Preventing Osteoporosis: Essential Tips for Stronger Bones Post-Menopause

Six Simple Strategies to Help Seniors Sleep BetterHow did you sleep last night? With National Sleep Awareness Week taking place from March 10th to 16th, its the perfect time to think about your bedtime habits and explore ways to improve your sleep quality.A restful nights sleep is like a reset button for your body and mind, and its especially important for seniors. Good sleep can boost your mood, sharpen your mind, and strengthen your immune system. However, as we age, getting those precious Zs can become more challenging. Changes in sleep patterns, along with environmental and emotional factors, often lead to restless nights.If counting sheep has become your nightly ritual, dont worryyoure not alone, and help is here. The Seniors Helping Seniors team has six simple, practical tips to help you sleep better and wake up refreshed. Lets dive in!1. Stick to a Relaxing Bedtime RoutineYour body loves routines, especially when it comes to winding down for the night. Create a calming bedtime ritual that works for youlike reading a book, doing some light stretches, or meditating. These activities signal to your body that its time to relax. Not sure where to start? Your Seniors Helping Seniors caregiver can help you incorporate these soothing habits into your evening routine.2. Power Down Your ScreensScrolling through your phone or catching up on emails before bed might seem harmless, but the blue light from screens can disrupt your natural sleep hormones. Try putting your devices away at least an hour before bedtime. Instead, swap that screen time for a calming activity like listening to music or journaling.3. Create a Cozy Sleep SanctuaryA good mattress and supportive pillows can make all the difference in how you feel the next morning. Look for bedding that keeps you at a comfortable temperature throughout the night. Your bedroom should also be dark, quiet, and coolthink of it as your personal sleep haven.4. Limit Afternoon NapsA quick nap can recharge your energy, but long or late-day naps might mess with your nighttime sleep. Keep naps short20 to 30 minutesand try to rest earlier in the day. This way, you can still enjoy a power nap without affecting your bedtime.5. Get Moving During the DayPhysical activity isnt just great for your overall healthit also helps you sleep better. Even 30 minutes of light exercise like walking or yoga can work wonders. Just remember to keep workouts earlier in the day, as late-night exercise might leave you too energized to fall asleep.6. Mind Your Evening MenuWhat you eat and drink before bed can influence your sleep. Heavy meals, caffeine, and alcohol close to bedtime can leave you tossing and turning. Instead, try something soothing, like a cup of herbal tea or warm milk, to help you unwind. Need help with meal planning? Seniors Helping Seniors caregivers are happy to lend a hand.Bonus Tip: Keep Your Wake-Up Time ConsistentYour body thrives on routine, so try waking up at the same time every dayeven on weekends. A consistent wake-up time helps regulate your internal clock, making it easier to fall asleep and wake up feeling refreshed.If youve tried these tips and are still struggling with sleep, it might be time to seek professional advice. A healthcare provider or sleep specialist can help identify underlying issues, like sleep apnea or restless legs syndrome, and recommend tailored solutions.Sleep is vital for your health and well-being, and you deserve to wake up every day feeling your best. Your Seniors Helping Seniors team is here to support you in creating healthy sleep habits that fit seamlessly into your lifestyle. Sweet dreams!

ALS and In-Home Care unfortunately go hand in hand. ALS, or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, is a progressive neurological disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord. As the disease progresses, people with ALS may experience difficulty speaking, swallowing, and breathing, as well as a loss of mobility and muscle control. This often requires an individual to receive ALS in-home care.What is ALS?The Mayo Clinic defines ALS as:Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (a-my-o-TROE-fik LAT-ur-ul skluh-ROE-sis), known as ALS, is a nervous system disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord. ALS causes loss of muscle control. The disease is progressive which means that it gets worse over time. ALS is often called Lou Gehrigs disease after the baseball player who was diagnosed with it. The exact cause of the disease is still not known. A small number of cases are inherited.Can ALS patients live at home?ALS In-home care can be an important component of the care plan for individuals with ALS, as it can provide much-needed support and assistance with activities of daily living, such as bathing, dressing, and eating. ALS In-home care can also provide emotional support and companionship, which can be especially important for people with ALS who may experience social isolation and depression. In addition, ALS in-home care can help minimize the risk of complications and hospitalizations by ensuring that individuals with ALS receive appropriate medical care and monitoring. Overall, in-home care can play a critical role in helping people with ALS to maintain their independence and quality of life for as long as possible.How to care for an ALS patient at home.Caring for an ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis) patient at home requires patience, empathy, and careful planning. First and foremost, it is crucial to establish a comfortable and safe environment for the patient. This includes modifying the home such as installing grab bars, ramps, and wheelchair access. This enables a caregiver to safely and effectively care for the patient as their disease progresses.Home Modifications For SeniorsIt is also important to ensure that the patient can access all necessary medical equipment and medications. Caregivers should also be trained on how to properly assist with activities of daily living (ADLs), such as bathing, dressing, and feeding.Communication is vital to understanding the patients needs and preferences. ALS patients often experience difficulty communicating as the disease progresses, so caregivers should be knowledgeable about communication devices and techniques that work for the patient.It is also important to prioritize the patients emotional well-being by providing emotional support, engaging in activities the patient enjoys, and connecting them with support groups and resources. Overall, caring for an ALS patient at home requires a holistic approach that addresses the patients physical, emotional, and medical needs.Local support for ALS patients and their families.Fortunately, the Fort Myers and Cape Coral area has local resources available that are specific to ALS patients. The Lee Health ALS Clinic is a key resource.When visiting the Lee Health ALS Clinic, a team of medical professionals individually assesses the ALS patients symptoms and provides recommendations for supportive therapies and symptom management techniques.Of course, other services to support ALS patients are available such as the private caregiver services available through Abby Services.How can Abby Services help with ALS in-home care?An AlS in-home caregiver can help with many activities to help you remain safe in the home. Abby Services helps residents in Fort Myers, Cape Coral, and surrounding areas find excellent in-home caregivers.We have clients call every day wondering how a private in-home caregiver can help them. As a state-licensed nurse registry overseen by the Agency For Health Care Administration, and The Department of Health, there is a list of things your in-home caregiver can and cant help with.Often this is simply related to a caregivers training and licensure. Wound care for example requires a skilled nurse (an RN or LPN) and your private caregiver is not allowed to assist with that.Overall it is truly a clients choice what they would like help with. The goal is to help clients remain safe in their homes with the support of a private ALS in-home caregiver.Together with our team, we can help guide a family to develop a client-driven plan of care that meets the needs of their loved one.Your private ALS in-home caregiver referred by Abby Services can help many things including:BathingDressingLight housekeepingMeal preparationPersonal hygieneLaundry and linensMedication RemindersAccompany to appointmentsAssist with shopping and errandsAmbulationTransfersToileting and continence carePet Care

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.