Link Between Depression, Cholesterol May Differ by Gender in Mercer County NJ by Kathy September 1, 2010
We all know that how we eat can affect our health but did you know that it can cause depression? I found this article on Yahoo News that explains this link. Here is an excerpt below, to read the full article Click Here.
Link Between Depression, Cholesterol May Differ by Gender
MONDAY, July 26 (HealthDay News) — Gender-specific regulation of cholesterol levels may help prevent depression in the elderly, suggests a new study.
French researchers followed a large group of men and women aged 65 and older for seven years. They found that depression in women was associated with low levels of "good" high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), which puts them at higher risk for cardiovascular disease, including stroke.
Previous research has shown that certain types of stroke increase the risk of depression.
In contrast, depression in men was linked with low levels of "bad" low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C). This association was strongest in men with a genetic vulnerability to depression related to a serotonin transporter gene.
The study appears in the July 15 issue of the journal Biological Psychiatry.
"Our results suggest that clinical management of abnormal lipid levels may reduce depression in the elderly, but different treatment will be required according to sex," corresponding author Dr. Marie-Laure Ancelin, of INSERM, Montpellier, France, said in a journal news release.
…continue reading HERE.
Remember for the best in Home Care visit our website at www.middlesexnj.rightathome.net or www.ltcep.com/sholom.
On the Road With, or Without, Elderly Parents in Middlesex County NJ by Kathy August 23, 2010
Traveling with your aging loved one can be a very difficult task. I found this article that discusses travel companies that offer travel services exclusivly for the elderly in the New York Times – The New Old Age. Read the article below.
On the Road With, or Without, Elderly Parents
By: DALE RUSSAKOFF
It’s August, time for a vacation from everything stressful — work, commuting, heat, congestion. But what about care giving? Do adult children of elderly parents deserve a break from them, too?
Plenty of New Old Age readers no doubt identify with a woman who, describing herself and her husband as “empty-nesters in our 50s,” recently raised this question in Slate’s provocative advice column, “Dear Prudence.” Bringing her husband’s 80-plus-year-old-parents along on vacations, the woman wrote, “is more stressful than going to work.”
The older couple “cannot travel as they used to,” making it difficult for the 50-somethings to relax together, which their punishing jobs rarely allow them to do. Yet her mother-in-law calls almost nightly, she wrote, “begging us to take them.” Her question: “Are we selfish to want to be alone on our vacations?”
Emily Yoffe, the “Dear Prudence” columnist, responded that it is not selfish “to balk at attending to very demanding old people when you are trying to grab some precious free time.” If the in-laws don’t want to travel on their own, she wrote, they should consider “the myriad group travel possibilities for older people.”
Indeed, older people have a growing number of vacation options, with or without an adult child to help them get around. With the recession cutting deeply into vacation budgets, the travel industry has begun reshaping itself to accommodate older and frailer travelers, who often have more money to spend than working-age people. Cruise lines, always popular among retirees, now cater to even more senior voyagers. One Web site touts “staff members to help disabled or physically impaired guests move around more easily,” as well as personnel “trained to work with elderly people in order to make their stay more comfortable.”
Tom Fitzgerald, an AARP travel expert, said many older travelers choose riverboat rather than ocean liner cruises. “On a river cruise, you can enjoy looking at the town from the ship. On a big ocean liner, they’re sailing the ocean and they dock in a port. You usually need to take a bus or a taxi into town.” He said he urges travelers to call cruise directors to verify what “hotels and cruise lines are doing to retrofit for an older population that may need elevators or wheelchairs.”
Elderhostel, an educational travel organization that attracts people in their 60s and 70s, has discovered that many of its clients want to keep traveling well into their 80s and even 90s. The organization has added more travel aboard ships and, for land-based trips, makes wheelchairs and taxis available to those who find walking too taxing. “We can make any program, within reason, accessible,” said James Moses, president of Elderhostel, whose programs now go under the name Road Scholar.
Even nursing home residents are hitting the road. In what it called the Chutzpah Mission, the Hebrew Home at Riverdale, in the Bronx, flew eight nursing home residents, ages 77 to 93, to Israel for two weeks in 2004. The home brought along medications in blister packs and advance directives for everyone. The entourage included a nurse, a doctor, the home’s director of social services, a nurse’s aide and orderlies — enough staff for all but two residents to room with a professional caregiver.
“I thought there was a statement to be made about elderly people traveling,” said Daniel Reingold, chief executive of the Hebrew Home, who had the idea for the trip. “There was something very fulfilling and affirming about planning a trip most people would say, ‘You’ve got to be out of your mind to do this.’ ”
Each time the travelers got off their tour bus and into wheelchairs or behind walkers to view another historic site, they were surrounded by Israeli children snapping photographs, according to Mr. Reingold. “They were celebrities,” he said.
Since then, he said, he has shared travel tips with two other Jewish nursing homes that replicated the trip, as well as a Lutheran home in Michigan that took war veterans to Washington for a tour that emphasized military history.
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Remember for the best in Home Care visit our website at www.middlesexnj.rightathome.net or www.ltcep.com/sholom.
Sleep Apnea Could Raise Heart Risks for Older Men in Monroe Township, NJ by Kathy August 17, 2010
I found this article on sleep apnea and it really was interesting to learn about the consequences. Here is an excerpt below, to read the full article click here: http://www.businessweek.com/lifestyle/content/healthday/641041.html.
From middle age to age 70, the sleep-time breathing disorder could pose a hazard, study suggests
MONDAY, July 12 (HealthDay News) — The snoring and breathing disturbances of sleep apnea may be more than just a nuisance, with a new study linking the condition to higher risks for heart failure and heart disease in middle-aged and older men.
However, the study found no correlation between sleep apnea and coronary heart disease in women, or in men older than 70.
"The key here is that there is a lot of undiagnosed sleep apnea, and that, at least in men, it is associated with the development of coronary heart disease and heart failure. Only about 10 percent of sleep apnea cases are diagnosed, " said Dr. Daniel Gottlieb, associate professor of medicine, Boston University School of Medicine.
Gottlieb noted that while the jump in heart risk was noteworthy, it was not as large as that seen in previous clinic-based studies of sleep apnea because the participants were drawn from a broad community-based population.
According to background information in the study, sleep apnea sufferers awaken suddenly during the night struggling to breathe, often experiencing a shot of blood pressure- raising adrenaline. Most often, they go right back to sleep, unaware of what happened. But the awakenings are repeated, sometimes up to 30 times an hour, depriving the sufferer of vital oxygen and sound sleep.
The research is published online July 12 in Circulation.
In the study, almost 2,000 men and about 2,500 women — all free of heart problems at the beginning of the research — were recorded as they slept using polysomnograms, which measured the presence and severity of sleep apnea as calibrated on the Apnea-Hypopnea Index.
About half had no symptoms of sleep apnea, the team found, while half had mild, moderate or severe symptoms.
Participants were then contacted at various times from 1998 to the final follow-up in April 2006. During that time, 473 cardiac events occurred, including 185 heart attacks, 212 heart bypass operations, and 76 deaths. There were also 308 cases of heart failure; of these 144 people also had a heart attack.
The study found that men between 40 and 70 years of age who had severe sleep apnea were 68 percent more likely to develop heart disease, and 58 percent more likely to develop heart failure, than those without the condition. Increasing severity of sleep apnea was also associated with obesity, high blood pressure, hypertension and diabetes, all of which are known contributors to heart disease.
According to the U.S. National Institutes of Health, approximately 14 million Americans suffer from coronary heart disease, the most common cause of death in the United States.
Dr. Jordan S. Josephson, a sinus, snoring and sleep apnea specialist at Lenox Hill Hospital in New York City, said the study is important because "it brings a greater awareness to the public about sleep apnea." He believes that sleep apnea, linked to heart disease through this and other studies, may be an indirect factor in many heart deaths.
Experts estimate that the condition affects 24 percent of men and 9 percent of women, but Josephson believes the numbers are actually higher because people don’t know they have a problem unless a partner or spouse tells them they snore.
"Sleep apnea is [also] the number one medical cause for divorce and the ending of partnerships," added Josephson, because many couples end up sleeping apart, not sleeping well, and not functioning well during the day.
Dr. Stuart Fun Quan, another of the study’s authors, agreed that the under-diagnosis of sleep apnea is "unfortunate."
Remember for the best in Home Care visit our website at www.middlesexnj.rightathome.net or www.ltcep.com/sholom.
Learning to Deal with a Person Suffering from Alzheimers in East Brunswick, NJ by Kathy August 9, 2010
I found this article on Alzheimer’s and wanted to pass it along to you. For more assistance with an aging loved one in your life visit our website at www.middlesexnj.rightathome.net or www.ltcep.com/sholom.
Most of the caregiver “solutions” that I have found in the Alzheimer’s world are temporary if they aren’t easily adaptable. My mother’s rapid decline has me on my toes trying to be creative enough to come up with new solutions on what seems like a weekly basis now. Repetitive questions about the day of the week, time of day and meals were constant throughout the day.
A large wall calendar worked for a while. I crossed off the days as they passed and moved a sticky note with “Today” written on it to the current day. In time, neither the calendar in general nor the note “Today” made sense to mom. She only cares to know the day of the week now.
The large faced digital clock with AM/PM helped for a while but it eventually stopped making sense, too. In addition, Daylight Savings has wreaked havoc on the household since it’s light both early and late in the day; consequently, the repeated questions about whether it’s time for breakfast or dinner began.
Even though mom had dinner at 5PM she began asking for breakfast at 7PM thinking it was morning. I hung a large wall clock in a convenient location and she could read it but couldn’t distinguish between day and night. A hook on the wall under the clock now holds computer generated signs that I alternate — one each for Day and Night. At the moment they are helping.
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CrossFit: Intergenerational Fitness at its Best in Mercer County NJ by Kathy August 4, 2010
Here is a very interesting article that I found and wanted to pass along to you. For more assistance with an aging loved one in your life visit our website at www.middlesexnj.rightathome.net or www.ltcep.com/sholom.
This will change your life. Yeah, who hasn’t heard that before about a fitness regimen? But that’s exactly what older adult participants in CrossFit claim. “I can keep up with people half my age and I like that,” exclaims Theresia Sabayan, a 59 year old grandmother from British Columbia. “I love it and plan on doing CrossFit forever. It’s always interesting, always workable. I don’t have to spend hours at the gym with very little results. It’s quick, it works.”
What is CrossFit? Participants don’t use StairMasters or weight machines. Instead they do brief, high-intensity workouts that mix simple gymnastics, track and field skills and bodybuilding primarily using their own body weight. The program stresses functional fitness, meaning you’ll actually be able to do more with your life. Initially, devotees were paramilitary groups such as firefighters & police officers. It’s quickly spreading to other demographics, including the “silvers”. A quick peek at a typical CF workout is intimidating, even for a 20-something. Yet, advocates are quick to point out the scalability of movements that can be performed by anyone, of any age and condition. Dan Hope, a 67 year-old from Athens, Georgia says: “One of the great things about CrossFit is that anyone can participate. It may take some of us well beyond our prime to admit we are no longer able to function at the levels we enjoyed in our youth, but scaling makes it possible to stay active.” Who knew sweat could be an intergenerational, bonding experience? “I am 64 in September and working out along side a fellow who wants to be a Navy Seal”, states Ellen Clifford of Minneapolis. “Now, how awesome is that?!”
Steve Shaughessy, of Charlotte, North Carolina who recently turned 60, has been practicing for 18 months. He concedes it’s hard work, “but the benefits are well worth it. I’ve lost 30 lbs., improved my strength, have way less pain in my arthritic knee, feel younger and have more energy”. Ellen, who is Steve’s sister, has also seen positive changes in her life such as weight loss, increased confidence, improved strength and energy. “I sleep better and just seem to have more enthusiasm for life in general. My balance has also improved and that’s a big thing when you get older”.
continue reading HERE.
Eye Care Advice for Aging Eyes in Middlesex County NJ by Kathy July 26, 2010
Here is good article with advice on how to take care of your eyes. For more assistance wtih an aging loved one in your life visit our website at www.middlesexnj.rightathome.net or www.ltcep.com/sholom.
(ARA) – Growing older and getting reading glasses seem to go hand in hand, just like getting gray hair or wrinkles as you age. But that doesn’t have to be the case if you take steps to care for your eyes as you age.
Presbyopia, a natural effect of aging, happens to just about everyone around the age of 40, even if you have had laser eye surgery. As you age, the lens in each of your eyes begins to lose its ability to change focus quickly on an object or page of text, causing blurred vision at reading distance. Chances are that you know several people who have this condition, and you may develop it yourself, now or in the future.
Some simple, yet often overlooked steps can help you take care of your eyesight as you age:
* During prolonged intervals in front of a TV, computer or other electronic device, try blinking more often than you might normally. Every so often, look away from the device and focus on a distant object.
* Be sure to have adequate light while reading; a simple lamp may not do the trick, causing you to strain your eyes.
* Maintain a healthy diet. Contrary to popular belief, carrots are not the best vegetable for your eyes: spinach and other dark, leafy greens contain high amounts of lutein and zeaxanthin, beneficial antioxidants for vision.
* Visit your eye care professional regularly.
Beyond a healthy lifestyle, there are solutions to common age-related vision problems. With presbyopia, bifocals or reading glasses (for contact lens wearers) are a common solution. However, reading glasses can be cumbersome and easily misplaced, and bifocals require you to use a magnification lens intended for reading anytime you look down, which can make mundane tasks as simple as walking down stairs unnecessarily difficult.
Bausch + Lomb’s Multi-Focal contact lenses are designed with All-Distance Optics, a technology that delivers sharp, clear vision wherever you choose to focus. By using a gradual power shift across the entire lens, your eyes effortlessly adjust from up-close reading to mid-range computer work to distance vision while driving. There’s no need to reach for glasses to accommodate a quick change in distance.
Multi-Focal contact lenses mean you don’t have to sacrifice convenience for clear, crisp vision. Ask your eye care professional about how Multi-Focal contact lenses can help you say goodbye to your readers today, or log on to www.goodbyereaders.com to learn more.
Courtesy of ARAcontent
Aftercare Tips for Patients Checking Out of the Hospital in Monroe Township, NJ by Kathy July 20, 2010
According to a study published last year in The New England Journal of Medicine, one in five Medicare patients returns to the hospital within 30 days of being discharged. The problem is an expensive one: in 2004, these readmissions cost Medicare $17.4 billion dollars, the researchers also found.
Read more from the New York Times by Clicking Here.
For more assistance with an aging loved one in your life visit our website at www.middlesexnj.rightathome.net or www.ltcep.com/sholom.
A Taste of East Brunswick- Join Us! by Val July 16, 2010
Sponsored by: 
When: ��July 21, 2010
Where: �Care One East Brunswick
599 Cranbury Road
East Brunswick, NJ 08816
Time: ����4:30 PM ? 6:30 PM
Participating Restaurants:
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Entertainment BY:� jOjo russell!
Enjoy a free taste of local cuisine while learning about local care options!
RSVP by e-mailing or calling Beth Sholom, Owner of Right at Home
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How Do I Know if My Parent has Alzheimer’s Disease in East Brunswick, NJ? by Kathy July 13, 2010
When an elderly parent starts having trouble with memory, the family automatically think its Alzheimer’s disease. The concerns are valid. Alzheimer’s usually begins after age 60 and nearly half of people age 85 and older may have Alzheimer’s, according to the National Institute on Aging. However, only a doctor can diagnose Alzheimer’s, and there are some other diseases or conditions that may cause Alzheimer’s-like symptoms.
If you suspect your parent has Alzheimer’s, here are some warning signs to look for:
Read more at agingcare.com by Clicking Here.
For more assistance with an aging loved one in your life visit our website at www.middlesexnj.rightathome.net or www.ltcep.com/sholom.
New Scam Targets Elderly Homeowners with Reverse Mortgages in Mercer County NJ by Kathy July 5, 2010
Just in the last two months we have received calls from two former borrowers who had been targeted for a new scam. It seems that there is a new way to try to separate borrowers from their money and at this time we don’t know if it is aimed specifically at Reverse Mortgage borrowers or all borrowers, but since the borrowers calling us are all homeowners 62 and over, we know they are targeting senior borrowers for certain.
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For more assistance with an aging loved one in your life visit our website at www.middlesexnj.rightathome.net or www.ltcep.com/sholom.