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| Moisturize and Protect Daily to keep skin healthy and hydrated. |
A lot of factors can contribute to dry skin. It is important to recognize what increases the risks of dry skin, and take steps to prevent or correct such situations.
How To Care For Dehydrated Skin
A lot of factors can contribute to dry skin. It is important to recognize what increases the risks of dry skin, and take steps to prevent or correct such situations.
Eat Right: Prevent High Blood Pressure and Strokes
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| Madeline Ferdinand |
Once you start getting older, it’s important to stay away from certain foods. Foods that increase blood pressure are especially dangerous. Increased blood pressure can cause heart disease, a heart attack, or even a stroke. There are several factors that can cause your blood pressure increase – thus increasing your risk of a fatal cardiovascular incident – such as, smoking, drinking alcohol, and stress. Unfortunately, high blood pressure can also be hereditary.
No matter the cause of high blood pressure, however, sticking to a healthy, low-salt diet will help lower blood pressure and therefore decrease your risk of heart problems and stroke. It’s much better to make a positive change in lifestyle rather than start taking medication. Here’s what you should include in your diet:
Flavorful flavonoids
Flavonoids are found in a large variety of plants. Remarkably, flavonoids help decrease both systolic and diastolic blood pressure making them a great addition to any diet. The foods that have flavonoids include: onions, kale, green beans, celery, broccoli, and dark chocolate (yum!). There are also flavonoids found in white and green tea, so have a chocolate and tea party!
There is a compound in flavonoids called flavones that can help reduce the risk of a stroke in particular. The fruits and vegetables with the most flavones come from citrus fruit and fruit juice. Fruit smoothies, anyone?
Within flavonoids is another compound called anthocyanin. This compound also helps prevent cardiovascular disease and decreases the rate of cognitive decline that comes with aging. This compound can be found most abundantly in darkly-pigmented fruits, such as: blackberries, blueberries, plums, and strawberries.
First class fiber
The intake of high-fiber foods has been proven to reduce the risk of stroke by 7% per 7 grams added to a daily fiber intake. The best kind of fiber is found in beans, nuts, or any other food with water-soluble fiber. Other fibers will still help (like cereal or insoluble fibers), but not as much.
Most people eat around 13-17 grams of fiber per day. To get to the recommended amount of fiber, increase that number up to 21-25 grams for women or 30-38 grams for men. Here’s an easy way to start increasing your fiber intake: switch from white bread to whole wheat and get whole wheat noodles when you can. Pistachios, almonds, carrots, bran, barley, and brown rice are also great sources of fiber. Why not add these into your daily meal plans and make your heart happier?
Plentiful Potassium
Potassium is a mineral that helps control blood pressure and improves heart function. According to this study, an increase in potassium intake decreases the risk of a stroke by 24%. That is a huge deal! Moreover, potassium is important for maintaining normal cell function and can increase the overall health of your cardiovascular system.
Many fruits and vegetables are a good source of potassium (they also have flavonoids, hitting two birds with one stone). Foods that are labeled as organic will generally have more potassium than others. Fertilizers and pesticides reduce the amount of potassium in plants. Add these foods to your diet to increase your potassium intake: almonds, cantaloupe, dates, figs, bananas, kiwi, plums, raisins, and avocados.
Mouthwatering Magnesium
Magnesium is another great mineral that can help protect your cardiovascular system and prevent strokes. A study by The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition shows that for every 100 milligrams of magnesium added to a diet per day, the risk of stroke decreased by a staggering 8%.
Here are some magnesium rich foods: leafy vegetables, beans, rice, nuts, and whole-grain products (fiber!). An added 100 milligrams to your daily diet isn’t as scary as it sounds. It would really only take an ounce of nuts, a cup of beans or rice, or 3 cups of spinach. Easy peasy!
As you can see, it’s easy to add these vitamins and minerals to your diet to help out your cardiovascular system, lower your blood pressure, and decrease your risk of stroke. The best part? They all come from the earth.
Be wary of medications at odds with healing
High blood pressure medication (described as blood thinners) can be harmful. Maintaining your blood pressure naturally is always better than waiting until drugs are needed. Blood thinners such as Warfarin, Coumadin and Pradaxa all can cause internal bleeding. Unlike the others though, the bleeding caused by Pradaxa cannot be stopped, making the risks so much higher.
Remember, you can prevent strokes and other health complications by eating right, abandoning harmful habits, and making an effort to exercise. Your health and happiness are on the line, so take care of your body the way nature intended.
Flavorful flavonoids
Flavonoids are found in a large variety of plants. Remarkably, flavonoids help decrease both systolic and diastolic blood pressure making them a great addition to any diet. The foods that have flavonoids include: onions, kale, green beans, celery, broccoli, and dark chocolate (yum!). There are also flavonoids found in white and green tea, so have a chocolate and tea party!
There is a compound in flavonoids called flavones that can help reduce the risk of a stroke in particular. The fruits and vegetables with the most flavones come from citrus fruit and fruit juice. Fruit smoothies, anyone?
Within flavonoids is another compound called anthocyanin. This compound also helps prevent cardiovascular disease and decreases the rate of cognitive decline that comes with aging. This compound can be found most abundantly in darkly-pigmented fruits, such as: blackberries, blueberries, plums, and strawberries.
First class fiber
The intake of high-fiber foods has been proven to reduce the risk of stroke by 7% per 7 grams added to a daily fiber intake. The best kind of fiber is found in beans, nuts, or any other food with water-soluble fiber. Other fibers will still help (like cereal or insoluble fibers), but not as much.
Most people eat around 13-17 grams of fiber per day. To get to the recommended amount of fiber, increase that number up to 21-25 grams for women or 30-38 grams for men. Here’s an easy way to start increasing your fiber intake: switch from white bread to whole wheat and get whole wheat noodles when you can. Pistachios, almonds, carrots, bran, barley, and brown rice are also great sources of fiber. Why not add these into your daily meal plans and make your heart happier?
Plentiful Potassium
Potassium is a mineral that helps control blood pressure and improves heart function. According to this study, an increase in potassium intake decreases the risk of a stroke by 24%. That is a huge deal! Moreover, potassium is important for maintaining normal cell function and can increase the overall health of your cardiovascular system.
Many fruits and vegetables are a good source of potassium (they also have flavonoids, hitting two birds with one stone). Foods that are labeled as organic will generally have more potassium than others. Fertilizers and pesticides reduce the amount of potassium in plants. Add these foods to your diet to increase your potassium intake: almonds, cantaloupe, dates, figs, bananas, kiwi, plums, raisins, and avocados.
Mouthwatering Magnesium
Magnesium is another great mineral that can help protect your cardiovascular system and prevent strokes. A study by The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition shows that for every 100 milligrams of magnesium added to a diet per day, the risk of stroke decreased by a staggering 8%.
Here are some magnesium rich foods: leafy vegetables, beans, rice, nuts, and whole-grain products (fiber!). An added 100 milligrams to your daily diet isn’t as scary as it sounds. It would really only take an ounce of nuts, a cup of beans or rice, or 3 cups of spinach. Easy peasy!
As you can see, it’s easy to add these vitamins and minerals to your diet to help out your cardiovascular system, lower your blood pressure, and decrease your risk of stroke. The best part? They all come from the earth.
Be wary of medications at odds with healing
High blood pressure medication (described as blood thinners) can be harmful. Maintaining your blood pressure naturally is always better than waiting until drugs are needed. Blood thinners such as Warfarin, Coumadin and Pradaxa all can cause internal bleeding. Unlike the others though, the bleeding caused by Pradaxa cannot be stopped, making the risks so much higher.
Remember, you can prevent strokes and other health complications by eating right, abandoning harmful habits, and making an effort to exercise. Your health and happiness are on the line, so take care of your body the way nature intended.
For further reading on related topics:
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| Call us. We're here to help. |
About The CareGiver Partnership. The CareGiver Partnership helps caregivers and their loved ones with answers to their caregiving questions, including information about home health care products and supplies, from our Wisconsin-based team of Product Specialists who are all current or former caregivers. The company’s Web site provides the largest online library of resources on subjects most important to caregivers — from arthritis to assisted living, and Parkinson’s to prostate cancer — as well as access to more than 3,000 home care products for incontinence, skin care, mobility, home safety and daily living aids. The CareGiver Partnership was founded in 2004 by Lynn Wilson of Neenah, Wisc. Visithttp://www.caregiverpartnership.com to learn more or call 1-800-985-1353.
Clean, Moisturize and Protect Skin to Reduce Risk of Ulcers
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| Clean, Moisturize and Protect Skin to Reduce Risk of Ulcers |
If you are, or you care for someone who is, incontinent, it is important to clean, moisturize, and protect the skin to reduce the risk of ulcers.
What are ulcers?
An ulcer is a sore on the skin. It typically starts as an irritation, or reddening to an area, and can lead to disintegration of tissue, loss of epidermis, dermis, and even subcutaneous fat.
Ulcers are most common in the lower extremities, and in the gastrointestinal tracts. They can become infected, and pus and a mucous membrane can form. They are sometimes referred to as pressure sores or bed sores.
The Importance of Meaningful Activities for Seniors with Dementia
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| The ROS Therapy System |
Improved health. Inactivity can lead to general health issues and further immobility. Physical activity does increase cognitive functioning in those with dementia. A structured activity program is a great way to begin a small amount of physical activity.
Engaging someone in an activity gives their brain a workout. Studies have shown that engaging someone in a structured activity program can actually slow the progression of dementia. Furthermore, by participating in a meaningful and interesting activity, he or she will often see an improvement in self-esteem. By giving someone a sense of purpose, you give them a reason to feel good about themselves again.
Caregivers will benefit from an activity program. Consider this: if your loved one is engaged in an activity they enjoy, they won’t be shadowing you, repeating questions or exhibiting other bad behaviors. It will give you more time to enjoy your loved one and do the things you need to do.
An activity program is a great way to begin to reintroduce those living with dementia to a social circle. Isolation can lead to an increased rate of cognitive decline. In fact, in a recent study, researchers found that those experiencing moderate loneliness were twice as likely to be diagnosed with dementia.
All too often we see people thrust into a caregiving situation that they may not be prepared for. Introducing a structured activity program will benefit both those living with dementia and their caregivers. To effectively engage someone, the activity must be individualized and appropriate on a cognitive and physical level. Completing an assessment before introducing a new activity program is strongly recommended so you can get an idea of where to start. Engaging the person in a discussion of their likes and dislikes will give you a great idea of how to tailor the activity towards them. Consider things like hobbies, occupations and so on to get a deeper understanding of their past to have the best chance of engagement.
About R.O.S Therapy Systems. R.O.S. Therapy Systems began as a simple backyard project to improve the quality of life of one man in his 25 year fight against Parkinson’s disease and dementia. Over the past several years, R.O.S. has grown into a company with a complete Activities Program of innovative products and training courses that are now used by families, agencies and Long Term Care facilities caring for seniors around the world. Creating solutions where there are needs, R.O.S. will continue to introduce products and services that help all caregivers – Family, Agency and Institutional. R.O.S. Therapy Systems was founded by Scott Silknitter of Greensboro, NC in 2010. Visit www.rostherapysystems.com to learn more.
Caregivers will benefit from an activity program. Consider this: if your loved one is engaged in an activity they enjoy, they won’t be shadowing you, repeating questions or exhibiting other bad behaviors. It will give you more time to enjoy your loved one and do the things you need to do.
An activity program is a great way to begin to reintroduce those living with dementia to a social circle. Isolation can lead to an increased rate of cognitive decline. In fact, in a recent study, researchers found that those experiencing moderate loneliness were twice as likely to be diagnosed with dementia.
All too often we see people thrust into a caregiving situation that they may not be prepared for. Introducing a structured activity program will benefit both those living with dementia and their caregivers. To effectively engage someone, the activity must be individualized and appropriate on a cognitive and physical level. Completing an assessment before introducing a new activity program is strongly recommended so you can get an idea of where to start. Engaging the person in a discussion of their likes and dislikes will give you a great idea of how to tailor the activity towards them. Consider things like hobbies, occupations and so on to get a deeper understanding of their past to have the best chance of engagement.
About R.O.S Therapy Systems. R.O.S. Therapy Systems began as a simple backyard project to improve the quality of life of one man in his 25 year fight against Parkinson’s disease and dementia. Over the past several years, R.O.S. has grown into a company with a complete Activities Program of innovative products and training courses that are now used by families, agencies and Long Term Care facilities caring for seniors around the world. Creating solutions where there are needs, R.O.S. will continue to introduce products and services that help all caregivers – Family, Agency and Institutional. R.O.S. Therapy Systems was founded by Scott Silknitter of Greensboro, NC in 2010. Visit www.rostherapysystems.com to learn more.
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| Call us. We're here to help. |
Help support this ad free blog by answering several questions about caregiving here. It will take just two minutes.
About The CareGiver Partnership. The CareGiver Partnership helps caregivers and their loved ones with answers to their caregiving questions, including information about home health care products and supplies, from our Wisconsin-based team of Product Specialists who are all current or former caregivers. The company’s Web site provides the largest online library of resources on subjects most important to caregivers — from arthritis to assisted living, and Parkinson’s to prostate cancer — as well as access to more than 3,000 home care products for incontinence, skin care, mobility, home safety and daily living aids. The CareGiver Partnership was founded in 2004 by Lynn Wilson of Neenah, Wisc. Visithttp://www.caregiverpartnership.com to learn more or call 1-800-985-1353.
Women Managing Incontinence Have Unique Needs and Solutions
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| Lynn Wilson |
by Lynn
Wilson, Founder of The CareGiver Partnership
Just as
recent findings on bacteria in women’s bladders may help doctors treat urinary
problems, manufacturers of incontinence products also help meet the unique
needs of women. Read on to learn how.
Bladder Control Problems For Women: Lifestyle Strategies for Relief
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| Take steps to get some relief from an overactive bladder. |
Many women suffer from an overactive bladder of incontinence. It can be embarrassing to talk about this problem, leaving many with few ideas for how to manage their condition and find relief. The average woman waits 6 years before consulting a healthcare professional about their incontinence.
Stop waiting, take steps today to get some relief. The following are ten lifestyle strategies that can offer relief, reduce symptoms, and help you feel more in control of your incontinence.
A Lot of Value From a Quirky Little Image
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| Scan this code to join our list. Get special offers and valuable information. |
The CareGiver Partnership is a leading direct to consumer retailer of adult diapers for urinary incontinence and bowel incontinence, including brands such as Depend, Poise pads, TENA pads, Attends, Prevail, SureCare, Tranquility and Wellness briefs. We offer nearly 600 different adult diapers, incontinence pads, adult pads, adult cloth diapers and bed pads.
Why buy from The CareGiver Partnership?
Customers say the main reasons they purchase their bladder control products from The CareGiver Partnership is because of the convenience of fast and free doorstep delivery ($50+), customer service excellence and dependability of delivery so they Never Run Out. They receive their delivery within 3 to 5 days, often just 1 or 2 days. Plus they can call for expert advice if needed. 1-800-985-1353 9-4 CST M-F.
Wide selection. Always in Stock.
They appreciate the ability to choose from more styles, sizes, absorbencies and brands than the stores -- nearly 600 -- nearly 10 times more. Always being in stock and the ability to try samples before they buy (over 100 choices for $3.49 S&H) is also important.
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| Try our Sample Service to avoid wasting money on trial and error. |
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| Try the Incontinence Product Finder, a free and easy tool to help you find the right product. |
Knowledgeable Product Specialist Team
Each of our Product Specialists are women. Why? Because the majority of our customers are women and they told us they’d prefer to speak to a woman if they call. We answer most calls by the third ring by the way. Moreover, each has been or currently is, a caregiver herself. Most importantly, they are all highly knowledgeable about the more than 500 incontinence products we offer.
Each of our Product Specialists are women. Why? Because the majority of our customers are women and they told us they’d prefer to speak to a woman if they call. We answer most calls by the third ring by the way. Moreover, each has been or currently is, a caregiver herself. Most importantly, they are all highly knowledgeable about the more than 500 incontinence products we offer.
Stores offer limited selection and no advice
It's challenging to get good advice. The stores only carry a limited selection and the people there aren't knowledgeable - especially the 18 year old stock clerk. The pharmacists are too busy behind the counter to help these days. And they don’t offer samples or free doorstep delivery.
Convenient Never Run Out Automatic Scheduled Delivery Service
Many customers appreciate the very convenient Never Run Out automatic scheduled delivery service where they choose how often they want delivery. They save $8 off their their first order and 5% on subsequent deliveries. The NRO order can be adjusted, paused or even cancelled at any time by simply sending an email or calling 800-985-1353. That’s it - very simple and convenient.
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NRO automatic scheduled delivery service...it's simple and convenient.
Interested in joining our list for special offers and valuable information? Just scan the code at the top of this article. Or, we encourage you to call us and speak to one of our knowledgeable Product Specialists if that is more convenient for you. 1-800-985-1353 (M-F 9-4 CST).
About The CareGiver Partnership. The CareGiver Partnership helps caregivers and their loved ones with answers to their caregiving questions, including information about home health care products and supplies, from our Wisconsin-based team of Product Specialists who are all current or former caregivers. The company’s Web site provides the largest online library of resources on subjects most important to caregivers — from arthritis to assisted living, and Parkinson’s to prostate cancer — as well as access to more than 3,000 home care products for incontinence, skin care, mobility, home safety and daily living aids. The CareGiver Partnership was founded in 2004 by Lynn Wilson of Neenah, Wisc. Visithttp://www.caregiverpartnership.com to learn more or call 1-800-985-1353.
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Interstitial Cystitis, Get the Facts
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| Get the facts. |
Incontinence and Your Sex Life
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| Is your incontinence interfering with your sex life? |
Decubitus Ulcer Prevention and Protection
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| Clean, Moisturize and Protect. |
Those who are in wheelchairs, are bedridden, or aged are at greater risk for developing decubitus ulcers. Often bedridden individuals also suffer from incontinence, (functional incontinence) and thus the skin may be further compromised due to exposure to feces and urine, prolonged wetness, and irritation caused by improperly sized absorbent products.
4 Places Caregivers Can Look for Financial Assistance
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| Family caregivers may find ways to get paid. |
by Lynn
Wilson, Founder of The CareGiver Partnership
In
recognition of National Family Caregiver Month in November, The CareGiver
Partnership is publishing a series of articles that focus on making the family
caregiver’s job easier. Here are four places caregivers can look for financial
assistance.
How To Get a Good Night's Sleep Despite OAB/Incontinence
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| Get a good night's rest despite having an OAB. |
Diabetes Related Pressure Sores, Treatment and Prevention
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| Diabetes and incontinence are linked. |
Pressure sores form when the bone squeezes your skin and tissue against an outside surface. This usually occurs where the bones are near the skin, such as hips, shoulders, knees, ankles, heels, elbows, and can even form between digits.
For those with diabetes, pressure sores can occur due to the person being immobile, remaining in a bed, chair or wheelchair for extended periods of time, or due to incontinence. Diabetes and incontinence are linked, and incontinence can make individuals more prone to pressure sore. The excessive moisture softens the skin and reduces resistance.
Pressure sores can vary in severity. Some are simply mild reddening, while others can be craters that extend into muscle and bone. They can be very painful. Bedsores or pressure sores most commonly occur in those over 70 years old who are bedridden.
One Reason Why Medicare is Broken
By Lynn Wilson
Founder of The CareGiver Partnership
This article is about one of my pet peeves – medical equipment that ‘we the people’ pay for, much of it unnecessary in the first place, and then is sold on the open market by people who didn’t pay for it in the first place so they can profit.
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| Why should this person pocket $799.99 when 'we the people' paid for this scooter? |
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| Doug Harrison - Founder of The Scooter Store says he's proud of The Scooter Store |
The Government Created This Monster
Medicare created an environment where this type of theft and fraud could occur. There are people who received ‘free’ power chairs that are selling them on ebay for $800 and more. This is not ‘their’ chair. ‘We the people’ paid for it and it should be returned and lent to a person who truly needs it.
The rules need to change. When you no longer need a durable medical device, it must be returned and then destroyed, refurbished or repurposed. Selling a government funded device should be illegal. Write your representatives and tell them so.
About The CareGiver Partnership. The CareGiver Partnership helps caregivers and their loved ones with answers to their caregiving questions, including information about home health care products and supplies, from our Wisconsin-based team of Product Specialists who are all current or former caregivers. The company’s Web site provides the largest online library of resources on subjects most important to caregivers — from arthritis to assisted living, and Parkinson’s to prostate cancer — as well as access to more than 3,000 home care products for incontinence, skin care, mobility, home safety and daily living aids. The CareGiver Partnership was founded in 2004 by Lynn Wilson of Neenah, Wisc. Visithttp://www.caregiverpartnership.com to learn more or call 1-800-985-1353.
Beyond the Basics: Managing Day-to-Day Incontinence
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| Consider the following in managing incontinence. |
Embarrassed By Incontinence: Tips For Coping
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| Tips for coping with incontinence to lesson the embarrassment. |
Although incontinence is not rare, it is still embarrassing,
and can often leave someone feeling isolated from friends, family, and work. It
is not a normal part of aging, and there are many things that can be done to
treat and manage it. The following are some tips for coping with incontinence:
Bladder Control Problems For Men: Lifestyle Strategies for Relief
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| 10 lifestyle strategies that can offer relief. |
Avoiding Skin Breakdown When Incontinent
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| Incontinent individuals are at higher risk for skin problems. |
When the pH of the skin changes, the skin becomes more susceptible to irritation, redness, and conditions such as ulcers. If the skin is not dry, due to incontinence, the individual has a much higher risk for developing skin problems. This is especially true for older adults, as they have a thinner epidermal layer, and produce less sebum than those with younger skin. And, those who are incontinent need their skin to be cleaned with a mild soap. The act of cleaning the skin can cause friction leading to further skin breakdown.
Caring For Ulcer Prone Skin
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| Learn more about great products to use. |
Many older individuals suffer from ulcer prone skin. Seniors often suffer from more skin problems because they have a thinner epidermal layer, and older skin produces less sebum. When you combine that with health problems and conditions many seniors face, such as diabetes, incontinence, etc. you can see why skin breakdown, ulcers, redness, and irritation can, and do, occur frequently.
If you are a caregiver to an individual with ulcer prone skin, it is important to know how to care for that skin properly, giving it the best chance for healing, and how to prevent further skin breakdown and irritation from occurring.
October Sweepstakes Prize Helps Seniors Keep Skin Healthy
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| TriDerma helps get skin healthy and ready for winter. |
by Lynn
Wilson, Founder of The CareGiver Partnership
Just in time
for the change in seasons, we’re giving away a skin care prize package as part
of our “Helping You Get On With Life” monthly sweepstakes. The prize includes
five products from the TriDerma skin care line that are formulated to
moisturize, heal and protect senior skin.
Samples of Incontinence Products
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| Avoid costly mistakes. Order samples. |
How To Pay For Incontinence Equipment and Supplies
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| There are options for making paying for supplies more affordable. |
The cost of incontinence equipment and supplies can feel overwhelming, especially for those on fixed or limited incomes. The following are a few options for making paying for necessary supplies more affordable:
