Can dance classes help manage the symptoms of those with Parkinsons?Many diseases seem to manifest in older individuals, and one of them is Parkinsons disease (PD), which is a chronic degenerative disorder of the central nervous system that impacts both the motor system and non-motor systems. Early symptoms are typically tremors, slow movement, rigidity, and difficulty while walking. As the disease progresses, cognition, behavior, sleep, and sensory systems may be affected. In the advanced stages of the disease, dementia often develops.Parkinsons disease generally appears in individuals over the age of 60. The average life expectancy once diagnosed is between 7 and 15 years. No cure is known, and treatment is designed to mitigate symptoms rather than cure them. Initial treatment includes medications and may eventually necessitate surgery to implant microelectrodes for deep brain stimulation.While all of this may seem dire, there are alternative techniques that seem to be helping those with Parkinsons and other related conditions. One of the more surprising (and joyful) revelations is that music and dancing may be providing relief to those with PD. Whether to help the body, strengthen cognition, or elevate quality of life, dancing is incorporated into many assisted living programs. While studies are sparse on the subject, those participating in these types of programs report excellent results. Dance for Parkinsons is a group based in Brooklyn that has seen success with PD patients.One participant stated The dance class has made a huge difference in my symptoms I am walking better, feel more balanced and stronger. The class provides an inspiration to move. Another shared, When I am in dance class, I feel like I dont have Parkinsons anymore.How Can Dance Help Those with Parkinsons?Dance develops flexibility and supports mobility: Most people understand that as we grow older, a lack of movement can become increasingly detrimental. This is why seniors are always encouraged to walk or develop an appropriate exercise routine. Dance can keep muscles more flexible and promote movement and mobility.Dancing improves cognition and connects mind to body: Although a physical activity, dancing requires that the participant thinks about the moves and communicates those moves to their body. This mind-to-body connection helps Parkinsons patients to regain control of their body in the moment.Dancing concentrates on movement and balance: When someone is living with a condition that attacks their stability and movement, they may be tempted to avoid activities that cause them to be on their feet. However, dancing can help PD patients protect and regain some of the stength and balance they have lost, as well as encourage range of movement. Not only that, but they learn to better control their movement through space, which can help with everyday activities.Dance classes destroy loneliness and isolation: One of the primary concerns for those who live with a chronic disease is that they tend to isolate themselves. This can lead to loneliness and depression that can make their physical condition more pronounced. When a PD patient attends a dance class, they engage with others in a joyful and fun expression that they can share with one another as they make new friends.Dancing builds confidence: Those who are suffering from physical and cognitive challenges often lose their confidence and are self-conscious around others. When a Parkinsons patient learns to dance, they understand that they can still learn new things, have fun, and build their self-esteem and confidence.Overall, dancing inspires joy, creativity, and happiness and everyone deserves more of that.Find the Right Senior Residence for Your Loved OneAt My Care Finders, we work with families to find the right assisted living or memory care center for their senior loved one. Call today to learn more about the communities providing the lifestyle and activities to ensure they enjoy the best quality of life.

You can have celiac disease with no apparent symptoms. The technical term is asymptomatic, but silent is also commonly used. Its caused when a protein found in wheat and wheat-similar grains, known as gluten, triggers an autoimmune response in your body. Your antibodies start attacking your small intestines in an attempt to eradicate the gluten.Typically, this immune reaction causes symptoms like fatigue, constipation, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and a long list of other possible symptoms, including iron deficiency and other nutrient deficiencies. Lets take a more detailed look at silent celiac disease, why its still a serious health condition, and how its diagnosed and treated.Typical Celiac Disease and SymptomsAbout 1% of the population has celiac disease, according to research. But only about 30% have been diagnosed. Even though the condition is undiagnosed or without symptoms, continuing to consume gluten still damages your intestines.What are those symptoms youre not having with silent celiac? It turns out, you might have some of them and not even realize it. Celiac effects are so widespread and differ so much with each person, that your celiac might not be so silent. But in any case, it might not be as obvious as the disease is in others.Digestive SymptomsDiarrheaConstipationAbdominal painBloatingHeartburnFlatulenceNon-Digestive SymptomsFatigueWeight lossIron-deficiency (anemia)Bone lossBone or joint painMouth ulcersHeadaches/migrainesIrregular menstrual cycleNutrient deficienciesMood swingsAnxiety/depressionYou might be surprised to see that the list of non-digestive symptoms is longer. This is due to the auto-immune nature of the disease. The inflammation and immune response thats triggered within your body can create a host of effects, not to mention the lack of nutrient absorption.When gluten triggers your immune system to attack your small intestines, damage is done. The damage to your small intestines prevents proper or complete nutrient absorption. And the severity of this depends upon how much damage has been done. This lack of nutrition is another reason you see so many possible celiac symptoms.But if you have hidden or silent symptoms, you might have no digestive problems or have become so accustomed to them that you dont know its a problem.How Is Silent Celiac Diagnosed?The medical community has been diagnosing more silent celiac cases. This is often due to the increased awareness of celiac and its varying symptoms or lack of them. Its also because general awareness of celiac disease has made screenings more prevalent. For instance, people with unexplainable low iron levels are now being screened for celiac since it is one of the symptoms.But silent celiac comes to light with a diagnosis when people are screened for other diseases, especially autoimmune diseases or thyroid-related problems. Often, people with one autoimmune disease are prone to have another.Link Between Celiac Disease and Other Autoimmune DisordersOther autoimmune diseases that can develop alongside celiac disease are Hashimotos disease, rheumatoid arthritis, and psoriasis. Youre more likely to develop these conditions if your celiac is silent or not. In fact, some research suggests that continuing to eat gluten will make you more likely to develop these conditions.For instance, celiac disease and Hashimotos thyroiditis commonly coexist. Some experts think that undiagnosed celiac disease may be a trigger for other autoimmune conditions. These healthcare providers will advise their Hashimotos patients to stop eating gluten whether its been officially diagnosed or not, believing they will flare up their immune system and intensify Hashimotos.Even though research is sparse, some evidence suggests that eating a gluten-free diet could help treat or prevent these autoimmune conditions, especially for those who are prone to them through genetics.Celiac Prescription: Gluten-Free DietA strict gluten-free diet can improve your health dramatically. As you heal, you might discover that you were experiencing more symptoms than you realized. Sometimes, its only noticeable when the symptoms are gone and you notice an improvement in how you feel.Even with silent celiac, a gluten-free diet will slowly heal your small intestines, allowing you to absorb nutrients properly again. This can restore general health and prevent other autoimmune diseases, according to the research mentioned.If you have already been diagnosed with other autoimmune conditions, eating gluten free can improve the symptoms or prevent progression of the disease.Take Celiac Disease SeriouslySure, some people still dont understand how a grain that has existed for thousands of years could cause such problems today. And thats a valid question with a long answer. But just like there are allergic reactions to natural foods, there are autoimmune reactions to some of them. Endoscopies reveal literal damage to the small intestines that reverse when gluten is eliminated from the diet. So, its real even though its sometimes silent or symptoms are mild.If you have celiac or think its possible, take it seriously. Protect your small intestines and your ability to absorb nutrients from food. In doing so, youre also protecting yourself from developing additional autoimmune diseases, or at least preventing them from progressing.TYE Medical offers premium incontinence products in a range of sizes and absorbencies. Shop our online store for free, discreet shipping on all orders. 

When temperatures rise, older people are among those most likely to become sick and die from the damaging effects of heat. Of the estimated 12,000 people in the U.S. who die from heat-related causes each year, 80 percent are over age 60. Its clear that senior adults are most vulnerable to the stresses of heat. This article will explore how heat affects older adults while offering ways to stay safe during the heat waves of summer.Why Older Adults Are More Vulnerable to HeatBiological factors play a role in the dangers of high temperatures when youre over 60. Even if youre healthy, it can be difficult to discern when its too hot or that youre becoming dehydrated. This means you may be slower to take measures to protect yourself from the heat or intake more fluids.To make matters worse, as you age, your body holds more heat as temperatures increase. This is because your glands dont release as much sweat as when you were younger, so your internal cooling system isnt as effective or efficient. Additionally, your blood circulation diminishes with age, which means less heat is released from your blood vessels through your skin.Medications can also make you more heat intolerant as an older adult. If your doctor makes you aware of this and offers insight in how to manage this side effect, the problem can be overcome. You dont necessarily have to choose between your medication and heat safety.What Are the Signs of Overheating for Older Adults?You may experience several of these symptoms when you are overheated:Sudden dizzinessHeat crampsSwelling your legs or anklesHeat exhaustionHeath StrokeHeat exhaustion happens when your body can no longer cool itself. You can address the situation by removing yourself to a cool environment, loosening your clothes or putting on cooler clothes. You can also try taking a cool bath. Some people find it helpful to drink a sports beverage that contains electrolytes. This can hydrate your body more rapidly than water alone.Symptoms of heat exhaustion include:ThirstDizzinessWeaknessStumbling, becoming uncoordinatedNauseaIncreased sweatingCold, clammy skinRapid pulseHeat stroke surpasses heat exhaustion and is a medical emergency. If you suspect a heat stroke, call 911 immediately. Get to a cooler place and put on cooler clothes. Do NOT have anything to drink, as this could make the problem worse.Symptoms of a heat stroke include:FaintingIncreased body temperature over 104 degrees FahrenheitDry skinStrong and rapid pulseOr a slow and weak pulseNo longer sweating (even though its still hot)Heat Safety Tip #1: Avoid the OutdoorsIts best to avoid direct sun and stay inside an air conditioned building when its especially hot outside. Try planning your outdoor activities for early in the morning and finish by 10 a.m. If morning isnt ideal, you can plan to be outdoors as the sun starts to set. Otherwise, stay where there is air conditioning. If you dont have air conditioning or cant afford it, spend some time in places that do, especially when there is a heat wave. You could read a book at the library, walk at an indoor mall, or meet your friend for ice coffee.Heat Safety Tip #2: Stay HydratedThis is another obvious one, but it can also slip your mind if youre not making an effort to pay attention to your fluid intake. Ensure you drink plenty of cool or cold water, clear juices, electrolyte drinks, or anything that is alcohol and caffeine free. Both alcohol and caffeine are diuretics that expel fluid from your body. They counteract hydration.Most experts agree that you should drink one-third to one half your body weight in ounces each day. During the summer, its best to drink at the higher end of the range to prevent dehydration.Heat Safety Tip #3: Dress for the WeatherIts best to wear looser, light-colored clothes that are also lighter in weight. These materials are more breathable, so they dont trap heat. And the lighter colors reflect more of the suns energy rather than absorbing it like darker colors. Its also a good idea to wear a broad-brimmed hat if youre in the sun.Heat Safety Tip #4:Use SunscreenUse broad spectrum sunscreen that is SPF 15 or higher. You may choose a lotion or a spray, but whats most important is that you apply it liberally to all sun-exposed skin. While youre aware that sunscreen helps protect your skin from damaging UV rays and sunburns, you might not realize that it can also help prevent heat exhaustion and heat stroke.Heat Safety Tip #5: Apply Cool WaterWhen youre feeling too warm, take a cool (but not too cold) shower or bath. This can help to regulate your system and bring relief to the discomfort. If youre short on time or have another reason for not wanting to get completely wet, you can apply cool, wet washcloths to key areas like your wrists, ankles, neck, and armpits.Be Aware and Proactive This SummerThe best way to beat the heat this summer is to be conscious of outdoor temperatures, sun exposure, and your own bodys reactions. Remember that you may not recognize your overheating until you are already dehydrated or experiencing heat exhaustion symptoms. So its best to stay proactive and be sure youre dressing for the heat, staying hydrated, using sunscreen, and applying cool water when needed.TYE Medical offers premium incontinence products in a variety of sizes and absorbency levels. Shop our online store for free and discreet shipping.