All posts by clearsem

Elderly Pet Owners: What To Consider Before You Adopt

All Posts, Family Caregiver Tips,

Pets are affectionate, caring companions that can make us smile and feel loved and needed. This sense of social interaction and feeling of purpose makes it seem like a pet would be an ideal companion for an elderly person who is alone or melancholy. But this isn't always the case.

There have been studies that show for elderly pet owners who often live alone or in group facilities, pets can help reduce stress, lower blood pressure, increase social interaction, laughter and physical activity, and aid with learning.

And while these things are all undoubtedly beneficial, it is important for seniors wanting pets to consider their own health, well-being, and ability to provide care before committing to a pet.

Questions For Elderly Pet Owners To Consider:

  1. Is your current living situation suitable for the pet you are considering?
    • If you are living in a facility, check their policy to make sure they allow the type of pet you are considering. If you live at home, make sure you have adequate outdoor space and there aren't any obvious hazards inside or out.
  2. Are you planning to move soon?
    • It is important for a pet to have a stable living situation where they can feel comfortable, and that they're not being constantly uprooted. 
  3. Do you or a loved one have allergies, lung conditions, or other health concerns that might be affected by the presence of a pet?
    • It is very common to have pet allergies, so be sure to talk to your doctor before adopting a pet if you know that you or one of your family members has a health condition.
  4. Can you afford the cost of pet care?
    • Pet care can be expensive when you consider the cost of regular food and supplies, plus veterinary care, which increases as your pet ages. Some organizations, such as Purina and Pets For The Elderly, can provide minimal assistance, but most of the financial burden will fall on you.
  5. Do you have the time and/or energy to take care of a pet?
    • Pets also require a lot of attention, focus, time, and energy to ensure their happiness and safety. They require regular grooming, playtime, exercise, and feedings, many of which occur several times a day. Some pets need more attention and energy than others, so be sure to do your research beforehand. But don't be fooled, all pets require attention and proper love and care, which means your time and energy.
  6. Are you able to transport the pet to the vet, and pick up necessary pet care items?
    • You need to be able to drive to have the ability to take your pet to the vet when they need to go, and to go to the store to pick up their supplies. These supplies can often be heavy and cumbersome. Take into account you might need assistance with this.
  7. Is the pet you're adopting the right age for you?
    • Kittens and puppies might be cute, but their energy and behavior might not be the right fit. Consider adopting an older animal. They tend to be require less exercise and are easier to care for, plus you can offer them a loving home when others might not want them.
  8. Would the pet you are considering hinder your personal safety?
    • One of the major concerns for elderly pet owners is pets causing a fall or another injury. There have been studies that show owning cats and/or dogs can be both stressful and dangerous for the elderly. In a report released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, an average of 86,000 fall injuries associated with cats and dogs occurred each year from 2001-2006. The most common injuries were fractures and contusions/abrasions, with the highest fracture rates occurring among older individuals 

Although these factors should be considered and taken seriously, it is also important to consider the positive effects of having a pet, and determining if one is right for you and your home. It is possible for older adults to safely own, love, and care for a pet, as long as they have done their research and have prepared themselves and their homes.

Finding The Right Pet

While large dogs are easy to see and, thus, harder to trip over, they generally require more physical care, such as frequent walks,  bending over to clean up after them in public, and brushing and grooming. Small dogs can require less physical energy, but can get out of sight and lost easier, or cause falls from being underfoot.

Cats generally require less care than dogs, as they don't need to be taken out for walks and require less grooming. Fish and other types of pets, such as hamsters or birds, could require even less. Remember to select the type of pet with the right temperament for your needs.

The right pet for you also depends on your own budget, energy, time, and physical limitations. You can take quizzes to determine the right pet for you and your home, and look through this checklist to ensure you are ready for your animal. Also consider that individuals with certain disabilities, impairments, or illnesses may be candidates for assistance or therapy dogs that can help them function or interact.

When you are ready to adopt, there are reputable breeders all over the country, but you should also consider adopting from your local shelter to give a homeless animal a new loving home and a new life. June is National Adopt-A-Cat-Month, sponsored by the American Humane Association, and many organizations have adoption assistance programs for older adults, including The Pets for the Elderly Foundation. To find a local animal shelter near you, you can search online by using Petfinder’s search tool.

Ultimately, the decision to bring a pet into your home is your own, and by educating yourself beforehand, it can be a very positive life decision. If you or your loved one decides that you are in need of home care to have a safe environment for you or your pet, contact American In-Home Care at 1-844-505-0004 to set up your free, no-obligation consultation. The care providers we refer perform a variety of services including assistance with pet care, homemaking, Alzheimer's Care and After Surgery Care.

Building A Responsible Doctor-Patient Relationship

All Posts, Chronic Disease Care, Family Caregiver Tips, ,

A Comprehensive Partnership With Your Physician: A Patient's Responsibility

By Marjorie Marcus, MSW

In the past, doctors took the lead and patients typically followed without question. These days, a good doctor-patient relationship is a partnership. So here is what you can do to make your physician visits as productive and effective as possible.

Create a list before your appointment. This will make it easier to fully cover what it is that brought you to your doctor, and ensure that you do not forger any problems or issues you want to discuss. The list should include the following information:

A list of symptoms

This list should include, but not limited to, aches and pains, trouble sleeping, anxiety, moods. Are you sad all the time? Are you more confused lately? This list ensures that you give your doctor an accurate account of what is occurring in your life, mentally and physically. Include when these issues started, how often and how long they last, what makes them better or worse. Be sure to explain how these issues affect your daily activities.

A list of your medications

ALL medications should be listed; non-prescription, herbal remedies, vitamins, even eye drops should be included on this list. Better yet, bring your medications to your appointment. Include dosage, how often and times of day you take these medications. Make sure to note any side effects.

An outline of your daily activities

Be honest when discussing these activities. What do you enjoy doing? How often do you exercise? Do you smoke and/or drink? Describe your sex life. How do you sleep? What and how often do you eat?

Describe any life changes

Examples of these are divorce, death of a loved one (including pets), or a change in living arrangements. These life changes can cause stress, and stress affects our health.

This comprehensive approach of sharing complete information is key to developing a solid doctor-patient relationship. By being open, honest and detailed about your medical and personal condition, you and your doctor will be working together to formulate the comprehensive care plan you desire.

Written by Marjorie Marcus, MSW, a Client Care Liaison for American In-Home Care. Originally published in The Villager's Voices Publication, Palm Coast, FL. Sept. 2015

 

Contact American In-Home Care today at 1-844-505-0004 for your free, no-obligation consultation. We will work with you to match the best care provider and determine the right care options for you and your family.

The Health Benefits of Laughter: It Is The Best Medicine

All Posts, Health and Wellness

"Laughter is the best medicine." That old adage has been passed around for years, but is there any truth to it?

Recent research has found that the effects of a good laugh can reduce stress and pain, boost the immune system, provide social connections and make people generally happier. Reasons like this could explain why we see laughter clubs, Laughter Yoga studios, and institutions like the Laughter Wellness Institute becoming more popular; they are part of the movement to formally introduce laughter into people's lives. This movement has also brought a surge of laughter therapy into senior living facilities in an effort to boost social interaction and happiness among older adults.

Health Benefits of Laughter

Laughter has been shown to improve mood, reduce stress, and change us physiologically, making us more relaxed. However, researchers aren't sure whether these benefits are caused by the physical act of laughing, or the understanding that people who laugh are more likely to have a positive attitude and good social connections, both traits shown to improve longevity. Either way, laughing has been shown to have many positive effects on the body, and it's a fun and easy way to improve overall health.

Laughter can increase your health in the short term by stimulating organs such as the heart, lungs and muscles, increasing blood flow and oxygenation of the cells. This improves circulation, which helps soothe tension in the muscles of the body, resulting in a nice, relaxed feeling for up to 45 minutes after, and improving sleeping habits. Over the long term, laughing regularly can help improve your immune system by producing neuropeptides and infection-fighting antibodies that help fight stress and other serious illnesses. Laughing also helps relieve pain and improves overall mood, lessening depression and anxiety, increasing social connections, and making you feel healthier and happier.

Benefits for Seniors

Laughter is good for anyone, no matter what age. However, recent studies have shown that the laughter is especially beneficial for seniors because laughter therapy is well-suited for aging bodies. Laughter exercises are very low-impact, requiring only use of your mouth, and gentle movement of the arms and legs. Laughter is also good for combatting depression in older adults, which is common due to loss of loved ones, changes in health, and feelings of isolation.

Therapeutic approaches to laughter such as Laughter Wellness and Laughter Yoga are a type of complementary medicine for seniors that can help keep them in good health and good moods. The exercises are low-impact, well tolerated, and easily adaptable to all levels of cognitive, sensory and motor abilities. Best of all: It’s fun!

Benefits of laughter for seniors:

  1. Increases cognitive function: Degeneration of brain cells makes it difficult for many seniors to understand and process humor.  Laughter therapy that relies on laughing alone rather than understanding humor is ideal for seniors to help them reap the many benefits of laughter to improve their health and well-being . As little as one hour of practice per week has been shown to increase memory and cognitive function. People with dementia and the onset of Alzheimer’s have also shown remarkable improvement with laughter therapy.
  2. Decreases feelings of isolation: It is common for seniors, both in their own homes and in facilities,  to experience feelings of isolation. Often they do not have much contact with friends or family members, and are in need of meaningful human contact. Laughter therapy is useful because laughing together fosters communication and can greatly improve cooperation and empathy between people of different ages and backgrounds. Laughing in a group means everyone can join in and develop a sense of belonging, giving seniors that much needed feeling of closeness and bonding.
  3. Reduces physical illness: Lack of oxygen in the cells is a common reason for frequent illness. Therapeutic laughing can help people to laugh comfortably for extended periods of time as a form of exercise, significantly increasing their supply of oxygen and circulation. This has been shown to have many health benefits for seniors, including decreasing stress related diseases, reducing chronic pain, and controlling blood pressure.
  4. Improves mobility: A sedentary lifestyle, illness and lack of physical exercise cause the muscles and limbs to stiffen, which leads to immobility, pain and aches. Physical fitness stemming from laughter is beneficial because when you laugh, all your body systems are affected in a positive manner. It is particularly important for seniors as well as people who are bedridden or in a wheelchair.
  5. Lessens stress and depression: Many factors put seniors at risk for depression, and frustration and a loss of physical and mental health is often the result. Laughter helps to reduce stress and generate a positive attitude, combatting feelings of depression. Laughing together in a group also helps to boost self-esteem and overcome feelings of insecurity.

If you can't join a formal laughter class or therapy session, there are ways to prompt laughter on your own. For example, watch a funny movie, go to a comedy club, play with a pet, or organize a game night with friends and family. With all of the noted health benefits of laughter, let your silly side shine, and find any excuse to strike up a good laugh. If you or a loved one are experiencing feelings of isolation, anxiety or difficulty while at home, consider the benefits of an in-home care provider to assist with safety and companionship at home. American In-Home Care refers qualified, screened and credentialed care providers that perform Companion Care, Personal Care, and Live-In Care. Contact us at 1-844-505-0004 to schedule your free, no-obligation consultation.

5 Tips For Making A Smooth Transition to Retirement

Aging, Lifestyle

The picture of retirement is changing. Today's older adults are more active and adept than ever, and generally aren't settling down and retiring at age 65 anymore. Not only are they wanting to remain in the workforce longer, but employers are also reluctant to lose them. According to the Society for Human Resources Management, 54 percent of companies say that they're concerned about losing the skills and talent of retiring workers.

Because of this, many companies are creating phased retirement plans that allow older employees to work fewer hours in their current position, or take on part time jobs in an effort to gradually move toward retirement. This allows the companies to retain the talent of the older employees while training newer, younger individuals, and the older adults get the satisfaction of remaining in a place where their skills and expertise are valued, while they prepare for retirement.

Even if the company doesn't specifically have a phased retirement plan, you can still follow a similar path by creating a gradual retirement plan on your own. Either way, following the below steps can help make your transition to retirement smoother and easier on you and your loved ones.

1. Get As Much Info As You Can

Talk to other people - both friends and people in you professional field - who are in similar situations to you or that have already retired in a similar way, and pick their brains. Then consider ways that you can bring your specific areas of expertise and particular projects into a scaled down job description. Map out what your new job will entail, and make sure it makes sense to you and your company.

2. Flexibility Is Crucial

There isn't one way to make a phased or gradual retirement work. Be open to creative ideas and don't be stuck on the idea that a part-time job is the only step. Consider working on a per-project basis or transitioning to freelance so that you are able to work from home and set your own hours.

3. Stay Current

It is important that you keep your skills and marketable assets current so that your employer is more likely to keep you on. This could mean attending classes or conferences outside of the workplace to stay up-to-date, or getting the latest certification or learning the newest software in your area.

4. Consider Your Wallet

It is pretty clear that your salary will be reduced when you scale down your work, but be sure to consider the other implications. Be aware of the changes that could happen to your retirement, medical and social security benefits when you are no longer a full time employee, as your coverage could be limited.

5. Find A Balance Between Work And Home

With phased out retirement, finding the right balance between holding on and letting go can sometimes be difficult. Even though it isn't as drastic as retiring all at once, it is still a big change and it is important that you start to develop skills and hobbies at home so that you feel fulfilled both at work and at home.

 

Healthy Aging Month: How To Make The Most Of It

All Posts, Health and Wellness

September is nationally recognized as Healthy Aging Month, which is an annual observation designed to focus on all of the positive aspects of growing older. The goal of the month is provide ideas and inspiration for older adults, age 50 and over to improve their overall health by contributing to their physical, mental, social and financial well being.

Take a moment to look back and reflect on all you have done, all of your exciting memories and adventures, and then think about what you would still like to accomplish, then write it down. Don't hold anything back! It could be something big like wanting to travel to that exotic country, or moving to the mountains to enjoy the fresh air every day. But it could also be something more simple, like maybe hiking a trail with your friends, or having a picnic somewhere special. After you have created your list, pick an item or two and use the month of September to plan and/or accomplish them! Then keep the momentum going and work toward one of your goals every month.

Doing something you have always wanted to do is one great way to improve your overall health and can contribute to your mental, physical and social health. We have also compiled some ideas that can serve as inspiration to improve different aspects of your health and help you age healthily.

1. Add brain foods

Certain foods are scientifically proven to be beneficial for your brain. Adding these foods to your diet could help lower the risk for Alzheimer's and dementia, as well as improving your day-to-day cognitive function and the overall health of your whole body!

2. Go on a walk every day 

Walking is good for the body and the soul. You can simultaneously get gentle exercise, which improves strength and stability and keeps joints healthy, while you enjoy the fresh air, nice scenery and calming effects of being outside. It doesn't have to be a long walk - just take a stroll around the neighborhood at sunset, or find a nearby park. And it's even more fun with a dog or friend for some added social interaction!

3. Don't act your age

What does a 60-year-old even act like? Well, it's up to you! Act how you want to feel - move with confidence, be active, get excited! Choose something you enjoyed when you were younger, and go do it! The more vibrant you act, the more vibrant you will feel.

4. Protect against financial scams

Financial fraud is the fastest growing form of elder abuse. You can protect yourself or your loved ones from financial elder abuse by becoming familiar with the most common scams and learning what to do if you suspect foul play. Keep your guard up so you don't get targeted!

5. Do good deeds

Helping others is one of the best and most rewarding ways to improve your health and happiness. Doing a good deed, or paying it forward can be as simple as smiling at someone, holding the door, or saying hello, and the great thing about these small deeds is that you have so many opportunities to do them throughout the day! You can also volunteer at a local charity, or donate money to a cause that is meaningful to you.

6. Get a physical

Staying on top of your health is an important part of aging healthily. Making an annual routine trip to the doctor can help you manage any ailments you might have, or detect any new conditions before they become a real problem. Use this month to set up your annual physical, and any other outstanding doctor (or dental) appointments.

7. Join a club

The good news is there is a club for pretty much everything. So pick a hobby, interest, or activity that you enjoy, and join a club! It could be a garden club, dinner club, golf club, book club, theatre club, you name it. These groups can help you meet new and interesting people while you participate in something that you enjoy. Go to, or host your first meeting this month!

8. Pick up a new hobby

You can never have to many hobbies, they are fun, engaging, and keep your mental and physical health strong. Think about something you have always had interest in, and give it a try. Learn how to play an instrument, take a cooking course, learn a new language. If you don't have a particular hobby you have always been curious to try, take a quiz or ask around your community and see what others are doing - there might be some you had never even thought about!

9. Reach out to friends

Making a point to reach out to loved ones or friends that you haven't spoken to in a while can be rewarding and fun. It's always nice to hear from people you care about, and you can make the process fun. Call, email or even write a letter. Writing letters is a great way to keep up your cognitive function and it's a fun, lost art. Also ask the person to get together for a cup of coffee or lunch, catching up in person will usually get the stories and laughs flowing!

10. Plan a trip

A vacation is a time that people look forward to, a time to relax, have fun, and improve your mental well being. So take this month to plan a trip. It could be somewhere in your city or state, or maybe you want to travel a little farther. No matter the destination, take your time to plan a special trip that you can thoroughly enjoy and make great memories. If you don't feel like traveling, plan a "staycation" and pamper yourself at home!

All of these ideas are meant to be an inspiration for living a healthy life so you can enjoy the positive aspects of growing older. Pick one to try, or try them all, and remember that focusing on healthy aging should be year round!

However, as you age, sometimes a little bit of help is necessary to live a healthy life. If you or someone you know is in need of home care, American In-Home Care provides quality screened and qualified care providers that can help you age in the comfort and independence of your own home. Call us anytime at 1-844-505-0004 to discuss what care options are right for you and your family.

 

Understanding Dementia: A Helpful Resource

All Posts, Alzheimer’s and Dementia,

Memory loss is scary. The thought of not being able to remember important information, life events, and loved ones can naturally cause anxiety and worry. Unfortunately, the time usually comes when we start asking ourselves if we, or someone we know, is experiencing symptoms of memory loss or dementia. In this situation, truly understanding dementia is important, and the best course of action is to arm yourself with knowledge and get as much practical advice as possible.

One of the best resources we have come across is the FreeDem Films. These short animated films answer important questions about dementia, such as "Am I Getting Dementia?" and "What's the Difference Between Alzheimer's and Dementia?" Not only do they answer important questions, they are also clear and easy to follow, making these videos a valuable resource for understanding dementia.

If you or your loved one are suffering from dementia or Alzheimer’s and need professional care, American In-Home Care can help. We always refers qualified, credentialed and screened care providers that can assist you in the comfort and safety of your own home, and can even refer nurses that specialize in Alzheimer’s and dementia care. Contact us today at 1-844-505-0004 to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation to discuss what care options are right for you and your family.

American In-Home Care, LLC completes acquisition of Advocate Home Care Services

News & Events

Company is now one of the largest independent personal care service providers in the State of Florida

September 9, 2015 – American In-Home Care, LLC (“AIHC”) has completed the acquisition of Advocate Home Care Services (“Advocate”), of Lauderhill, FL. This represents the fourth acquisition by AIHC since its inception in September 2013.  With the addition of Advocate, American In-Home Care, a Silverhawk Capital Partners (“Silverhawk”) portfolio company, is now one of the largest independent in-home care providers in Florida serving over 90% of those 65 and older in the state.

Advocate’s service areas are both complimentary and expansionary for AIHC, with the Fort Lauderdale, Miami, Lake Worth, and Naples offices adding to its market coverage in South and Southwest Florida. The Vero Beach, Tampa, and St. Petersburg offices serve new markets for the company. Like AIHC, Advocate provides caregiver referral and administrative support services for clients that prefer to continue living in the comfort and safety of their own home. The company helps clients accomplish this goal by referring comprehensively screened, credentialed, and insured independent caregivers who provide companion, homemaker and personal care services.

“As we continue to execute against our strategy of creating a major presence in the independent living and personal care services industry, we were looking for a company that served the right markets, with the right philosophies, and the right people. Advocate more than met that criteria”, said Doug Hollman CEO and President of AIHC. “We arepleased to now be able to take our service model into new marketslike Tampa Bay, and expand our coverage along the Treasure Coast to better serve clients, referral sources, and independent caregivers who value our approach that is represented by choice, affordability, and personalized service”,

American In-Home Care, LLC

AIHC is a Silverhawk Capital Partners portfolio company.  AIHC was formed in September 2013 to address the independent living and personal care services industry, which is growing rapidly as a result of an increase in the aging population and their desire to age in place. The company provides referral services to older adults and others needing assistance with the activities of daily living, through its registry of licensed, screened, and empathetic caregivers. AIHC helps its clients reach their goal of remaining in their homes while allowing them personal control, selection and authority over this decision. AIHC and its clients recognize the benefits of this consumer directed approach. The company’s internal processes ensure that its registered caregivers are credentialed, verified and rigorously screened.  This process includes a national background check, a review of current licensing requirements, and inspection of their liability insurance, to provide the company’s clients with control, choice and peace of mind when choosing their independent caregiver.

Learn more about American In-Home Care, LLC at www.whitsymsinhomecare.com

Reach American In-home Care, LLC at 844-505-0002

About Silverhawk Capital Partners

Silverhawk Captial Partners is an independent investment firm established in 2005 to invest in lower middle market transactions within the Growth Industrial, Energy/Natural Resources and Business Service sectors. Silverhawk typically invests between $10 million and $50 million of equity capital in growth oriented businesses with revenues ranging from $25 million to $250 million.  Silverhawk has offices in Greenwich, CT, Charlotte, NC and Overland Park, KS.

Learn more about Silverhawk at www.silverhawkcapitalpartners.com

Reach Silverhawk at info@silverhawkcp.com or call (203) 861-2905.

Paying For Elder Care With Reverse Mortgages

All Posts, Long Term Care Options,

As our loved ones start to get older, we want to do all we can to help them age comfortably. Often times this means caring for them in the safety and comfortable environment of their own home. However,  if and when there comes a time that you need a professional hourly or live-in caregiver to take care of your loved one, the issue of cost can certainly be a concern, especially as we realize that our loved ones might need more care than they have allotted for in personal savings.

So what can you do? Accessing home equity to pay for in-home care through a Home Equity Conversion Mortgage (HECM) loan, commonly known as a reverse mortgage, is one possibility. Below is a simple guide to understanding how these loans work and how paying for elder care with reverse mortgages is possible.

What are reverse mortgages?

Reverse mortgage loans are a popular way for seniors who own homes to turn part of their home equity into cash. The money from this type of loan can be used to pay for anything, including in-home care services

Will my loved one get enough money to pay for care?

This questions is dependent on many factors. When trying to determine how much the loan would be worth, you should consider the amount of equity that the borrower (home owner) has in the home, the age of the borrower, current interest rates, the home's appraised value, and the borrower's mortgage balance.

What type of reverse mortgage is best for my aging parents?

The federally-insured Home Equity Conversion Mortgage (HECM) is a popular reverse mortgage because it is protected by the Federal Housing Administration (FHA). This means that the borrower is protected from ever owing more than the value of the house when sold. Also, with this type of loan, the home is the only asset that can be used to repay the loan.

How are the proceeds from the reverse mortgage paid?

Reverse mortgages are flexible in their payment options. Borrowers can get the funds through a lump sum, monthly installments, a line of credit, or a combination of the three.

Can my loved one stay in their home if they get a reverse mortgage?

If your loved one gets a reverse mortgage on their home, they will be able to stay as long as they comply with loan obligations.  These obligations include the borrower living in the home as their primary residence, and not leaving the home for more than 12 consecutive months.  They are also responsible for paying property taxes, homeowner’s insurance and home maintenance.

What happens to the family home?
If your loved one leaves the home for any reason, any part of the loan that hasn’t yet been disbursed remains as equity in the home. The reverse mortgage becomes due and the heirs are given a reasonable time to sell the home. If the home is sold, the loan balance is paid off from the sale of the home, and any remaining balance will go to the estate.

To determine if a reverse mortgage is right for your and your loved one, take the time to research reputable reverse mortgage lenders who are members of the National Reverse Mortgage Lenders Association. Next, speak with a reverse mortgage professional who will take the time to understand your loved one’s specific situation, calculate estimated proceeds you could receive from a reverse mortgage loan, and provide information on loan risks and benefits.

Once you have determined if a reverse mortgage is right for you and your family, you can look into care options for your loved one. American In-Home Care refers qualified and credentialed hourly and live-in care providers that perform a wide variety of services to help your loved one age in place. Call us today at 1.844.505.0004 to schedule your free, no-obligation consultation to discuss the best options for your loved one.

 

 

 

How To Lower Your Risk For Heart Disease

Aging, Healthcare, Long Term Care, ,

Heart disease is the number one killer of adults in the United States, claiming the lives of over one million men and women every year, according to The Heart Foundation. That means every 60 seconds, someone dies from a heart-disease related event.

And heart disease doesn't discriminate. It is the leading cause of death for people of most ethnicities in the United States, including African Americans, Hispanics and Whites, and is second only to cancer for Asian Americans, Pacific Islanders and American Indians. It also effects both genders equally, but men tend to get heart disease around 10 years earlier than women.

Heart disease can also occur at any age. However, four out of five people who die from coronary heart disease are aged 65 or older, and the risk of stroke doubles with each decade after the age of 55.

These are large and frightening statistics, but the silver lining for heart disease is that the potential for prevention is huge. We have probably all heard that eating right, exercising, and controlling risk factors like smoking and high blood pressure will protect our hearts, but by exploring the numbers behind these statements, we can find out how to truly lower your risk for heart disease.

1. Smokers are twice as likely to suffer a heart attack than non-smokers

Smoking is a nuclear time bomb for heart disease. Not only are smokers more likely to suffer from a heart attack, they are more likely to die as a result. Of the 46 million Americans that smoke, women who smoke and take the contraceptive pill are at a particularly high risk for heart attack.

Smoking is such a high risk factor because the nicotine and carbon monoxide in tobacco smoke damages the cardiovascular system. So, stoping smoking is the number one prevention method for heart disease.

2. Walking an extra 2,000 steps a day lowers your risk by 10 percent

In a Leicester study conducted in 2014, adults aged 50 and over who were at high risk of cardiovascular disease and diabetes were studied to determine the effects of increased exercise. Those who walked an additional 2,000 steps a day, which amounts to about 20 minutes of lively walking, reduced their risk of having a heart attack or stroke by 10 percent over the next six years.

Other than quitting smoking, nothing comes close to exercise for a prevention method.  By engaging in moderate aerobic exercise five days a week for at least 30 minutes, or trying more vigorous workouts - including as strength training - three times a week for at least 20 minutes, the risk of heart disease lowers significantly.

3. Consuming an extra 7 grams of fiber daily lowers your risk by 9 percent

In a review of recent studies, British researchers found that people who ate seven more grams of dietary fiber had a nine percent lower risk of heart disease. Not only is eating more fiber a marker of a healthier diet, it also has beneficial effects on blood glucose, cholesterol and the gastrointestinal tract.

Vegetables, beans, fruits, nuts and whole grains are all good sources of fiber. For reference, one apple has about five grams of dietary fiber, and a half a cup of lentils has eight.

4. A daily glass of wine lowers your risk by 25 percent 

Research shows that drinking in moderation is heart healthy. Moderation is considered one daily drink for women, and two for men. Alcohol relaxes the blood vessels and thus reduces the blood's ability to clot, making it a useful preventative method for heart disease.

All alcohol has benefits, but wine has slightly more due to the fact that it contains antioxidants and can help boost good cholesterol while lowering LDL, or bad cholesterol.

5. Getting the flu shot reduces the risk of cardiovascular events by 36 percent for people with heart disease

People with heart disease and those who have had a stroke are at high risk for developing serious complications from the flu. For these people, getting the flu can be very serious because it puts a lot of stress on the body, which increases the chance of getting another heart attack by 36 percent.

Flu season peaks near March, and vaccination is the most important step in protecting against the flu. Even if you don’t see a regular doctor, you can get a flu vaccine from doctor's offices, clinics and pharmacies. Flu shots are approved for use in people with heart disease and other health conditions, however, there is a precaution against giving the nasal spray flu vaccine to people with heart disease because the safety of the nasal spray vaccine in people with heart disease and some other high risk conditions has not been established.

6. Following a Mediterranean diet lowers your risk by 30 percent

A major Spanish study found that adults aged 55 to 80 who ate a Mediterranean diet were 30 percent less likely to have a heart attack or stroke, or die from heart disease over the next five years.

A Mediterranean diet consists of many productive elements, such as olive oil as the primary fat, moderate consumption of alcohol in the form of wine, low consumption of red meats, and usage of lots of high fiber foods such as fruits, nuts, legumes and fish. The major benefit of the Mediterranean diet is that it is not just one healthy element, but rather it is a healthy lifestyle choice.

7. A healthy lifestyle lowers the chance of dying from heart disease by 25 percent

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recently estimated that if everyone didn't smoke, ate a healthy diet, exercised regularly, achieved a healthy weight and got regular checkups, then death from heart disease would fall by 25 percent. That equates to 200,000 lives saved each year.

 

Recognizing The Physical Signs Of Alzheimer's Disease

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Alzheimer's Disease is the 6th leading cause of death in the United States. With statistics like this, it is important to recognize the signs and symptoms so that you can get the proper help and treatment for a loved one that is suffering. Because of the unfortunate commonness of the disease, most people recognize the usual cognitive symptoms - memory loss, inability to remember names or places, difficulty speaking, and mood swings - however, the physical signs are not as well known, but recognizing them is equally, if not more important to catching Alzheimer's in its early stages.

The physical signs of Alzheimer's Disease are important to recognize because often the cognitive symptoms are much more discreet and hard to determine, especially if your loved one is naturally forgetful, or if you aren't able to spend time with them regularly. By becoming familiar with the physical signs, it is easier to recognize Alzheimer's, even in its early stages, allowing you to get your loved one the help they need as soon as possible.

1. Repeating Actions

Keep an eye out to see if your loved one is repeating unusual actions. You might be able to carry on a coherent conversation with them, but repeating actions such as opening and closing the refrigerator repeatedly, aimlessly walking back and forth between rooms, or continually looking for an item that they have already found might alert you that they are suffering from Alzheimer's.

2. Wearing The Same Outfit

If you notice that your loved one has been wearing the same outfit the past several times that you have seen them, this could be symptomatic of Alzheimer's. Another sign associated with the disease is lack of personal hygiene - including doing laundry - either from forgetfulness or apathy. So if you notice that they haven't changed their clothes or dressed for the occasion, especially when that is uncharacteristic, this is an alerting factor.

3. Unexplained Bruising

This is an especially important physical sign to be aware of, especially if you aren't with your loved one every day. If when you see them and they have fresh bruises and cuts, and can't remember where or how they got them, this could be symptomatic of Alzheimer's. Common cognitive symptoms of Alzheimer's are sundowning and wandering, both of which are very dangerous. These habits could be where the bruises and cuts are coming from, and it is important to get under control so that your loved one doesn't get hurt or taken advantage of.

4. Loss Of Fine Motor Skills

Fine motor skills are what is required to hold on to small objects and make precise movements, and are affected by adverse brain activity, such as a stroke.  This is particularly noticeable at dinnertime when your loved one is trying to grip the utensils. If they are having a very difficult time grasping or holding on to these, that could be a sign that something isn't right.

5. Stressed or Pained Physical or Facial Expressions

Take a moment to notice your loved one's expressions when you are with them. Facial expressions such as frowning, looking frightened, grimacing, keepeing eyes tightly closed, or rapidly blinking could all be signs of Alzheimer's and physical and emotional pain that are associated with it. Physical expressions such as rigid body posture, fidegting, rocking, or changes in walking patterns are also signs of this.

Because Alzheimer's disease is easiest to manage when it is detected early, it is important to recognize these symptoms and to be able to get your loved one help as soon as you might expect something isn't right. Do not hesitate to call your doctor, as they will be able to help you get all the resources that you need.

If your loved one is diagnosed with Alzheimer's or dementia, hiring a respite, hourly, or live-in care provider to help your loved one be comfortable and safe in their home is a great idea, as taking on sole caregiving duties can be taxing on personal lives and relationships. American In-Home Care refers qualified nurses, Home Health Aides, Certified Nursing Assistants, and companions that can help you and your loved one by specializing in Alzheimer's care and other services. Contact us today at 1-844-505-0004 for a no-obligation consultation to determine what care options are best for your family.