The Respiratory System: Age-Related Changes & COPD

As a significant and life-altering medical condition, roughly 800,000 Americans every year experience a stroke most of whom are aged 65 and older. As a result, families in communities across America, including Cape Coral, must prioritize stroke prevention and stroke care to help ensure their aging loved ones health and well-being. Read on to learn more about strokes, stroke prevention tips, and what to look for if you suspect someone close to you might be experiencing a stroke.What is a Stroke?A stroke, or cerebrovascular accident, occurs when the blood supply to the brain is interrupted or reduced, leading to brain cell oxygen and nutrient deprivation. Because strokes target the brain, they can potentially cause temporary paralysis, a permanent disability, or even death. There are two main types of strokes: ischemic and hemorrhagic. An ischemic stroke results from a blockage in a blood vessel supplying the brain, while a hemorrhagic stroke occurs when a blood vessel inside the brain ruptures.Stroke Prevention Risk FactorsThese risk factors increase the likelihood of having a stroke:High blood pressureDiabetesElevated cholesterol levelsCigarette smokingDrinking alcohol to excessObesityPhysical inactivityFamily history of strokeAge (risk increases with age)Previous history of stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA)When assisting loved ones, family caregivers must understand these risk factors and work towards minimizing them to help prevent a stroke from occurring.Stroke Care Tips for Family Caregivers in Cape CoralRecognizing the early warning signs of a stroke and knowing what to do in an emergency is vital for family caregivers. The FAST method is a reliable way to spot stroke warning signs:F = Face Drooping  Does one side of the face droop or is it numb? Ask the person to smile. Is their smile uneven?A = Arm Weakness  Is one arm weak or numb? When they raise both arms, does one arm drift downward?S = Speech Difficulty  Is their speech slurred?T = Time to Dial 911  Stroke is an emergency in which every minute counts. Call 911 immediately and note the time the symptoms first appeared.Additional stroke symptoms include:Leg, face, or arm numbness or weakness, notably on one side of the bodyConfusion, difficulty speaking or understanding speechBlurred vision in one or both eyesDifficulty walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordinationSevered headache with no known causeIf a loved one is experiencing any of the above, you must act quickly. Call emergency services immediately and note the time when the symptoms first appeared. Do not wait to see if the symptoms improve on their own, as timely intervention can make a significant difference in the outcome of a stroke.How to Devise an Effective Stroke Prevention StrategyIn addition to being prepared for a stroke emergency, family caregivers can also take proactive steps to prevent strokes from occurring. Here are some stroke prevention tips and strategies for anyone looking after a senior or other high-risk individual:Manage Risk FactorsWork with healthcare professionals to monitor and control conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and elevated cholesterol. Encourage healthy lifestyle choices, including regular exercise, a well-balanced diet, and avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol consumption.Medication ManagementEnsure prescribed medications are taken as directed and that regular follow-up appointments with healthcare providers are maintained. Medication compliance is vital in managing conditions that increase the risk of stroke.Physical ActivityOnce cleared by their doctor, encourage regular physical activity tailored to the individuals abilities and preferences. Exercising for at least 20 minutes, 3 to 5X per week, can help maintain a healthy weight, lower blood pressure, and improve cardiovascular health, reducing ones stroke risk.Stress ManagementHelp your loved one manage stress through relaxation techniques, mindfulness practices, and activities they enjoy, as chronic stress can exacerbate high blood pressure and other stroke risk factors.Regular Health CheckupsEnsure your loved one gets tested regularly, including blood pressure checks, cholesterol tests, and diabetes screenings. Early detection and management of these conditions can help prevent strokes.Learn All You CanStay informed on the latest stroke research and stroke prevention guidelines. Attend educational workshops, seminars, or support groups to learn more about stroke risk factors, warning signs, and caregiving strategies.Get HelpBuild a support network of healthcare professionals, friends and family, and community resources to help care for your loved one. Seeking help and sharing responsibilities can help prevent caregiver burnout and ensure the best possible care for your loved one. When you need a break, or respite, another option is to hire a professional in-home caregiver from a reputable home care provider.While serving as an extended family in the home, a trained in-home caregiver can provide your loved one with the nurturing they deserve, allowing you to take a well-deserved break.Professional Home Care: Your Reliable Stroke Prevention PartnerHome care providers play a vital role in the stroke prevention process, providing personalized support and assistance to at-risk individuals. Here are some ways in-home caregivers can help aging, ill, or disabled individuals reduce their stroke risk:Medication SupervisionHome care providers help clients adhere to their prescribed medications, ensuring they are taken on time and on dose. Proper medication management is essential in controlling conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and high cholesterol significant stroke risk factors.Lifestyle SupportIn-home caregivers know how to help clients adopt and maintain healthy lifestyles. This role may include encouraging regular physical activity, preparing nutritious meals, and promoting habits that help clients manage stress and maintain their well-being. Promoting healthy lifestyles is an impactful way for home care providers to help reduce the risk of strokes.Health Condition MonitoringIn-home caregivers are trained to monitor their clients vital signs, including blood pressure and blood sugar. Routinely monitoring these key health indicators allows caregivers to identify any changes or abnormalities early on and take appropriate action to prevent complications that could cause a stroke.Education and AwarenessReputable home care providers educate clients and their families about stroke risk factors, warning signs, and preventive strategies. Through raising awareness and providing practical information, caregivers empower individuals to make better-informed decisions about their health and proactively implement measures to reduce their risk of stroke.In conclusion, home care plays a vital role in stroke prevention by offering personalized support, health condition monitoring, promoting healthy habits, and educating individuals about stroke prevention strategies. Partnering with home care providers helps at-risk individuals receive the support and guidance they need, reducing their likelihood of experiencing a life-altering stroke. As an additional benefit, professional in-home caregivers also give family caregivers peace of mind knowing their loved ones are in capable hands!Dignified In-Home Stroke Prevention and Recovery Care in Cape CoralHelping a loved one prevent a stroke or recover afterward can be overwhelming. When you need assistance, contact Seaside Home Health Care. As a fully licensed and accredited home care provider, our highly trained professionals can provide the dignified Stroke Prevention or Stroke Recovery Care your loved one deserves. While serving as an extended family in the home, our compassionate caregivers can perform various duties, including Alzheimers and Dementia Care, Arthritis Care, Companionship Care, Diabetes Care, Elder Care, Home Helper Services, Hospice Care, Meals and Nutrition, Personal Care, Respite Care, 24-Hour Home Care, and Transportation.While assisting clients in Cape Coral, Alva, Boca Grande, Bokeelia, Burnt Store Marina, Matlacha, and North Captiva Island, our agencys focus is maintaining their quality of life, along with their dignity, self-esteem, and independence. For your added convenience, all our home care services can be individually personalized into an affordable package when and where you need them! Please visit www.seasidehomehealthcare.com to learn more about our in-home Stroke Prevention and Stroke Recovery Care services or schedule a FREE consultation for someone in our service area.

Real Estate Agents are all alike.Realtors? Theyre a dime a dozen! and What do agents really do anyway?I do hear these comments, and it does bother me.Not for the reasons you think it bothers me because we individual agents havent done job number one: introducing ourselves to you and the market as a person, and as a professional.  Im sure if you knew what each agents special sauce is youd think differently on that dime a dozen comment!In other words why should you use me as opposed to doing it yourself or choosing one of the more than 216,000 other licensed agents in Florida?Lets first address you DIYers when Greg and I moved from Spring Hill to Bradenton here in Florida, and even selling my home of 23 years in Alpharetta, GA I was a licensed agent, but not active.  I didnt have access to the MLS, lockboxes, or contracts.  I knew enough to pay an active practicing colleague for her valuable service, tools and support.  Not only was she able to do background research on the property I was purchasing, but she was also a partner in the transaction and a sounding board in the negotiation process. Bottom line was that I knew I stood to lose way more than the percentage of the deal that I had agreed to pay her.  I knew her knowledge, research and negotiation skills would net me a higher outcome than if I moved forward thinking I had all the answers (even being a licensed agent myself).  You see, it was my own property, my investment, and I was like many buyers and sellers too close to the transaction to be 100% objective.So, lets say I just convinced you to partner with an agent. Who should you choose?As you might guess, Im here to make the case that not all agents are alike, and certainly not equal.  What sets us apart is who we serve and how we do it.  So you, as the consumer, need to be very clear about what your needs are and what you want to accomplish.So now youre thinking, Come on Jude how am I supposed to know those answers?  I dont even know where to begin!  When I get a call from someone like you just entering into the market I ask to meet them, preferably in person in a coffee shop or at their home.  I like to spend a little time asking questions and getting to know their story, their vision, their desire, their situation.  You see, knowing all of this seemingly extra stuff helps me guide, advise, and add value to their transaction.If you consider working with an agent to help you buy a property and she just jumps straight to yes, Ill show you that property you might want to rethink the relationship because she wont have the insight she needs to be of true service.Same with if youre looking for an agent to sell your property.  If your first meeting with her is all about what she can do for you and what a stellar agent she is and she skips right over learning your needs wants, desires, time frame and goals then youll be working on her agenda, shell be flying blind, and thats a recipe for disaster.Bottom line as much as you need to vet the agent youre considering, make sure theyre curious about you.  (Thats my tip for those of you dating, too!)LIFE CHANGES ARE HARD.  HOME CHANGES DONT HAVE TO BE.

As seniors age, physical activities can have not only positive physical effects, but positive cognitive effects as well.Contact an Office in Your AreaIn one study, 100 nursing-home residents performed resistance exercises three times a week for 10 weeks. At the end, the exercise group could lift significantly more weight, climb more stairs, and walk faster and farther than their sedentary counterparts.Its been proven time and again that exercise is good for seniors physical and mental health. Regular exercise, even in small amounts, can improve mood, relieve stress and improve health. According to the CDC, four of the five most expensive health conditions older adults face can be prevented or managed with physical activity. But, only about 35% of adults over the age of 65 are physically active. Any senior starting a new exercise plan should consult with their physician. And, it is helpful for family and members of the care team to assist and support physical activity in any way they can. For those that are physically able to begin an exercise program, regular movement can help them live a more vibrant and healthy life. Some of the health benefits include:Improved mental health, mood and outlookPrevention, or improvement of, diseases such as diabetes, obesity, heart disease, and osteoporosisReduced pain from arthritis and minimizing its severityDecreased risk of fallsEach individual has different needs when it comes to exercise and varying health conditions that may need to be taken into consideration before beginning an exercise regimen. A health professional to determine the best approach to physical activity with senior care.There are a variety of ways to incorporate aerobic activity, strength-building exercises, stretching and balance all without leaving the comfort of home! Aerobic exercise  Walking in place, dancing or aerobic routines can help get the heart rate up. These activities improve cardiovascular health and help older adults maintain a healthy weight. Strength building exercises  there are many easy strength-building exercises that can help seniors build the muscles they need to do everyday activities and prevent muscle loss. And, exercises can be done with household items or using body weight, so no expensive equipment is required. Stretching  Stretching before and after exercise can help prevent soreness after exercise. And, the additional benefit is improved flexibility, which is good for older adults physical health. For those looking to improve their flexibility even more, there are exercise routines available online that include yoga or stretching routines specifically for seniors.Balance exercises  Balance exercises help seniors prevent falls and improve mobility. Yoga, tai chi, and other low-impact activities can all help improve balance and overall physical health.Those that need a little assistance getting started should not hesitate to reach out to their doctor, family or caregiver. It is never too late to adopt an active lifestyle! Comfort Keepers Can HelpFor seniors that need a little extra help living an active lifestyle, Comfort Keepers caregivers can help with encouragement, support and assistance with physician-prescribed exercise plans. And, caregivers can encourage overall health through meal planning, grocery shopping, meal preparation and activities. Our custom care plans focus on physical and mental health and wellness activities. Our goal is to see that clients have the means to find the joy and happiness in each day, regardless of age or acuity.To learn more about our in-home care services, contact your local Comfort Keepers location today. ReferencesCenters for Disease Control and Prevention. Adults Need More Physical Activity. Web. 2019.Health and Human Services. Facts & Statistics: Physical Activity. Web. 2017.National Council on Aging. Exercise Programs That Promote Senior Fitness. Web.Readers Digest Canada, 5 of the Best Exercises for Seniors to Build Strength, Improve Balance and Boost Heart Health. Web. Harvard Health Publishing. Exercise after age 70. Web. 2007.