by Sue Ellen Addicott | Oct 27, 2016 | Senior Health and Well-Bring, Senior Move Management, Senior Planning
Advance care planning is an uncomfortable topic — one that most people avoid. That’s why Begin the Conversation was created. Begin the Conversation encourages you to talk about that “elephant in the room” and let your family and physicians know about your wishes long before those decisions are faced. It provides you with the tools to help you figure out what is important to you and how to live your best life possible.
Tidewell Hospice, your community partner for Begin the Conversation, BeginTheConversation.org invites you to attend a special information program about advance care planning. During the presentation we will discuss living wills and healthcare power of attorney and provide you with tips about starting the conversation.
Date: Thursday, November 17, 2016
Time: 10:00am – 11:30am
Location: First Presbyterian Church
2050 Oak Street
Sarasota, FL
Please RSVP by November 14th to 941-955-8119
by Sue Ellen Addicott | Oct 21, 2016 | Senior Health and Well-Bring, Senior Move Management
Senior Moves provides senior move management services in the Sarasota, Florida area. Often, we are hired when a member of the family has had a health crisis and there is an unexpected and rather urgent need to move. Senior Moves encourages planning ahead of time and it is a topic we discuss with people on a regular basis. Planning also reduces stress for everyone involved in a family member’s health and well being.
Studies show that up to 80% of strokes can be prevented by working closely with your healthcare provider and managing your risk factors. These 10 tips from the National Stroke Association can add more years to your life and more life to your years.
- Stay active. Increased physical activity will assist with weight loss, reduce your cholesterol levels, and keep your arteries clear of blockages.
- If you smoke, stop. Smoking doubles your risk for stroke by weakening blood vessels and increasing your blood pressure.
- Eat a healthy. Cutting back on saturated fats and increasing your fruit and vegetable intake, will help you lose weight, clear your blood vessels and put less strain on your circulatory system.
- Have your cholesterol level checked regularly. Becoming more aware of your cholesterol will help you understand your risk for stroke and the effect diet has on your levels.
- Limit alcohol use. Alcohol can raise your blood pressure and harden your arteries.
- Control your diabetes. Increased blood sugar can lead to high blood pressure and high cholesterol.
- Maintain a healthy weight. Excess weight will strain your circulatory system, increase your blood pressure, and put you at a higher risk for diabetes.
- Monitor your blood pressure. Be aware of your blood pressure and have it treated if it is too high. High blood pressure greatly increases your chances of having a stroke.
- Know your family history. If there is a history of stroke in your family, your chances of having one is higher.
- Talk to your health care provider. Your health care provider can help you map out an effective way to apply these prevention techniques to your daily life.
by Sue Ellen Addicott | Aug 29, 2016 | Senior Health and Well-Bring
Twenty-eight percent of Americans over the age of 65 live alone so it is very important for seniors and caregivers to be aware of potential social isolation and depression.
Social integration, the opposite of social isolation, has been found to be generally beneficial to health across adulthood into old age” (Cornell Institute for Translational Research on Aging, Research Review, March 2007). So, while it may seem that your grandmother is just playing Bingo, she is making valuable social connections that will help keep her mentally and physically healthy. Here are some tips on how to combat social isolation;
• Volunteer your time. There are opportunities to volunteer everywhere. Contact schools, hospitals, libraries, soup kitchens, churches and local charities for available opportunities.
• Find a hobby. Whether playing cards, scrapbooking, knitting, playing Bingo or fishing, make it a point to meet with friends regularly to enjoy a hobby together.
• Schedule a regular weekly time to meet with friends. A morning cup of coffee, lunch, tea or sitting at the park, make an excuse to have a regular meeting with friends each week.
• Schedule family time. Call your family regularly to touch base, laugh and share stories.
• Attend church. Even if you haven’t before, now is a great time to get involved. Church will get you out of the house and may open more doors for volunteering, hobbies and friends.
