Combating AgeismDiscrimination continues to be an issue in America, and age is one of the most common forms of discrimination behind race. According to the American Psychological Association, nearly 93 percent of seniors say they regularly experience ageism, most commonly people assuming they cant operate a smartphone or dont contribute anything of value to their community. The same report also finds that 65 percent of seniors regularly hear jokes suggesting theyre not attractive or desirable because of their age, and 45 percent say they interact with others concerned about their ability to do things independently.These signs of discrimination are ageist, which many individuals are combating throughout their workplaces and the rest of society.What is ageism?Ageism is when a person or entity discriminates against someone because of their age. A person can experience age discrimination for being too young, but ageism is more often toward seniors for being too old. Sometimes ageism happens in the workplace, where experienced company employees treat older workers differently, or hiring teams refuse to hire someone past a certain age. Some seniors also experience forced retirement when a company pushes someone to retire to move a younger person into their position.Age discrimination can happen outside of work. Some businesses might not have accessibility options for seniors or may refuse to serve or work with seniors because of made-up ideas that seniors arent as important as others.Tips for combating ageismWhether youre a senior facing ageism or a younger adult witnessing ageism, consider these tips to help combat the negative connotation associated with aging.Educate yourself and othersAgeism stems from the stereotype that older adults become helpless as they age. While its factual that people experience physical and mental changes with age that may affect how they live, someones age doesnt solely determine their capabilities. Take notice if youre treating older adults differently, which can include talking down to seniors, refusing to accommodate them, or giving them less complicated tasks to complete at work because you dont think they can operate at the same level as a younger employee. Remember to treat everyone equally and provide opportunities to all, regardless of age, race, or gender.Support seniorsGetting older causes challenges, and sometimes seniors may need additional support. If you see an older adult who needs help, offer your assistance. Just because a senior may need help doesnt mean they cannot work efficiently or care for themselves. And if you witness ageism, whether at work or in public, consider supporting the older individual by asking if theyre okay. Sometimes the acknowledgment of their worth from another person can significantly help.Speak upDont be afraid to speak up if you witness ageism or any other form of discrimination. If you notice something going on at work, such as a manager taking projects or responsibilities away from an older coworker, report the potential ageism to your HR department. If you notice a business you dont work at but visit, such as a restaurant or coffee shop being disrespectful to older patrons or employees, ask to speak with a manager or, in extreme cases, file a complaint to the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.What to do if you experience ageism at workEvery person desires to work and explore new job opportunities regardless of age. If you experience age discrimination in the workplace, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act is a federal law designed to protect people 40 and older from ageism at work. This act also protects older adults from forced retirement.If you experience age discrimination at work, you can file a charge with the federal Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. Every discrimination complaint is unique; filling a complaint may be enough to see changes at workouts. However, you can hire a lawyer and file a lawsuit if you want to take additional steps.Combating Ageism with Visiting AngelsSociety tries putting limitations on people as they age. One of those limitations is making seniors and their families believe independent living is impossible. Visiting Angels is here to reimagine what independent living looks like for seniors, no matter their situation.Visiting Angels is a locally owned and operated home care agency providing at-home care services to seniors throughout Gulf Shores and Orange Beach. Our professional caregivers assist clients with nonmedical services to help them live safely and comfortably at home. Services may include medication reminders, meal preparations, light housekeeping, mobility assistance, and transportation.All services with Visiting Angels are customizable to meet the needs and expectations of each client. Learn more about our services by calling 251-943-7525 or message us.

When you visit the doctor, one of the first things a nurse will check is blood pressure. But what is blood pressure, and why is it so important to keep it under control?What is Blood Pressure?Blood flows through the circulatory system. It's responsible for delivering oxygen, nutrients, antibodies, and hormones throughout the body. Blood pressure is the force that allows blood to move. When blood pressure gets too high, it is called hypertension and can cause damage to blood vessels and organs. Blood pressure is measured using two numbers to calculate the systolic and diastolic blood pressure. When reading blood pressure, the first number is the systolic blood pressure in your arteries when your heart beats. The second number is diastolic blood pressure, the pressure in your arteries when your heart is resting between beats. Blood Pressure LevelsThe American Heart Association puts blood pressure into five different categories. Normal- Systolic is less than 120 mm Hg, and diastolic is less than 80 mm HgElevated- Systolic is between mm 120-129 mm Hg, and diastolic is less than 80 mm HgHypertension 1- Systolic is between mm 130-139 mm Hg, and diastolic is between 80-89 mm HgHypertension 2- Systolic is between mm 140-179 mm Hg, and diastolic is between 90-120 mm HgHypertensive Crisis- Systolic is higher than 180 mm Hg, and diastolic is higher than 120 mm HgManaging Blood PressureHigh blood pressure can lead to serious medical complications such as heart attack, aneurysm, heart failure, or stroke. If you're living with high blood pressure or want to reduce your risk of hypertension, consider the following lifestyle changes. Eat a heart-healthy diet. A heart-healthy diet includes lots of fresh produce, whole grains, and lean meats in your meals while also reducing fats and salt. Maintain a healthy weight. People who are overweight or struggle with obesity are at a higher risk of having high blood pressure. Do your best to maintain a healthy weight through proper diet and exercise. Incorporate physical activity into your day. Regular physical activity can help you maintain a healthy weight and keep your blood pressure normal. As an older adult, it's vital to find workouts that work for your body. Don't start a vigorous exercise routine without speaking to your doctor to ensure it's safe. Limit alcohol consumption. Drinking alcohol can increase your blood pressure, so be aware of how much you consume. If you find yourself drinking more than one or two drinks in a day, you may want to consult your doctor to help you reduce your alcohol intake. Don't smoke. Smoking increases your blood pressure and puts you at risk for various health conditions such as heart attack, cancer, and stroke. Smoking is an addictive habit, so talk to your doctor about treatment options if you're having trouble quitting. Find healthy ways to manage your stress. Blood pressure rises when you're stressed. Find ways to manage your stress and control your blood pressure, such as exercise or physical activity. If you're experiencing chronic stress, you may want to speak with a medical professional about stress management options. Editor's Note:  This article was submitted by Greg & Kaye Donnelly, Owners/Directors for Visiting Angels-Gulf Shores.  Contact information: Call 251-943-7525 or website: visitingangels.com/gulfshores.

The holiday season is upon us, and if youre like me, Im sure youre looking forward to in-person celebrations and gatherings. This is something to be especially thankful for after two years of social distancing.All this together time is great for re-connecting as well as getting up to speed with how your aging loved ones are faring. Its also an opportunity to take note of any concerning physical or cognitive declines. Of course, our older family members might not come right out and tell us about any decline in health as they fear they may lose their independence. Thats why I recommend engaging them in casual conversation that takes into consideration their feelings.  Here are five main areas to assess: Activities of daily living. Can they pass the peas at the dinner table? Im somewhat joking here, but if it appears that your loved one has lost a lot of strength or dexterity that makes a simple task difficult, there may be some physical decline. Other things to inquire about could be the last time they got their hair cut. Take note of their appearance: Are their clothes clean? Do they match? Are they bathing? If it appears that they have lost some weight, ask them what they have been eating lately. This can tell you if they are having trouble with food shopping or cooking. A noticeable loss of weight is a definite cause for concern, as it could indicate an underlying health condition.The home environment.  If you are visiting their home for the holidays, check to see if the home is more cluttered than usual. This could be a sign they are having trouble keeping up with housekeeping. You can also check the refrigerator and cabinets to get a sense of how well they are eating. Additionally, take a look at the expiration dates on the medicine bottles and appropriately discard any expired medicationsprescription as well as over the counter ones. Throw away any expired food items, too. Memory. A great way to assess memory is by engaging in a conversation about current events you know this family member would typically be following. It could be the weather, sports, entertainment or politics. If they dont elaborate on their responses to your questions, they may be protecting themselves from being found out that they are experiencing some memory loss. You can also ask what they did earlier in the day or a few days ago to see if they are having trouble putting together a sequence of events. Mobility. Take note of how they move about the house. Are they grabbing onto furniture to steady themselves? Do you notice any bruising which may indicate a recent fall? Go on a walk with them to see if they tire easily or seem unbalanced. In addition, look at their car for any dings or scratches.  Social engagements. Isolation is often a gateway to depression, which can negatively impact memory or activities of daily living. Ask about friends they are in touch with either in person or on the phone, as well as any regular activities or recent outings. Are there activities they have stopped doing? Are there things they wish they could do but dont have a companion or a ride?If you notice any concerning changes, its important to act now, before a crisis presents itself. Consult with your siblings and other family members to see if they have noticed similar behaviors. If so, the next step is to make an appointment with the loved ones primary care physician to rule out any emergent health conditions.The good news is that the growing desire to age in place means that more and more people are turning to in-home care for that extra assistance. Whether a loved one needs a companion to help them stay active, more personal care such as assistance showering, or full-time support for a chronic condition, SYNERGY Home Care can help. Dr. Macie P. Smith is a licensed gerontology social worker who is focused on helping families support their aging loved ones through long-term care. Specifically, Dr. Smith educates caregivers on how to care for seniors with dementia. She is an advocate for specialized care and assists others in finding a way to provide a better quality of life for individuals with Alzheimers or dementia. Dr. Smith has dedicated over 22 years of her life working in gerontology and assisting families in finding personalized solutions for dementia care. For more articles by Dr. Macie Smith, go to https://synergyhomecare.com/blog/.This article was submitted by SYNERGY Home Care of Daphne, Alabama.  You can reach them at 251-621-1900

4 Tips for Beating Summer AllergiesSummer can be a difficult season for those who suffer from asthma, allergies ,and other respiratory problems. Constant changes in air quality and an abundance of pollen can trigger symptoms, especially in the summer heat. Here are a few tips to help keep your sunny days from being itchy, watery, and even runny. 1. Treat before you go. Take allergy medication before walking out the door.  If you wait until symptoms kick in, the medication wont be nearly as effective.  There are many over the counter options to help aid in the treatment of allergy symptoms, but we strongly recommend consulting your physician before starting any new treatment. 2. Choose to hit the treadmill instead of the running in the park. On high pollen count days opt for exercising indoors where the air is filtered and symptom inducing pollutants are kept at bay. You can easily check the local pollen count online before starting your workout. 3. Know your specific allergies, so you can favor plants, shrubs and flowers that are more allergy friendly.  If you love to garden or just enjoy spending time outdoors, it is a great idea to know what can trigger your allergies, and what can help them. If you are unsure what is causing your allergy to flair up, consult your physician and discover together when its ok to stop and smell the roses. 4. Spring cleaning should not end in the spring. Regularly clean bookshelves, vents, on top of the fridge, and other places dust, pollen and other allergens can collect. You should also check and change your homes air filters regularly. To better ensure an allergy free zone, invest in an air purifier to help monitor and clean the air in your home.Summer allergies can be more intense than fall or spring. Often times the warm and humid weather creates a hospitable environment for allergens such as dust mites or grass and weed pollens.Follow these 4 tips and you will be on your way to enjoying an allergy free summer. Find a local physician with Premier Medical Group.  There are five locations in the Mobile, Daphne & Foley, Alabama.