Staying fit can be an excellent bonding experience for caregivers and seniors. It is important for caregivers to stay healthy, and being fit is one way to do this. The list provided below contains some tips and resources for San Jose caregivers regarding ways to stay fit. There are also many activities that seniors can join in on with the caregiver.

1. There are many programs available through AARP that will be helpful when trying to get in shape or stay fit. These programs offer some great ideas on starting points and can also provide structure for those who are already active and wish to follow a schedule or set a regimen each day. Seniors can also join in with many of the activities provided, allowing another opportunity for the caregiver and senior to have special time together.

2. The benefits of exercise far exceed just toning the body and staying fit. There is a mental and emotional component to it as well. The Fat 2 Fit journey is a great program for seniors and caregivers to do together. This program will walk you through the steps to losing weight and keeping it off. It also provides some daily exercise that will benefit seniors and caregivers.

3.  Make sure to take time for mental breaks. If you have a negative thought about the way you are exercising or your weight at the current time, it may be time to take a break. There are links on the source page that contain useful information for keeping your mind as healthy as the rest of your body.

Source: aarp.org

Home Instead Senior Care serving elders and seniors in San Jose, Los Gatos, Santa Clara and Saratoga home care - 408-370-6360.

San Jose Aging Care enables seniors to live happy, healthy, and independent lives in their own homes.

There are three major types of diabetes. Each type affects a person differently. This is why it is very important to be aware of the risk factors associated with each type. If one of these factors is present, you may be at a risk of developing a type of diabetes. This can only be determined by a doctor, so if you feel you are at risk, discuss it with your physician. The risk factors for the types of diabetes are provided below.

1. Type 1 diabetes risk factors include family history and genetics. If you have family members who have been diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes, you will be at a higher risk of developing the disease. Disease of the pancreas or injury to the pancreas can have an effect on how the body produces insulin, placing you at a high risk. Rare infections and illnesses that affect the pancreas are also a risk factor.

2. Risk factors for Type 2 diabetes include being over-weight, having an impaired glucose tolerance and having insulin resistance. In addition, your ethnic background could also be a risk factor. Type 2 diabetes occurs more often in Hispanic/Latino Americans, Native Americans, Alaska natives, African-Americans and Asian-Americans. High blood pressure, family history, no exercise and age can all be risk factors.

3. Gestational diabetes affects pregnant women. The risk factors for this type of diabetes include obesity, age, family history and previous glucose intolerance.

4. The best way to reduce risks associated with diabetes is to maintain a healthy weight, exercise daily, have a healthy and balanced diet and manage your blood pressure. These things can reduce the chances of developing all types of diabetes.

Do you have a parent with diabetes? The American Diabetes Association offers these tips on how to help your parent manage their diabetes.

Source: diabetes.webmd.com

Home Instead Senior Care serving elders and seniors in San Jose, Los Gatos, Santa Clara and Saratoga home care - 408-370-6360.

San Jose Home Care enables seniors to live happy, healthy, and independent lives in their own homes.

The health of a caregiver can play a large role in their job. If a caregiver gets ill, they can pass that on to a senior, which could create serious health issues. Caregivers need to think of their own health as well as the health of the senior they are providing services to. All caregivers should follow the tips below to ensure they remain healthy and can continue providing care to those in need.

1. Daily vitamin supplements can make a huge difference. The vitamins can be very useful for those who are tired and listless.

2. Exercise is the key to a healthy lifestyle. Even if it is just a short walk each day, exercise can be very beneficial in maintaining health.

3. Respite time is very important. Since many caregivers do experience stress and the feeling of being burnt out, respite time can provide for rest and relaxation. These are needed to remain healthy so you can continue to provide for a senior in need.

4. Flu shots can help caregivers stay healthy. Not only will this help avoid the flu, but it will also remove the chances of spreading the virus to a senior.

5. Do not make work your entire life. Being a caregiver is very demanding. It is important to have a well-balanced life. This includes having hobbies and spending quality time with family and friends.

6. Make sure to visit the doctor regularly. Routine check-ups can prevent illness and will help with over-all health maintenance.

Source: thefamilycaregiver.org

Home Instead Senior Care serving elders and seniors in San Jose, Los Gatos, Santa Clara and Saratoga home care - 408-370-6360.

San Jose Home Care enables seniors to live happy, healthy, and independent lives in their own homes.

As old age sets in, health problems tend to arise. With heart disease being the leading cause of death in the United States, seniors are becoming more informed on aging care to avoid heart issues. Part of that care can be quite simply applied to daily life.

• Lower Those Cholesterols Levels—People with coronary artery disease can monitor their cholesterol to ensure they don’t become another statistic or victim of heart disease.

• Practice Good Nutrition—Seniors worried about heart disease can eliminate some of that worry by merely changing their diets to follow healthier guidelines.

• Exercise—By taking that afternoon walk, seniors can decrease their chances of heart and circulatory problems a great deal. Exercise not only makes you feel good by getting out of the house, but also does a number on your heart.

• Read Up On Heart Health—So many publications nowadays offer great information when it comes to practicing good heart health. Seniors can turn to any of these publications such as the Harvard Heart Letter. This report helps seniors understand heart and circulatory health and the effects heart problems can have on emotional health. Such reports also provide detailed tips as to what you can do to lower your risk.

If you are a caregiver, or know anyone with a heart condition, you could benefit from watching the following clip, which features a modified form of CPR called CCR that is easier to learn, easier to do and can save even more lives!

Source: health.harvard.edu

Home Instead Senior Care serving elders and seniors in San Jose, Los Gatos, Santa Clara and Saratoga home care - 408-370-6360.

San Jose Home Care enables seniors to live happy, healthy, and independent lives in their own homes.

Valentine’s Day doesn’t have to be about romance, but it can be about love and caring. Seniors shouldn’t be excluded from any events that the family participates in; they will appreciate that they’re being thought about even with simple activities like the following:

• Attend a community event – visit a senior’s center or community center hosting Valentine’s Day celebrations. Performances like concerts by choirs, plays and poetry readings can be fun to attend and great for the whole family

• Try doing some crafts – seniors who are already part of craft groups are likely to be beginning themed activities for Valentine’s Day, but do them at home as well. Seniors can also make cards and decorations with their family members

• Do some baking – Valentine’s Day is often associated with treats. Chocolate and goodies are usually a feature of the holiday. For seniors that can eat these items without any health repercussions, they can do some baking with family members. Otherwise healthier recipes can be tried incorporating food coloring of heart shapes to get into the spirit!

Via: Suite101

Image: daylife.com

Home Instead Senior Care serving elders and seniors in San Jose, Los Gatos, Santa Clara and Saratoga home care - 408-370-6360.

San Jose Home Care helps seniors remain active and healthy in their own homes.

Many American seniors are familiar with diabetes since it is a medical condition that can develop later in life. However, few are familiar with the specific details of the condition before it touches their lives, and that includes seniors and caregivers alike. Both need to understand not only the essential information about diabetes, but also the potential complications that can develop like hypoglycemia so if it develops
in can be managed effectively:

• What signifies low blood sugar – there is a range for normal blood sugar which is measured by milligrams of glucose per deciliter of blood). A normal range is between 60 and 120 mg/dl. Hypoglycemia is usually below 45 mg/dl

• What causes blood sugar issues – low blood sugar like hypoglycemia is caused when hormones like insulin and glucagon fail to regulate properly

• Recognizing hypoglycemia – symptoms can be hard to recognize because they can be associated to lifestyle conditions and other health problems like anxiety and stress

• Link to diabetes – hypoglycemia is a complication of diabetes because medications are designed to lower blood pressure. The problem is that sometimes blood pressure can dip too low when too much insulin has been taken, they exercise too much, don’t eat enough or drink too much alcohol. Any combination of these behaviors can cause hypoglycemia

• Managing hypoglycemia with diabetes – a health care provider can find seniors with the best guidelines with regards to their target blood sugar levels. Testing levels or becoming cognoscente of signs that blood sugar is dropping are simple ways to keep it under control

Via: About.com

Image Source: sxc.hu

Home Instead Senior Care serving elders and seniors in San Jose, Los Gatos, Santa Clara and Saratoga home care - 408-370-6360.

Each year, the number of people affected by high blood pressure increases. Many of these people are seniors. This is why most seniors are looking for ways to naturally lower their blood pressure. High blood pressure can lead to other health issues, including stroke and heart attack.

San Jose Home Care wants to remind all seniors that they should consult their doctor before making any  drastic changes to their diet and exercise. The following tips however are a good starting place for anyone looking to lower blood pressure.

1. Reduce sodium intake. Daily intake for seniors or anyone over 50 should be less than 2,300 mg per day. Take the saltshaker off the table and try to eat foods that are low in sodium.

2. Change cooking habits and do not use salt. There are other ways to get great flavor when cooking. Use herbs and spices and avoid using bullion and prepared sauces. They contain high amounts of sodium. When dining out, ask for food to be prepared without salt or request a low sodium menu.

3. Check the medications you are currently taking. Many of them do contain sodium. Talk to your doctor about adding an aspirin to your daily regime. This can reduce chances of stroke and heart attack.

4. Reduce stress, add some exercise and quit smoking. All of these will lower your blood pressure. Losing a few pounds will also be beneficial.

5. If you can, monitor your blood pressure at home. If these changes do not work, you may have to ask for a prescription medication. Doctors will also suggest increasing your potassium intake.

Source: hearthealthyonline.com

Image Source: sxc.hu

Home Instead Senior Care serving elders and seniors in San Jose, Los Gatos, Santa Clara and Saratoga home care - 408-370-6360.

With the increasing numbers of seniors being affected by heart disease, more people are trying to begin new daily regimes that will lower their risks. Exercise is a great way to lower risks and improve health. There are many benefits to an exercise program, and lowering the chances of developing heart disease is one of them. Provided below is a list of facts and tips that are related to heart disease and exercise.

Before making changes to a diet or adding exercise, San Jose Home Care wants to remind all seniors that they should always talk to their doctors first. Be sure to ask about medications, the ability to lift heavy objects and what exercises are safe for you.

1. Exercise can help circulation and strengthen the heart and cardiovascular system. It also lowers blood pressure, improves muscle tone and strength, boosts self-esteem and improves sleep.

2. Stretching exercises lengthen the muscles, preparing them for activity. It will reduce the chance of injury and muscle strain.

3. Aerobic or cardiovascular exercise strengthens the heart and lungs and will greatly improve the use of oxygen in the body.

4. Try to implement a walking program to start. Then you can move to jogging, biking or water aerobics.

5. An exercise session should last between 20 and 30 minutes to provide the best benefits for the body and over-all health. Exercise every day or every other day for the best results.

Source: webmd.com

Image Source: sxc.hu

Home Instead Senior Care serving elders and seniors in San Jose, Los Gatos, Santa Clara and Saratoga home care - 408-370-6360.