Senior
Health & Wellness

Recommended Vaccines for Older Adults

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August is National Immunization Awareness Month, an annual observance to bring awareness to the importance of vaccines for people of all ages. Immunization Awareness Month was established to encourage people – young and old - to make sure they are up to date on the various vaccines recommended for them. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) advises that all adults need immunizations to keep them from getting and spreading serious diseases that could result in poor health, missed work and not being able to care for family or themselves. Older adults may need one or more vaccines, even...

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May is Older Americans Month

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Encouraging Older Americans to "Engage at Every Age" Each May, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Administration for Community Living leads our nation’s observance of Older Americans Month. It is a time to recognize the contributions of older Americans and think about how we can work together to support and value people over age 65. The 2018 Older Americans Month theme is “Engage at Every Age”. It’s meant to remind us that you are never too old (or young) to take part in activities that can enrich your physical, mental, and emotional well-being. It also celebrates the ways...

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Living with Parkinson's Disease

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Living with Parkinson’s disease can be challenging. But there are ways to help improve your quality of life. At FirstLight® Home Care, we understand the impact Parkinson's Disease has on patients and their loved ones. Tremors, stiffness, loss of balance, and depression can lead to isolation and poor quality of life. Discovering the right medications, complementary therapies and support are ways to stay independent and even enhance your quality of life. April is Parkinson’s Awareness month. There are more than one million Americans living with Parkinson’s disease, and most are doing everything they can to proactively affect the course of...

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Small Changes Can Lead to Lifetime of Heart Health

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“Success is the sum of small efforts, repeated day in and day out." - American author Robert Collier Small changes matter. That is true of many things in life, even when it comes to taking action to maintain heart health. Applying small changes at an early age can have positive, lasting effects. And making those changes before developing a chronic condition, such as high blood pressure or high cholesterol, is key. Why is this so important? Because heart disease is the No. 1 cause of death in the U.S. And most Americans aren’t even aware that they could be at risk...

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Cardiovascular Disease: Who is at Risk?

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February is American Heart Month, an ideal time to commit to making small changes that can lead to a lifetime of heart health. Know your cardiovascular disease risk. Cardiovascular disease (also known as heart disease) remains the leading global cause of death for men and women, with more than 17.3 million deaths each year. That number is expected to rise to more than 23 million by 2030. There are several types of cardiovascular disease, including: Heart failure: sometimes called congestive heart failure, this means the heart isn't pumping blood as well as it should. Arrhythmia: an abnormal rhythm of the...

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What Are the Keys to Healthy Aging?

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September is Healthy Aging Month Aging is a natural part of life. With it comes many challenges, both physically and mentally. Sometimes there are surprises and uncertainties, and occasionally there are changes in our bodies and minds we just don’t want to face. Yet, as we age, it becomes even more important to take control of our own health and focus on healthy aging. Now is the time! September is Healthy Aging® Month, an annual observance aimed at focusing national attention on the positive aspects of growing older… a chance to encourage us to take personal responsibility for our health…...

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Preventing Falls in the Home

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Be aware of the risk factors that can cause seniors to fall One in four older Americans falls every year. Falls are the leading cause of injuries for seniors aged 65 and older, so preventing falls can be vital to their overall health. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), one out of five falls causes a serious injury, such as broken bones, hip fractures or head injuries. And each year, at least 300,000 older people are hospitalized for hip fractures. If you have an aging parent or grandparent, helping them reduce their risk of falling can...

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Important Immunizations for Seniors

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August is Immunization Awareness Month Vaccines are not just for children. There are important immunizations for seniors as well. Certain immunizations can help prevent seniors from getting and spreading serious diseases that could result in poor health, medical bills and not being able to care for themselves. In fact, some seniors may need one or more vaccines, even if they received them as a child or as a younger adult. Immunity to certain diseases can wear off over time, and as people get older, they are at an increased risk of contracting various illnesses. Some may also be at risk...

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Art and Aging: How Art Can Benefit Older Adults

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Older adults need to exercise their brain and their body. According to the Journal of the American Medical Association have found with older adults that exercising the brain is as important to keep the brain alert and strong as physical exercise is to keep the body strong and able.The benefits of movement, building, inventing or creating things is fulfilling, and it gives people a sense of worth and contribution while helping them to maintain a positive outlook on life. In the book Successful Aging, John W. Rowe, MD, and Robert L. Kahn, PhD, discuss three aspects of successful aging: low...

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Hot Weather Safety Tips for Older Adults

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Extremely hot weather is in the forecast for many parts of the country.  If you have older family members or elderly neighbors living nearby, it is important to make sure that, as temperatures rise, they are protected from the extreme heat. Here are some great hot weather safety tips that the elderly, as well as their caregivers, can follow to make sure they stay cool and hydrated during these hot summer months. Drink plenty of cool water throughout the day and avoid alcohol and caffeine. Dehydration is the root of many heat-related health problems. Eat cooling, hydrating snacks like popsicles,...

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