What is Geriatric Medicine

Cognitive Benefits of Gratitude as You AgeGratitude, a simple yet powerful emotion, plays a strong role in emotional well-being, especially as we age. More than just saying "thank you," expressing gratitude can greatly transform our lives and positively impact our cognitive processes. Practicing and expressing gratitude regularly can give seniors a more optimistic outlook on life. Senior Helpers Boise Treasure Valley is dedicated to enhancing the lives of seniors by encouraging the practice of gratitude. We'll delve into the remarkable cognitive benefits of gratitude, particularly in the context of aging. We'll look at the scientific evidence, discuss the emotional and physical health benefits, and provide some tips on how seniors can start expressing gratitude more often.The Science Behind GratitudeGratitude is not just a feel-good emotion; it is deeply rooted in scientific research. When we express gratitude, it activates areas of the brain that release the feel-good hormone dopamine, leading to an improved mood and subjective well-being. More specifically, seniors can enjoy cognitive advantages such as improved memory function, increased mental resilience, and an overall enhancement in cognitive function. Studies have revealed that gratitude can decrease symptoms of depression and ultimately lead to better mental health.Emotional and Physical Health Benefits of GratitudeExpressing gratitude doesn't just help us mentally; it also has substantial emotional and physical benefits. On the emotional front, regularly expressing gratitude can increase happiness, decrease symptoms of depression and anxiety, and enhance overall mood and emotional well-being. This was confirmed in a study that revealed that seniors who practiced gratitude were found to have lower rates of depression and a better overall mood. Additionally, on a physical level, gratitude promotes better sleep, lowers blood pressure, and even boosts the immune system, leading to overall improved health.The Power of Gratitude in AgingWhen applied to the context of aging, gratitude can have a profound impact. For seniors, practicing gratitude can enhance social connections, as expressing appreciation for others fosters stronger relationships. It also increases a senior's sense of purpose, as reflecting on one's blessings can create a positive outlook and promote a sense of contentment with life. Most importantly, it can improve the overall quality of life for seniors by promoting positive attitudes and good health. How to Practice GratitudeWhile it may seem challenging for seniors to start expressing gratitude more often, there are several ways to incorporate it into daily life. To express gratitude to others, consider writing thank-you notes to loved ones, sharing positive thoughts, or participating in acts of kindness. Beyond this, gratitude can also be cultivated internally. Keeping a gratitude journal, for instance, has proven to be a practical and beneficial approach. Writing down positive experiences or things one is grateful for can significantly improve one's mood and outlook on life. Mindfulness and meditation can also bolster gratitude. By practicing mindfulness, seniors can stay present in the moment and appreciate the good things around them. Reflecting on positive experiences and memories can also enhance feelings of gratitude and improve overall mental health.Contact Senior Helpers for Customized Senior CareGratitude can play a powerful role in enhancing the cognitive, emotional, and physical health of seniors. Its benefits are expansive, from improving memory and mental resilience to increasing happiness and even boosting physical health. As we age, nurturing a sense of gratitude can wonderfully enhance our lives and overall well-being. For those living in Boise, Eagle, Nampa, and Lewiston who might need a little help or companionship, Senior Helpers Boise Treasure Valley is always here to assist. Contact us to learn more about our senior care services.

When we talk about preventative care over sick care, the first thing we must bring to mind is who our primary medical providers are and what they actually do for us. Is there time limited to prescribing a pill and only seeing people when they are sick? Or are they able to spend the time to get to know what is affecting your body - inside and out - and devise preventative measures to keep you happy, healthy and out of the hospital? This is not a knock on our hard-working medical providers, but rather on the system built in which they have to adhere to. The time has now come to reap the benefits of what is being considered Specialty Primary Care and the access to having up to 40 minutes with your provider, transportation, same & next day appointments and social workers to help with the outside factors that can contribute to the greater scope of someone's overall health. Do not let the opportunity to experience this kind of life changing care pass you or anyone else by. Editors Note: This article was submitted by Edward Heller, Outreach Executive for Oak Street Health. For more information he may be reached at 719-401-3873.

Needlesticks are a common occurrence for Health Care Workers (HCW) and it is estimated that upwards of 800,000 injuries occur per year in the United States. Of these, many go unreported. While needlestick injuries have the potential to transmit bacteria, protozoa, viruses and more; the risk of hepatitis B, hepatitis C and HIV are the highest. As a care provider, the risk can be as high as 10% for hepatitis C alone. Luckily, there are ways we can keep our caregivers safe, when providing care, that puts them at risk of contracting blood borne pathogens.Century Park is committed to safeguard our residents and associates by the continued education of our Safety with Sharps program. Upon hire, and annually thereafter, our caregivers are all assigned a course that demonstrates the use of approved safer sharps equipment. By participating in our Safety with Sharps program we can reduce the risk of our Century Park family facing uncertainty surrounding their infection status during the initial stages of the injury and facing the life changing consequences if they develop a disease. This understandably severe emotional and mental trauma can be avoided by taking the necessary steps to prevent needlesticks. Please do your part by using and providing Century Park approved safer medical devices & sharps containers. Approved devices include those that are needleless or have built-in protection to guard associates from exposure to contaminated sharps.Thank you for partnering with us in our commitment to protect our Century Park family. Together, we can continue our commitment to create a climate where people feel valued and where residents and associates thrive. Safety of our residents and associates is and will remain our top priority.