Seniors and Kitchen Safety: Tips for the “Heart of the Home

With a new year, comes new cybercrimes. While technology is our friend in helping us keep connected with our loved ones, there are some sobering threats that can make it our foe. Unfortunately, internet-based crime is increasing at an alarming rate with a 64% increase in email threats year-over-year in 2020 with older people being impacted the most. Cybercriminals and spammers are becoming increasingly sophisticated, and more new users of technology such as seniors are falling victim to their attacks. The statistics are staggering. According to the FBI 2020 Internet Crime Report, there was a 27% year-over-year increase in cyber fraud losses totaling $1.8 billion, as reported by individuals over 50 years old. Moreover, it appears that these cybercriminals specifically target senior citizens not only because are they are less aware of technology scams, but also, they are perceived to have larger financial assets than other groups.Anytime you use a computer, smartphone, or tablet, you can fall prey to your identity and financial information being stolen and used for nefarious purposes. The good news is that there are five simple ways you can protect yourself from these attacks.We Suggest you Do NotOpen emails that look too good to be trueTypical attempts to get you to open an email include subject lines that you have won a prize or a free offer. Phishing threatsDo not click on banking or account links in an email, particularly if the email asks for updated credit card information. Cybercriminals can disguise emails to look like they are coming from legitimate organizations or people you know but clicking on these links and submitting your personal, financial, or login information may fall into the wrong hands. Always contact the financial institution directly, do not use the link in the email, to check to see if the request is valid. Almost every time it is not. Respond to emails that are an unusual plea for helpA common scam is when an individual poses as a known contact and states that they have been mugged while vacationing abroad and need you to send money ASAP. If you are concerned, call the person directly and dont respond to the email or phone call. Interact with unknown individuals or sourcesThat includes opening emails, downloading files, or interacting on social media. Only download files from a trusted source as files can be malware which can steal personal data and damage your device. Moreover, some fraudsters have been known to impersonate a potential love interest online to gain your trust and then ask for your bank information. Submit payment in response to threats of arrest from an authority figure. Common scams are when criminals pose as an IRS agent and demand payment to avoid persecution. The IRS does not email communications of this type to citizens. Just ignore these scams.As we navigate the current ever-changing cyber environment, it is possible to learn and connect safely with just a little knowledge. So now you know these five ways to protect yourself, enjoy technology today!

As we age, it's essential to prioritize the well-being and comfort of our seniors. At A Call to Order Professional Organizer, we believe in cherishing our seniors and providing them with the care and support they deserve. In this blog post, we'll delve into the heart of senior care, exploring the ways in which we can honor and uplift our elders.Understanding the Importance of Senior CareSenior care encompasses a wide range of services and support designed to enhance the quality of life for older adults. From assisting with daily tasks to providing companionship and emotional support, senior care plays a vital role in ensuring that seniors can age with dignity and independence.The Heart of Senior CareCompanionship and Connection: One of the most significant aspects of senior care is providing companionship and fostering meaningful connections. Many seniors experience feelings of loneliness and isolation, especially if they live alone or have limited social interactions. Caregivers and family members can offer companionship by spending time with seniors, engaging in conversations, and participating in activities together.Promoting Independence: While it's essential to offer support to seniors when needed, it's equally important to promote their independence and autonomy. Encourage seniors to maintain as much independence as possible by involving them in decision-making processes and respecting their preferences and choices. Simple tasks like meal preparation, household chores, and personal care activities can help seniors feel empowered and capable.Ensuring Safety and Comfort: Creating a safe and comfortable environment is paramount in senior care. Evaluate the senior's living space for potential hazards and make necessary modifications to enhance safety, such as installing grab bars, improving lighting, and removing tripping hazards. Additionally, ensure that the home is comfortable and conducive to the senior's needs, considering factors like temperature control, seating options, and accessibility.Health and Wellness: Prioritizing seniors' health and wellness is fundamental to their overall well-being. Encourage regular medical check-ups and screenings to monitor their health status and address any concerns promptly. Promote healthy lifestyle habits, including nutritious eating, regular exercise, and adequate sleep. Additionally, consider incorporating holistic wellness practices such as meditation, yoga, or tai chi to promote physical and mental wellness.Supporting Emotional Well-being: Seniors may face various emotional challenges as they age, including grief, loss, and anxiety. It's essential to provide emotional support and create a nurturing environment where seniors feel valued and understood. Listen actively to their concerns, validate their feelings, and offer reassurance and encouragement. Encourage participation in social activities and hobbies that bring joy and fulfillment.Planning for the Future: As seniors age, it's crucial to plan for the future and make arrangements for their care and well-being. Discuss topics such as advanced care directives, estate planning, and long-term care options to ensure that their wishes are honored and their needs are met. Involve seniors in decision-making processes and provide them with the necessary support and resources to plan for the future with confidence.At A Call to Order Professional Organizer, we believe in cherishing our seniors and providing them with the care and support they deserve. Our team is dedicated to promoting the well-being and independence of seniors through compassionate care and personalized support. With our heart-centered approach to senior care, we strive to create meaningful connections, ensure safety and comfort, and empower seniors to live their best lives. Let us be your partner in cherishing and honoring the seniors in your life.

How Lungs WorkLungs are a major part of the respiratory system. Thats the group of cells and tissue that make breathing possible. There are a lot of parts included, like the nose, mouth, throat, bronchial tubes, cilia, alveoli the list just goes on and on. We wont dive into all of that. Were just going to look specifically at the lungs.Your lungs have two main jobs to do:Pull oxygen into the bodyExpel carbon dioxide from the bodySo, how do they do that? Your lungs dont actually have any muscle to do the job, but they do get help from a muscle called the diaphragm. Its what separates your chest cavity from the abdominal cavity.The diaphragm helps your lungs expand to pull in air and then contract to push out carbon dioxide. As you breathe in, your ribs also work with the lungs by supporting and moving with the lungs. They are what protect the lungs from harm.Measuring Lung CapacityAccording to the American Lung Association, your total lung capacity is about 6 liters worth of air! That will depend on your age and health. Spirometry is the type of test thats used to test your lung function. It can test your total lung capacity and other things, like vital capacity. Vital capacity is the measure of the maximum amount of air you can force out of your lungs after you fully inhale.All of these measurements are likely to reduce as you age even if you are healthy and arent a smoker.How Aging Affects The Respiratory SystemYour lungs hit maturity by age 20 or 25. Once you hit about 35, its normal to start having some decline in lung function due to age. Its just a normal part of how aging affects the respiratory system. There are several things that factor into that gradual decline as you add on the years.First, your diaphragm muscle can get weaker, which is one of the things that can cause shortness of breath with age. Your rib bones also become thinner and can change shape. Those changes can make it more difficult for your lungs to expand and contract. In addition, there are changes to lung tissue and your alveoli. Alveoli are small sacs in your lungs where the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide takes place. With age, those sacks can become misshapen and baggy. The lungs can become more prone to tissue damage, as well. This is caused by a decrease in sensitivity to nerves in your airway. Usually, when particles make their way into your lungs, your airway will trigger a coughing response to clear those particles. As you age and those nerves become less sensitive, the cough response isnt triggered. The particles then build up and can cause damage to lung tissue.All of these things and more can cause shortness of breath as you age. They also leave you at a higher risk of respiratory infections. Overall, its just a normal part of aging, but if you have a sudden change in your breathing you should immediately contact your doctor. That could indicate lung disease or another serious issue.Protecting Your LungsWhile a decline in lung function is normal as you get older, there are some things you can do to keep your lungs as healthy as possible. One of the biggest things to do is not smoking. Smoking is a major cause of lung cancer, emphysema, and other respiratory problems. Over time, smoking can destroy lung tissue and even cause cancer. Secondly, you should avoid indoor and outdoor air pollutants as much as possible. When youre indoors, things like secondhand smoke and other chemicals can impact your lungs. Make sure your home is smoke-free and test the house for radon, and youll be off to a great start.As for outdoors, its more difficult to take precautions. At the very least, try not to do outdoor exercises during days with bad air quality. Paying attention to air quality reports in your area can go a long way. Things like climate change and natural disasters can also have a big effect on your local air quality.Lastly, regular checkups and prevention are key. Make sure youre seeing your doctor often, even when you arent sick. Being proactive is critical to maintaining your health. In that same vein, taking steps to prevent infection, like getting your flu shot, will put you in good shape.Its All About PreventionIf you take care of your lungs, they will take care of you. The best thing you can do is keep them in good shape so your body gets all the oxygen it needs. Practice exercises like belly breathing or pursed lip breathing to make sure youre getting the most out of each breath. Lead a healthy lifestyle to keep your lungs functioning in top shape. That includes regular exercise, eating right, and seeing your doctor often. With VIPcare, youre encouraged to come in as often as you would like. Its all about maintaining Better Health.