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Osteoporosis is a common condition that predominantly affects postmenopausal women.  A decrease in the bodys estrogen levels leads to low bone mass which in turn increases the risk of fracture.  According to the International Osteoporosis Foundation, approximately of 30% of postmenopausal women in the United States have osteoporosis and of these, 40% will sustain at least one fracture over the course of their lifetime.  Given that a fracture may require surgery and a hospital stay, it is important to take every measure to prevent the development of osteoporosis.1. Calcium & Vitamin D: Get the Right AmountIt is widely known that calcium and vitamin D in the right amounts will decrease the rate of bone loss and keep your bones strong. The question is: how much do you need? The answer will depend on your age, gender, and dietary habits.  Rather than following a general guideline, it is best to speak with your own doctor or nutritionist about how much calcium and vitamin D you are receiving from your diet, and how much you should supplement.  A history of other health conditions, such as kidney stones, may affect how much calcium you need, and these decisions are best made on an individuals basis.2. Exercise: A Little Goes a Long WayResearch has shown time and again that exercise has a positive impact on bone density and reduces the risk of fractures.  In general, women with osteoporosis are advised to exercise for 30 minutes, 3 times a week as a lifestyle treatment.  A variety of exercises including walking, jogging, and resistance training have all been demonstrated to be effective for prevention as well.  Again, speak with your healthcare provider about an exercise plan that you will enjoy and receive the benefits from for years to come.3. Smoking CessationThere are many reasons to kick the habit for good, and improving your bone health is one of them.  Smoking accelerates bone density loss and is associated with increased fracture risk. The good news is that quitting, even later in life, can have a significant impact not just on your bones, but on other aspects of your health as well.  Quitting is never easy, but there are more resources to help you quit today than ever before.Your bone health is important.  In addition to these three lifestyle habits for osteoporosis prevention, screening plays an important role in identifying those patients who may need treatment with a medication to prevent further damage.  Bone mineral density scans (e.g. DEXA scan) are a quick, painless way to assess your risk.  Screening should begin in all women at 65 years of age and older, and may start younger in women and men with certain risk factors.  Speak with your healthcare provider about the best plan of attack to keep your bones strong for a long and independent life.

How Much Do You Really Know About Arthritis?Arthritis is a term that many people associate with older adults experiencing pain in their joints. But did you know that arthritis, itself, is not a diagnosis, but a term that describes dozens of diseases and conditions? According to the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS), the word arthritis means joint inflammation, and may be used to describe any condition affecting the joints, for people of all ages. In fact, arthritis impacts one in five adults in the United States and is the leading cause of work disability.To help you better understand arthritis, weve posed five questions below that explore common arthritic diseases, who is at risk and how to manage these conditions.    How many types of arthritis are there?There are more than 100 types of arthritic diseases, which can impact the joints, tendons, ligaments and bones by causing stiffness, swelling and pain. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), some of the more common types of arthritis include the following:Osteoarthritis. This kind of arthritis occurs when joints in the body break down. Its most commonly experienced in the hands, hips, knees and back.Rheumatoid arthritis. This is an autoimmune disease, meaning the bodys immune system causes deterioration by attacking its own tissues. It can damage the joints in the hands, wrists and knees. Potentially, it could also impact the lungs, heart and eyes.Gout. This type of arthritis tends to impact only one joint at a time. During a flare-up, uric acid crystals form within a joint and cause pain, swelling and tenderness. Often, it impacts the big toe.Fibromyalgia. By causing pain throughout the body, fibromyalgia can have a significant impact on a persons quality of life and ability to work.Juvenile arthritis. Also known as childhood arthritis, this condition impacts nearly 220,000 people younger than 18. Its caused by an immune system that is overactive and results in swelling in the joints. What are signs and symptoms to look for?Because there are so many types of arthritis, and because symptoms may overlap with other conditions, it can be difficult to diagnose. The Arthritis Foundation says that if youre experiencing the following signs and symptoms you should consider talking to a doctor:Tenderness, pain, swelling and/or stiffness in one joint or several jointsRedness on or around a jointA joint that feels warmTrouble moving a joint or engaging in your day-to-day activitiesAny joint symptoms that concern youWho gets arthritis?Anyone can get arthritis, no matter their age, gender or cultural background. However, some groups of people face a higher risk than others for certain types of arthritis. For example, according to the CDC women face a higher risk for fibromyalgia, osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis while men are more likely to develop gout. Further, its not uncommon for people experiencing other chronic conditions, such as obesity, diabetes and heart disease, to also have arthritis.Other risk factors can include:Age, with the risk increasing as you get olderFamily history, with some types of arthritis have a hereditary connection, including rheumatoid arthritis, lupus and ankylosing spondylitisWeight, with people who are overweight or obese facing an increased risk for osteoarthritis impacting the knees and other jointsSmokingCertain infectionsAn injury to a jointService in the military Are there actions you can take to lower your risk for arthritis?Possibly. While there is no magic pill that can protect you from arthritis, some people may be able to reduce their risks or at least delay the onset of certain types of arthritis, according to the Arthritis Foundation. For example, maintaining a healthy weight may help lower your risk for osteoarthritis; quitting (or never starting) smoking may help prevent rheumatoid arthritis; and eating a healthy diet that is low in sugar and alcohol as well as purines (thats a chemical compound that turns into uric acid) may help decrease your risk for gout. What can you do to manage your arthritis?If youve been diagnosed with arthritis, there are a number of steps that you can take that may help to ease pain and decrease inflammation. Those include:See your healthcare provider regularly and follow their advice. They know you best and can help you devise a plan to address your symptoms and help you continue to do the things you enjoy in life.Move more. It may sound counterintuitive, but physical activity may actual help reduce pain and improve the way you feel and move, according to the CDC. Try out a variety of joint-friendly activities, such as cycling, swimming, walking and tai chi. If working out is new to you, talk to your doctor first. With their approval, start small, aiming for five to 10 minutes at a time, and work towards the goal of 150 minutes per week, along with two days of strength-building activities. Manage your weight. Weight can put additional stress on your joints. Aim to reach or maintain a healthy weight through diet and exercise. If youre struggling, ask your doctor for advice.Make healthy eating choices. Research shows that some foods can help control inflammation, while others may contribute to inflammation. People living with arthritis may benefit from an anti-inflammatory diet, which includes fish, nuts, beans, fruits and vegetables (the Mediterranean Diet is a good place to look for guidance, according to the Arthritis Foundation). At the same time, try to limit the foods you eat that cause inflammation, including processed foods like white bread and pastries, fried foods, soda and sugary beverages, red meat and processed meats, along with margarine, shortening and lard. Take care of your mental health. Any chronic condition can take a toll on how youre feeling. And if the condition is limiting your usual activities, as arthritis may do, it can be especially stressful and isolating. If youre feeling hopeless or anxious, or youve lost interest doing the things that once brought you joy, find help. Talk to your primary care provider or connect with a counselor or therapist. A support group might also be useful. The Arthritis Foundation is a good place to start if you think you might benefit from a virtual group.As mentioned, there are more than 100 different types of arthritis, ranging from common to rare. While weve touched on some of the more frequently asked questions, theres still a lot to learn about these conditions. If youre concerned about pain, swelling or tenderness youre experiencing in your joints, talk to your healthcare provider today. To find out more  about Healthcare Insurance Plans that include Medicare, Individual & Family, Health & Dental and Vision, call BlueCross BlueShield of Alabama at 251-344-2115.

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.