Heart Health Awareness

Heart Health Awareness

February is diet that is rich in fruits and vegetables

Get your cholesterol checked at least once a year
Exercise 30 to 60 minutes a day, four to five days a week
Avoid cigarette smoking and tobacco use
Limit alcohol intake
Monitor your blood pressure
Watch your waistline
Take prescribed medication as scheduled
Meet regularly with your healthcare providers
Don’t skip medical appointments and screenings, including your 6 month dental check-ups

As you embark on your journey for a healthier heart, bear in mind the following to make the process more manageable:

Partner up. Ask friends and family to join you. Keep one another motivated and you’ll achieve better results.
Don’t become overwhelmed; remember to take it one step at a time.
Choose fun things to do to decrease your stress levels.
Reward yourself often, to keep from becoming discouraged.

The American Heart Association recommends that the best course of action is to get regular check-ups and know your risks. Women often neglect getting themselves checked, as they tend to be the caregiver, but self-assessment is imperative for prevention. If you are concerned about your heart health, contact your physician today and start making the necessary lifestyle changes as soon as possible.

The Benefits of Vitamin D

Vitamin D provides a variety of health benefits, especially for the elderly. It helps strengthen bones, which, in turn, helps prevent falls and fractures, two things that can wreck havoc on a senior’s quality of life. Vitamin D strengthens bones by promoting the absorption of calcium. It can also lower the risk for developing osteoporosis or osteomalacia, diabetes or high blood pressure.

Vitamin D can be taken as a daily supplement or through a diet rich in nutrients.

To increase vitamin D levels consider the following:

Eat fortified foods or drink fortified milk. Vitamin D can be found in foods like salmon, cereal, egg yolks, and cheddar cheese. Simply drinking two glasses of fortified milk a day will fulfill the recommended amount of vitamin D. If milk is not your drink of choice try fortified orange juice.
Spend time outside. If you live somewhere sunny, like Arizona, it is easy to get a good dose of vitamin D! According to Health, 20 to 25 minutes a day should be enough for you to reap the benefits. For longer periods in the sunshine, wearing sunscreen and a hat is necessary for protection from skin cancers, sun burns and sun damage. When you wear protection, it also reduces vitamin D absorption.
Take vitamin D supplements. If you are not able to take in an adequate amount of vitamin D through diet and time spent outdoors, you might want to consider a supplement. There are a variety of vitamin D supplements available at any local drugstore, supermarket or health food store. Before taking any supplements, ask a doctor for recommendations, and make sure they do not interfere with other medications.

According to Web MD, other benefits of vitamin D include a reduced risk of diabetes, lower chance of heart attack, rheumatoid arthritis, and multiple sclerosis.

Keep in mind too much vitamin D can be harmful. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends no more than 4,000 IUs (international units) for healthy adults per day. Adequate intake is considered 600 IU per day for those up to 70 years old and 800 for seniors older than 71 years. For those with limited sun exposure, a higher dose may be beneficial.

Ask a medical professional or pharmacist about finding the right balance of diet, sun exposure and supplements to determine the best combination.

What Causes Sundowners Syndrome?

Sundowners Syndrome generally affects sufferers of Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. The syndrome received its name because the symptoms are exhibited after “sundown.” However, not all those who suffer from dementia exhibit the symptoms. Sundowners largely remains a mystery to medical science, but there are a number of theories as to why the symptoms present themselves at night. Some believe it is the culmination of all the sensory stimulation that occurs throughout daily routine that overwhelms and causes stress. The syndrome may prevent sufferers from settling in during the night and getting a much needed good night’s sleep. This can make the sufferer agitated and lead them to wander.

There are a number of signs to watch for:

Forgetfulness
Confusion
Delirium
Agitation
Anxiousness
Restlessness

According to WebMD, sundowning happens to almost 20 percent of people with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia. The syndrome tends to peak during the middle stages of Alzheimer’s, although it generally gets better as the disease progresses.

There are several factors that may increase the risk of sundowning including:

Pain
Severe constipation
Poor nourishment
Being on too many medications
Infection
Noisy and disruptive sleeping environment

Sundowning is a common cause of caregiver burnout but there are several treatments to make it less severe for both the parties:

Activity

Keeping loved ones active throughout the day may help them sleep better at night. Discouraging daytime naps may help as well. Encourage physical activity, like walking and hobbies to get your loved one moving about.

Diet

It is important that your loved one is eating a balanced diet. The caregiver or meal planner should limit caffeine and sugar to morning hours only. Plan an early dinner and allow only light snacks before bedtime.

Medical advice

A doctor can examine your loved one for physical ailments like infection, pain and bladder problems. Bladder problems tend to contribute to nighttime agitation and confusion. The doctor should also regularly review medications to make sure they’re still needed.

Alternative therapies

Evidence would suggest that there is a correlation between sundowners and SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder). Light therapy and exposure to natural light during the day may reduce some sundowning symptoms. When combined with exercise, it can be more effective.

Conducive sleeping environment

Keep the room partially lit to help reduce confusion when your loved one wakes during the night. Allow them to sleep where they find comfort, like a favorite chair or couch.

Calm reassurance

Gently remind your loved one where they are and what time it is and avoid arguing. Let them know they are okay.

As a caregiver it is important to be aware of the behavioral patterns. Help your loved one through reassurance while encouraging activity to distract them and prevent confusion and agitation. Sundowners is not something that your loved one can control, but keeping a level head will help get you through the stressful moments. For more information on quality care of a loved one click here.

Meet Kristie Chadwick

IMG_Kristie Chadwick2 low res (1) — Kristie Chadwick

Paradise Living Centers warmly welcomes, Kristie Chadwick, our new Care Manager. Kristie joined our team in May.

Q: What made you choose a career in senior care?

A: I actually started out training horses and spent many years in Europe and the U.S, training with Olympians. Training horses takes a toll the body, so as I got older, I began thinking about what else I may want to do. My experience as a trainer gave me an opportunity to get involved in pet therapy. My passion for working with others and providing care led me to make the career change. Six years ago, I accepted a position as the Activities Director for an assisted care community.

Q: What do you enjoy most about working in an assisted living community?

A: Well, I started out as the Activities Director for Ventana Winds Assisted Living and Memory Care in Sun City. There I loved working with residents and knew I found the right career path for me. I also spent two years at Encore Senior Living in Paradise Valley working as the Community Relations Coordinator. I found my passion working with seniors with dementia and Alzheimer’s and helping their families cope. I became involved with the Alzheimer’s Association’s dementia division and participated in several of their Walk to End Alzheimer’s events.

Q: In your current role as Care Manager, what do you do for PLC residents and families?

A: I do quite a bit to make sure things run smoothly in our community! To start off each day, I oversee daily monitoring of residential care and ensure that our wonderful staff is engaging our residents during daily programs and activities. I also meet with residents’ families and make certain that their expectations are met, especially those coping with loved ones suffering from dementia.

Q: Outside of work, are you involved in any organizations?

A: Oh yes, a handful of them! I like to stay up to date in my industry to benefit our residents as much as I can. I am a member of the Alzheimer’s Association, Arizona Assisted Living Homes Association, Nursing Care Institution Administrators and the Assisted Living Association of America. I am also a part of the fundraising committee for Justa Center, which is a resource center for homeless people over the age of 55.

Q: What is your long-term vision for Paradise Living Centers?

A: I hope to expand our community and diversify our programs! I want our residents to be in a home that will meet their particular needs.