care, eating or other needs.

Contact us today to schedule your free in-home fall prevention assessment at 630-305-9100.

Is Your Loved One Protected During These Hot Summer Months?

Most of us love being outside in the summer when the weather is warm and the sun is shining. With kids out of school, summer has unofficially begun. With the fun of the summer months also comes heat, which can be deadly, especially for seniors (as well as infants and pets).

Below are 3 tips to help you keep your senior loved one safe during these hot summer months.

Here are our suggestions:

1.    Make sure their air conditioning is working properly. If they don't have air conditioning, make sure they have plenty of fans where they live. Many seniors tend to be cold anyway, but you don't want their residence to be too hot.

2.    If they go outside regularly, suggest that they go in the morning or evening hours when the temperature is lower and the sun isn’t so hot. If they are out mid-day, make sure they dress appropriately so they don’t get too much sun exposure. We all love the vitamin D from the sun, but only with the proper protection for our skin! Make sure they have on a hat and loose, light clothing.

3.    Have them drink plenty of water. Did you know that the average person sweats about a quart of fluid every day? We would suggest that everyone drink plenty of water all year long, but it is especially important in the hot summer months when we sweat even more. You don’t want your loved one to become dehydrated.

At Assisting Hands® Home Care we make sure the seniors in our care are in the proper climate, whether inside or outside. If there is an issue with something like the air conditioning, our skilled caregivers would make sure the proper people were notified as soon as possible to remedy the situation. Whether you need someone to be with your loved one during the day, in the evening or overnight we can accommodate your needs. You will have peace of mind knowing that your loved one isn’t home alone when they need help with medication, fall prevention, personal care, eating or other needs.

Contact us today to schedule your free in-home fall prevention assessment at 630-305-9100.

Health Risks You Should be Aware of with Veterans

Chances are that your dad, uncle, grandfather or a female relative has served in one of the armed forces. My dad was in the Army, stationed in Key West during the Bay of Pigs invasion. It may have seemed like a prime place to be stationed, but not so close to Cuba during those trying times! On behalf of everyone here at Assisting Hands® Home Care, we thank all Veterans for their service. We hope that they were not killed in the line of duty – the reason for the Memorial Day holiday; to remember those who were died while serving in the military.

As we remember those who have died defending our country, we focus on those veterans who are still alive. Below we identify the added health risks they may face. Most of these factors are prevalent whether the veteran you know is young or old.

• Higher Risk of Heart Disease. Veterans who suffer from PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) may have blood vessels that don’t expand as much as non-veterans, leading to a higher risk of heart attacks and strokes. According to a researcher from the University of California, San Francisco, there needs to be more research into the relationship between mental health and cardiovascular disease.

• Suicides. Beginning in 2008, the rate of suicides in the Army outnumbered those of civilians. Almost one-third of suicides of military personnel involved alcohol or drug use. Depression and PTSD are suicide risk factors that should not go unchecked.

• ALS (Lou Gehrig’s Disease). U. S. veterans have almost a 60 percent greater risk of contracting ALS than the rest of the population, according to the ALS Association. Researchers are still looking for the link between military service and this incurable disease.

• Cancers and Other Health Problems Associated with Agent Orange Exposure.Veterans who served in Korea or Vietnam and were exposed to Agent Orange are at an increased risk for several diseases, including cancers, type 2 diabetes, Hodgkin’s disease, heart disease and more. It is even more important that these veterans and their loved ones take care of them in the hopes of preventing one of these diseases.

At Assisting Hands® Home Care we take pride in helping our veterans, as well as civilians. They have done so much for our country; we are honored that we can be with them when you can’t be there. Our caregivers are trained to look for these symptoms and can get help quickly. Whether you need someone to be with your loved one during the day, in the evening or overnight we can accommodate your needs. You will have peace of mind knowing that your loved one isn’t home alone when they need help with medication, fall prevention, personal care, eating or other needs.

Contact us today to schedule your free in-home fall prevention assessment at 630-305-9100.

Could You Identify Someone Having a Stroke?

Since May is National Stroke Awareness Month, we want to share some facts and prevention tips about strokes:

• Did you know that strokes are the number 5 cause of death and the number 1 cause of disability in the United States?
• Did you know that a stroke is caused by blood flow being cut off from the brain? There are 2 types of strokes: 1) ischemic stroke, which is when a clot obstructs blood flow to the brain; or 2) hemorrhagic stroke, which is when a blood vessel ruptures and prevents blood flow to the brain.
• Did you know that if blood flow is cut off from various parts of the brain, the body functions that that part of the brain controls won’t function as they should? 40% of stroke patients will have moderate to severe impairments that require special care! This is why strokes are the number 1 cause of disability.

It is important for people to control lifestyle and medical risk factors that contribute to a stroke. These include (but are not limited to):

• Eating habits
• Physical activity (or lack of it)
• Smoking
• Alcohol consumption
• High blood pressure
• High cholesterol
• Diabetes
• Circulation problems

In other blogs we have discussed preventing some of these risk factors. Check out these blogs - How Can Your Senior Loved One Eat Healthier?, Do You Know the 4 Tips to Avoid Getting Type 2 Diabetes?, or Five Simple Changes to a Healthier Heart.

Knowing these facts, if someone does have a stroke, every minute counts; the faster they can get treatment, the better their chances of recovery.

Think F.A.S.T.:

• F – Face Drooping: Is one side of their face drooping or numb? If their smile is uneven it could be a sign of a stroke.
• A – Arm Weakness: Is one arm weak or numb? Can they raise both arms? If one drifts down it could be a sign of a stroke.
• S – Speech Difficulty: Is their speech slurred, hard to understand or they can’t speak at all? This could be a sign of a stroke.
• T – Time to Call 911: If someone exhibits any of these symptoms, even if they seem to go away, call 911 and get them to the hospital immediately. Every second matters. Also, check the time so you know when these symptoms first started. Doctors will use that to track how long the brain may have been without blood flow.

Assisting Hands® Home Care we can be with your loved one when you can’t be there. Our caregivers are trained to look for these symptoms and can get help quickly. Whether you need someone to be with your loved one during the day, in the evening or overnight we can accommodate your needs. You will have peace of mind knowing that your loved one isn’t home alone when they need help with medication, fall prevention, personal care, eating or other needs.

Contact us today to schedule your free in-home fall prevention assessment at 630-305-9100.

Can Your Loved One Safely Drive a Car?

In general, senior citizens are less distracted while behind the wheel than younger adults. In fact, more senior citizens wear their seat belts (as drivers and passengers), drive slower and in better weather condition, and do not drive after drinking. With all of those good driving habits, one would think that accidents among with senior citizens would be rare, but that is not the case.

According to the CDC, more than 5,560 older adults were killed and more than 214,000 were injured in motor vehicle crashes in 2012. That equates to 15 older adults (of 92 total people) being killed in car crashes every day! Part of the reason that so many seniors are killed in car crashes has to do with the fact that they are more susceptible to injury, along with having other medical conditions that could become worse in an accident.

Here are 4 things you can do to make sure your senior loved one can stay safe behind the wheel:

• Make sure they get regular eye exams. A senior’s eyesight could change dramatically from year to year. By having a regular exam, you can feel more confident that they can clearly see where they are going and any obstacles around them.
• Have their primary physician or pharmacist review their prescriptions periodically to make sure there are no harmful interactions that could impair driving.
• Have them get some physical activity as often as possible. If your loved one is physically in good shape, it is less likely that a minor fender-bender would be life-threatening.
• Pay attention to their mental cognition. If you find them repeating themselves more often or if they can’t remember where they’ve been, you might want to have a cognitive check done. You do not want your loved one to be confused when they are driving.

Driving is a privilege that very few people will willingly give up. Even if your loved one has their hands at 10 and 2, their seat belt on and radio off, it is important that they stay safe on the road in other ways.

At Assisting Hands Home Care we can provide your loved one with safe transportation to and from doctors and other appointments, grocery shopping or other errands. Whether you need someone to be with your loved one during the day, in the evening or overnight, we can accommodate your needs. You will sleep better knowing that your loved one isn’t home alone when they need help with medication, fall prevention, personal care, eating or other needs.

Contact us today to schedule your free in-home fall prevention assessment at 630-305-9100.

Risk of Daily Low-Dose Aspirin is Outweighed by Benefits to Prevent Heart Attacks and Strokes

A Senior Journal story related the fact that more than half of older Americans – those age 45 through 75 – take an aspirin every day, even though this use is not recommended by the Food and Drug Administration for most people who have not yet had a heart attack or stroke.

The American Journal of Preventive Medicine quotes a story that confirms that aspirin use is continuing to surge, especially among adults who are using it for "primary prevention."  Essentially seniors take aspirin in order to prevent an initial cardiovascular event, and in some cases to prevent cancer.

A national survey of more than 2,500 respondents aged 45-75, 52 percent reported current aspirin use, and another 21 percent had used it at some point in the past. The average age of respondents in the survey was 60. A different report found that aspirin use increased 57 percent between 2005 and 2010.

The downside of aspirin use is that it is essentially a blood thinner and can cause bleeding events, which is a primary reason some medical experts recommend caution in its use, even at the "baby aspirin" dose of 81 milligrams often used for disease prevention. The FDA has determined that in primary use to prevent a first heart attack or stroke, for every such event that's prevented, there's approximately one major bleeding event that's caused, such as gastrointestinal bleeding.

Despite the risks, the U.S. preventive Services Task Force recently issued a recommendation that men and women aged 50 to 69 consider taking low-dose aspirin if they are at a high risk for heart attacks and strokes.

Several cardiologists took exception to the recommendation due to the bleeding risks. They want to see the recommendations carry more restrictions.

However, the physicians do admit that for men and women aged 50 to 69 who are at an increased risk from cardiovascular disease, the benefits of low-dose aspirin outweigh the risks. As an added benefit, a low-dose aspirin regimen also helps decrease the risk of colorectal cancer.

   

Some other findings of the survey include:

• The strongest predictor of regular aspirin use was a patient having discussed aspirin therapy with a health care provider.
• About 35 percent of people who don't objectively have risk factors that might merit aspirin therapy still use it.
• About 20 percent of people who have already had a heart attack or stroke, and should be on aspirin therapy, do not use it.
• A majority of both current and previous aspirin users rated themselves as being somewhat or very knowledgeable about it.
• Among aspirin users, the reasons cited for its use by respondents was for heart attack prevention, 84 percent; stroke prevention, 66 percent; cancer prevention, 18 percent; and prevention of Alzheimer's disease, 11 percent.
• Significant predictors of aspirin use included people who were physically active, ate healthy foods, had achieved a healthy weight, managed their stress, tried to quit smoking, and/or had undergone health screenings.

How Can Your Senior Loved One Eat Healthier?

Your eyesight might not be what it used to be or the dinners that you once made without needing the recipe are harder to remember. As people age, their needs become a little greater, even with things that they once took for granted.

But it is very important, especially as we age, that we be aware of what we are eating. As we close out National Nutrition Month, we want to share 5 tips to healthier nutrition for seniors:

• Limit Processed Foods: It might seem easy to load up your loved one’s freezer with ‘healthy’ frozen dinners, but those meals are likely loaded with salt and sugar. Just because a package says ‘healthy’ doesn’t mean it really is. Instead, make a recipe for your loved one once a week and divide it into single servings that can be heated in the oven or microwave. This way you can control the ingredients and you will know they are healthy.
• Eat More Fruits and Vegetables: Fruits and vegetables have a lot of vitamins and fiber, are lower in calories, and are generally unprocessed (beware of canned fruits and vegetables). Instead of buying chips and dip, make sure your loved one has plenty of cut up vegetables and hummus or ready-to-eat fruit available.
• Be Wary of Hidden Sugars: They are everywhere – in condiments like BBQ sauce and ketchup to cereals, yogurt and sodas. Find cereal that is low in sugar and get plain yogurt without added sugar. Your loved one can add the cut up fruit (see above point) to it to give it a great flavor. 

Eating too much sugar can increase your risk of diabetes, heart disease and some cancers. When you buy packaged food for your loved one, look at the ingredients to see where sugar is listed (keep in mind sugar goes by a lot of names like glucose, high fructose corn syrup, etc). If it is listed at the top, skip it. If it is listed toward the bottom or not at all, it should be okay.

• Be Wary of Salt/Sodium: Even if a product is low in sugar, don’t forget to see how much sodium it has. Too much salt can cause high blood pressure. Instead of using salt as a seasoning, substitute with other herbs and spices to create a great tasting meal that is low in sodium.
• Eat More Whole Grains: Your loved one doesn’t have to skip bread altogether; instead get whole grain instead of white bread. The same holds true for pastas and rice – get whole wheat pasta and brown rice instead of white. As with other processed foods, be wary of products that claim they are whole grain, but they are not. 

As with a lot of processed foods, packaging can be misleading. Read the ingredient label to be sure you are getting what you really want for your loved one. If your loved one isn’t eating healthy yet, take these changes one at a time. If done correctly, they may welcome the change. It is never too early to start eating better; healthy habits can last a lifetime.

At Assisting Hands Home Care we can provide your loved one with healthy meals and daily activity to keep their mind and body in as good a condition as possible. Whether you need someone to be with your loved one during the day, in the evening or overnight, we can accommodate your needs. You will sleep better knowing that your loved one isn’t home alone when they need help with medication, fall prevention, personal care, eating or other needs.

Contact us today to schedule your free in-home fall prevention assessment at 630-305-9100.

Osteoporosis Drugs Are Effective but Be Wary of Side Effects

By Richard Ueberfluss

More than 50 percent of women and 25 percent of men over fifty will suffer from an osteoporosis-related fracture.

Osteoporosis occurs when bone breaks down faster than it is replenished, leaving the skeleton porous and brittle.  Women lose bone density more rapidly during menopause, so they are more susceptible to osteoporosis than men.

Multiple medications, poor vision and balance problems also make older people more likely to trip and fall — one of the most common causes of hip fracture.

A hip fracture almost always requires surgical repair or replacement, followed by months of physical therapy. Taking steps to maintain bone density and avoid falls can help prevent hip fracture.

The good news is that hip fractures have dropped by 30 percent since 1995, according to a recent story in The Wall Street Journal.

The drop in hip fractures is puzzling, according to experts, because fewer Americans are taking drugs that help control osteoporosis.

In fact, use of osteoporosis drugs has dropped by more than 50 percent in recent years.  One of the reasons is that the drugs often come with serious side effects, such as sudden bone fractures.

The New England Journal of Medicine has estimated that for every 1,000 women with osteoporosis who were treated up to five years with bisphosphonates (a class of drugs that treat osteoporosis such as Fosamax and Reclast), they prevented100 fractures, and only caused one.

Doctors are split on ways to treat osteoporosis.  The Journal for example, quoted orthopedic trauma surgeon at the National Institutes of Health, who recommended that while bisphosphonates are effective, until someone has been diagnosed with osteoporosis, they shouldn’t take the drug for at least five years.

Whether or not medications are used, men and women with osteoporosis should have a senior care agency look for potential tripping hazards in the home that may cause falls.

If osteoporosis patients live alone, many families are using caregivers to stay with the patient to help prevent falls and teaching seniors how to minimize the dangers from falls.

Contact us today to schedule your free in-home fall prevention assessment at 630-305-9100.

Are your elderly parents getting the sleep they need?

Have you ever tried to fall asleep but just couldn’t? Or have you fallen asleep just to wake up in the middle of the night and then you can’t fall asleep until just before the alarm goes off? Are you staying awake to care for elderly parents? Sleep is such an important factor in our lives; it controls how we behave, our mood, our energy level, healing and growth.

While we are in National Sleep Awareness Week, we thought we would look at 6 things you can do to get a better night’s sleep.

1.      Have a regular sleep schedule. Go to bed and get up at the same time each day. By creating a routine, you body’s biological clock will get used to it and you will sleep better.

2.      Track your sleep. Write down when you go to bed, how you feel, if you wake up – and how long and how many times. Also track what you did, ate or drank close to bedtime. This may help you identify certain foods or activities that could be affecting your sleep.

3.      Wind down. Don’t go from fully active to bedtime in a couple minutes. Take time to prepare yourself: have your things together for the next day; brush your teeth, hair, etc; relax in bed or practice some deep breathing/meditation.

4.      Skip alcohol before bed. When the alcohol levels in your body start to drop, it signals your body to wake up. So even though you may think alcohol will help you fall asleep, it won’t keep you asleep for long.

5.      Create ‘white noise.’ Buy a ‘white noise’ machine, CD or MP3 download that will block outside noises or distractions from within your own home. This will help you clear your mind and focus on falling asleep.

6.      Don’t let your pets sleep with you. Cats are especially active in the late night/early morning hours and may want you to be awake when they are. Have you ever been nudged in the middle of the night for no reason except they wanted you to know they were there? That doesn’t help your sleep. It may be time to have Fluffy or Spot find another sleeping space away from yours.

When you are the primary caregiver for a loved one that needs help throughout the night, you can’t get the sleep you need to take care of yourself because your focus is on your loved one.

At Assisting Hands Home Care we want to take that burden off of your shoulders. If you can get the rest you need, you will be able to take better care of your loved one, yourself and your family – in addition to a job or other activities that you have. Whether you need someone to be with your loved one during the day, in the evening or overnight, we can accommodate your needs. You will sleep better knowing that your loved one isn’t home alone when they need help with medication, fall prevention, personal care, eating or other needs.

Contact us today to schedule your free in-home fall prevention assessment at 630-305-9100.

When Is It Time For A Daily Money Manager?

By Wendy Einspar

Think of the mail coming into your home, the bills that need to be paid, the calls or emails that should be made about your insurance, wills, retirement planning and more. Now imagine handling all this with impaired eyesight, decreased hearing, arthritic hands, or failing memory.

Many of us wish we had someone to handle the day-to-day personal paperwork, bill paying and interactions with advisors. Daily Money Managers can fill that role. However, the support of a Daily Money Manager (DMM) is even more critical for seniors.

A DMM for busy professionals often works alone in the clients’ homes (or virtually from theDMM’s office) while the clients are at work. DMMs for seniors, more often than not, work with their clients in their homes and have special skill sets to help their clients navigate between dependence and independence. In addition, the DMM for seniors needs to have an incredible array of resources available to guide the senior and the senior’s family to the right decisions about legal documents, long-term care planning, housing options, care management, financial asset management, household management, and more.

 Signs That a Daily Money Manager Is Needed By a Senior:

• Complaints of too much paper
• Bills not being paid
• Medicare, secondary insurance, and medical bills are piling up and not being addressed
• No Power of Attorney, Health Care Proxy, Advance Directives in place to provide back up for the senior when he or she is no longer able to handle his or her own affairs
• A spouse has passed away and the widow(er) does not know how to settle the deceased spouse’s affairs and/or does not know how to handle the finances going forward
• Estate planning needs to be done, but there is no clear information about what assets are involved
• A sense of confusion is communicated in conversations
• Letters are coming in from the IRS that taxes have not been filed
• Rent, mortgage and/or insurance has not been paid, electricity is about to be shut off
• Medicaid may be needed, but the process of getting everything together to apply is overwhelming

Early on, DMMs need to sort through accumulated papers: locate bills that need to be addressed immediately; identify important documents and file appropriately or note which documents need to be collected. DMMs help organize and file estate planning, tax and financial documents for the client; work with doctors and insurance companies to sort out what needs to be paid by the insurance company or the client; and prepare budget and spending reports.

How Do I Finding a Daily Money Manager

Search on the website of the American Association of Daily Money Managers(www.aadmm.com) – click “Find a DMM” and search by zip code. In the same area of the website, you can find a list of excellent questions to ask when hiring.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact Wendy Einspar for a free consultation at:

Phone 630.728.1257

Email – wendy@einspardmm.com

Internet – www.einspardmm.com

Richard Ueberfluss, PT

www.assistinghands.com/naperville

630.305.9100