Florida - Southwest

Its important to remember that you have a choice. You can feel empowered when it comes to your health.When diagnosed with a chronic health condition such as diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, depression and osteoarthritis, your choice is whether you are going to enjoy your activities of daily living or allow your condition to isolate you from others.A chronic health condition must be managed on a daily basis for months, years and often a lifetime. Many people believe that medication is the only tool available when they get diagnosed.And while medication is important, there are many other things that will help you take control.Can you believe that 80 percent of heart disease, stroke and diabetes cases can be prevented? According to the World Health Organization, an unhealthy diet, lack of physical activity and tobacco use are the three primary risk factors for developing chronic health conditions. By adopting a healthier lifestyle, many chronic health conditions can be prevented or reversed, including a 40 percent decrease in cancer diagnoses.If you have a chronic health condition, here are some things beyond the medicine cabinet that may help you find relief:Physical ActivityThe benefits of physical activity are too numerous to count. Physical activity decreases your blood pressure and blood sugar, strengthens your heart, and improves your mood.Common sense may tell you that more physical activity will increase your pain but this isn't true at all. In fact, pain increases when you decide to do nothing at all.So consider swimming, pool exercises, biking, Tai Chi, yoga, and Pilates as part of a comprehensive program. Find activities that you enjoy and can sustain for a long time. Start slow, do what you're comfortable with, and ask your doctor before you start an exercise program.Healthy EatingGood health always starts in the gut. Poor eating habits can cause weight gain. Its simple: a better diet can lead to overall health improvement:Try to have six servings of vegetables a day and 1-2 servings of fruit. Choose foods with less fat. Eat lean protein sources and consider eating more fish and a include more plant food dishes such as rice and beans in your diet. Get back to the basics and try to choose food with only one ingredient such as an apple or broccoli. Avoid processed foods that often comes in boxes.Frequently, we gain weight because of large portions. Avoid fast foods.If you are overweight, try to lose 5-7 percent of your body weight. SleepMany people have sleep problems, especially when faced with a chronic health condition. If you are unable to get a good nights sleep, you may start to notice symptoms such as loss of focus, fatigue, increased pain and fatigue.The amount of sleep varies for each individual, but most experts agree that a minimum of 7 hours helps us feel our best. Some people require 8-10 hours of sleep to function well.Remember: Sleeping pills are not a long term solution to poor sleep. There are many techniques that you can implement to promote a restful nights sleep such as establishing a sleep and rest schedule, avoiding alcohol, caffeine, smoking, getting out in the sun every day, and avoiding electronics (computers, TV, phone) one hour before bedtime. MindfulnessWe hear it all the time: Mind over matter. And it really is true. Practice distraction, mindful breathing, relaxation techniques, meditation, and guided imagery. Don't know how to start? Download a relaxing app on your phone or talk to a friend or expert about meditation or other forms of relaxation. Once you train your mind, you will be amazed at what you might accomplish.Would you like to learn more about these tools and others? Lee Health offers complimentary Chronic Disease Self-Management Education community workshops that were developed by the Self-Management Resource Center. The workshop meets weekly, for six weeks, at a variety of locations in Lee County. Call Lee Health Solutions at 239-343-9264and to register.

Dementia is an impairment in a persons ability to make decisions, think or remember, all of which interfere with everyday life. Alzheimers disease is the most common type of dementia, but there are others. >> Read Understanding the Different Types of DementiaDementia is not a normal part of aging, but it does affect about 5.8 million Americans, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The percentage of seniors being diagnosed with dementia is decreasing, but as Baby Boomers age, the total numbers will rise, according to the National Health and Aging Trends Study. Estimates say more than 9 million Americans could be diagnosed by 2030.Here is what you should know about one of the variants, called vascular dementia, including what causes vascular dementia, its symptoms and its treatments.What Causes Vascular Dementia?Vascular dementia, sometimes called vascular cognitive impairment, is directly linked to impaired blood flow to the brain. This may happen suddenly after a stroke, in which a blockage damages blood vessels in the brain. It can also happen over time because of a smaller stroke, called a transient ischemic attack, or a series of sometimes undetected strokes. Narrowed brain blood vessels or a brain hemorrhage can also contribute to vascular dementia.The loss of cognition and brain function can be affected significantly by the location, number and size of vascular changes in the brain. Experts say changes attributable to vascular dementia can range from mild to severe. About 5% to 10% of people with dementia have been diagnosed with vascular dementia.Vascular dementia, like other types of dementia, appears to shorten life span. After a stroke, survivors who develop dementia may survive an average of three years.Conditions that increase risk of heart disease and stroke also raise the risk of vascular dementia. These include:Atherosclerosis, which is a buildup of plaque inside your arteriesAtrial fibrillation, an irregular or rapid heartbeat that can lead to blood clotsDiabetesHigh blood pressureHigh cholesterolHistory of heart attacks, strokes or ministrokesObesitySmoking Putting these factors under control may help lower your chances of developing vascular dementia.>> Read 50 Essential Dementia ResourcesWhat Are the Symptoms of Vascular Dementia?Symptoms of vascular dementia are most apparent and dramatic after a major stroke, but they can be more subtle.Those with vascular dementia may exhibit: Changes in personality, behavior and moodCommunication difficulties, such as with listening and speakingConfusionDepression or apathyDifficulty performing tasks that used to be easy, such as paying billsDisorganizationDisorientationForgetting current or past eventsGetting lost on familiar routesHallucinations or delusionsImpaired reading and writingIndecisionLack of concentrationLoss of interest in things or peopleMisplacing itemsNumbness or paralysis on one side of the face or the bodyPhysical stroke symptoms, like a sudden headachePoor judgment and loss of ability to perceive dangerRestlessness and agitationSleep disruptionsSlowed thinkingSudden or frequent urge to urinate or inability to control passing urineTrouble following instructionsUnsteady balance and gaitThis is not a complete list of possible symptoms of vascular dementia. If there is any concern about symptoms, visit a doctor for a complete evaluation. >> Read When Is the Right Time to Consider Memory Care?How Is Vascular Dementia Treated?As of now, there are no drugs approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to treat symptoms of vascular dementia specifically. However, clinical trials are indicating that medicines that can treat Alzheimers symptoms may be of some benefit to those with vascular dementia. These medications usually treat some of the underlying causes of the disease, such as diabetes or high blood pressure.Some stroke survivors can improve during recovery and rehabilitation as the brain generates new blood vessels and the brain responds by rerouting tasks to other parts of the brain.It is important to prevent vascular dementia in the first place.What Can You Do To Prevent Vascular Dementia?There are a number of things people can do to stave off vascular dementia. Many of these are lifestyle changes, such as diet and exercise. Here are some of the changes you can make to prevent vascular dementia:Avoid Bad HabitsLimit alcohol use. You increase your risk of dementia if you have more than 21 drinks per week.Quit smoking. Tobacco smoking can damage blood vessels in your brain as well as other places in your body.Stay away from pollution. Air pollution and secondhand smoke can also be damaging to your body.Be ActiveGet physical exercise. In addition to all of its other benefits, exercise may help you avoid vascular dementia.Maintain a healthy weight. Obesity increases your risk for health issues that may trigger vascular dementia.Watch for head injuries. Take care during your exercise plan, because head injuries may trigger blood flow issues to your brain.Eat WellPursue a well-balanced diet. Concentrate on low-fat, high-fiber foods, or consider an anti-inflammatory diet.Monitor what you eat. Use your meals to keep your blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar within recommended limits.Visit Your DoctorGet checked. Your doctor can monitor blood pressure, blood sugar, cholesterol and other health indicators.Medicate as needed. Your doctor can prescribe necessary medications, such as cholesterol-lowering drugs to reduce your risk of strokes and heart attacks.>> Read The Complete Guide to Dementia for CaregiversEnjoy Life at Senior Lifestyle CommunitiesWhen memories fade, its the moments that matter most. Our Memory Care program exists to create authentic, enjoyable experiences for residents. Senior Lifestyle provides unique, individualized care plans for each resident to ensure they are living life to the fullest.>> Read A Day in the Life at Memory CareLearn more about our Memory Care program, find out more about Senior Lifestyle or schedule a tour today.

Weve all experienced the exhaustion that hits us at the end of an especially hectic day. Typically, this can be remedied by a good nights sleep, allowing us to wake up feeling refreshed and ready to face the new day. Yet chronic fatigue in older adults takes exhaustion to a whole new level, causing lethargic feelings that are more difficult to alleviate.What causes chronic fatigue?A variety of health conditions and even the treatments for those conditions can cause or exacerbate chronic fatigue, including:Anxiety and depressionGriefStressDiabetesHeart diseaseCancerKidney or liver diseaseCOPDThyroid diseaseChemotherapy and radiationMedications for pain or nausea as well as antihistamines and antidepressantsAnd moreWhat can be done to help?Lifestyle choices can either help or worsen chronic fatigue in older adults. For instance, avoid:Not getting enough sleep: Strive for at least 8 hours per night, regularly going to bed and waking up at the same time each day.Consuming too much caffeine: Limit caffeine intake and skip caffeine altogether later in the day. Consider cutting current caffeine intake in half to improve energy levels.Unhealthy eating habits: Choose more nutritious foods, such as whole grains, lean meats, low-fat dairy products, fruits and veggies over highly processed foods and junk foods.A sedentary lifestyle: The right amount of physical activity is key; talk with the doctor for recommendations, but typically, the goal is 30 minutes of exercise most days.Smoking: Smoking can cause a variety of serious health concerns which further drain energy. Talk to a physician about getting help with quitting smoking.Staying productive and engaged is also crucial to preventing or lessening chronic fatigue in older adults. Explore activities that spark interest and joy, such as:Volunteering in a field of interest: at the local elementary school, homeless shelter, pet rescue facility, religious organization, etc.Taking a class to learn something new at the community college or even onlineJoining a club or group that participates in shared interests: bowling, knitting, fishing, walking, swimming, etc.Its always a good idea to schedule an appointment for a check-up if chronic fatigue is suspected. The doctor can rule out any new underlying conditions, review medications being taken and modify if needed, and provide additional tips to help.The referred care providers from American, Advocate, and Whitsyms In-Home Care are here to help as well. Their in-home care services may include transportation to and from medical appointments or fun outings, preparing nutritious meals, running errands, friendly companionship to offer motivation to stay active and engaged, and much more.Contact us to learn more about how we can help a senior you love live a better quality of life. Reach out to the office nearest you by clicking the links below to get started:American In-Home Care  Serving North, Central, and West Coast of FloridaAdvocate In-Home Care  Serving Southeast and Southwest FloridaWhitsyms In-Home Care  Serving Southeast and Southwest Florida

On Saturday, October 18, the FC Naples soccer team is hosting a special evening dedicated to honoring and spreading awareness for breast cancer. Naples Cancer Advisors is partnering with them to bring the community together, and there are several ways to be involved:Vendors:Businesses who can support with breast cancer awareness resources, information, or related giveaway items can attend the vendor event for free. Vendors will also have the opportunity to purchase discounted tickets for their team to attend the game.Survivors & Warriors:We are inviting about 20 breast cancer survivors or individuals currently going through treatment to be honored on the field by walking out with the players. Their tickets are free of charge if they register with me directly.This will be a meaningful night of awareness, recognition, and community support. Vendor set-up will begin at 5:30 PM, with gates opening at 6:00 PM and the game starting at 7:00 PM.