Q – Although my dad maintains his license and has had it renewed in Houston, he has mentioned that his visibility is declining as he gets older and he is worried it will impact his ability to drive. He is concerned about his changes in peripheral vision and how that will compromise his safety behind the wheel. Is there anything he can do to improve his vision while driving so he doesn’t hurt himself or someone else?

A – As long as your dad has a driver’s license issued in Houston that is valid, he should be considered safe to drive. However, if he has concerns that his vision might be compromising his visibility behind the wheel, there are a few techniques that he can try.

• Get eye exams at least every 2 years – with detection many common eye issues can be slowed or treated before the affect vision too seriously
• Drive during the day – seniors who have issues with night driving or glare should limit their driving to daytime
• Turn your head frequently – this can help expand more limited peripheral vision when driving
• Keep car clean – the windshield, wipers and mirrors should all be kept clean so they don’t further obstruct vision
• Install a larger rearview mirror – for seniors with more limited visibility, a larger mirror will increase where and how they can see
• Adjust mirrors properly – adjusting mirrors properly will improve range of vision

Sources:

1. AAASeniors

Image Source: pro.corbis.com

Home Care Houston Southeast serving elders in the Bay Area; Clear Lake, Webster, Pasadena, League City, & Pearland - call (281) 484-0200.

Home Care Houston South Central serving seniors in Meyerland, Bellaire, Missouri City, Sugar Land, & Stafford - call 713-774-2215.

Home Care Houston Southwest serving aging adults in Katy, Richmond, Rosenberg, Fushear, Sugar Land, Stafford, Memorial City & Galleria areas - call 832 379-4700.

Home Care Houston Northwest serving older adults in Humble, Katy, Spring, Cypress, and Tomball - call 281-440-5160.

Taking care of your health is very important. Especially in these economic times one of the best investments you can make is in yourself. Take a moment to look through this list of health fairs being offered in the Harris County, TX area. The fairs are sponsored by the Harris County Hospital District and services offered include cholesterol, vision and blood pressure screenings as well as child development and preventive health education information.

With over 15 Health Fairs being offered in the next 30 days there should be at least one that you can attend. Be good to yourself and your family. Visit the Health Fair. Visit Health Fair in Harris County dates and times.

Source: Examiner.com

Home Care Houston Southeast serving elders in the Bay Area; Clear Lake, Webster, Pasadena, League City, & Pearland - call (281) 484-0200.

Home Care Houston South Central serving seniors in Meyerland, Bellaire, Missouri City, Sugar Land, & Stafford - call 713-774-2215.

Home Care Houston Southwest serving aging adults in Katy, Richmond, Rosenberg, Fushear, Sugar Land, Stafford, Memorial City & Galleria areas - call 832 379-4700.

Home Care Houston Northwest serving older adults in Humble, Katy, Spring, Cypress, and Tomball - call 281-440-5160.

As we get older, we often notice that our blood circulation changes; with age, we might find that we have swelling around our feet or ankles, or bruise much more easily than we used to. But, for Houston seniors, the effects of poor blood circulation can be far more severe, and there can be grave consequences.

The Effects of Poor Blood Circulation:

• Effects upon the brain – poor blood circulation can impact the brain causing fatigue, dizziness, memory loss, and frequent and unexplained headaches
• Effects upon the heart – poor blood circulation can have an impact on the heart, causing inability to perform simple aerobic activities like climbing stairs without breathlessness; high blood pressure and cholesterol, and chest pain can be other symptoms
• Effects upon the liver – symptoms of poor blood circulation in the liver can include lack of appetite or unexplained weight loss, and changes in skin tone
• Effects upon the kidneys – poor circulation to the kidneys are typically the result when there is swelling of the hands, feet and ankles. Other symptoms can include fatigue, altered heart rate and rise in blood pressure
• Effects upon the limbs – with poor circulation, cramps in the limbs, numbness and varicose veins can appear as symptoms

Preventing or Improving Poor Circulation

There are some simple techniques that Houston seniors can use in order to help prevent and improve poor blood circulation, which include the following:

• Take cayenne pepper powder or capsules to improve circulation and increase metabolism
• Take ginkgo balboa capsules which have a direct impact on blood circulation
• Exercise to circulate oxygen through the blood stream and improve blood circulation
• Lower intake of saturated fats in a diet and increase intake of vitamin-rich nutrients such as fruits and vegetables

Sources:

1. Ezine Articles
2. Suote101

Home Care Houston Southeast serving elders in the Bay Area; Clear Lake, Webster, Pasadena, League City, & Pearland - call (281) 484-0200.

Home Care Houston South Central serving seniors in Meyerland, Bellaire, Missouri City, Sugar Land, & Stafford - call 713-774-2215.

Home Care Houston Southwest serving aging adults in Katy, Richmond, Rosenberg, Fushear, Sugar Land, Stafford, Memorial City & Galleria areas - call 832 379-4700.

Home Care Houston Northwest serving older adults in Humble, Katy, Spring, Cypress, and Tomball - call 281-440-5160.

Studies have shown that Houston seniors with MS can improve their quality of life by exercising. While this can be a challenge for many seniors who struggle with their balance and overall mobility as a result of Multiple Sclerosis, the benefits are extensive, and when safety is always in mind it is possible to have an enjoyable experience with physical activity, and overall boost spirits and ward off other issues like depression.

Here are a few tips for Houston seniors with MS to use when exercising:

• Warm up before the exercise with stretching and gradually increasing the intensity and cool down after
• Increase the intensity and duration of the activity slowly. Seniors who plan on exercising for 30 minutes at a time should start with 10 minute intervals and working themselves up to a longer workout time
• Make sure the workout environment is free of hazards like slippery floors, things to trip over or rugs that will slide
• Since many seniors with MS struggle with balance, they should work out near a grab bar or other safety equipment that can provide support
• Anything that doesn’t feel right shouldn’t be continued, whether it’s pain or feeling sick is a sign that it’s time to stop and rest
• Choose activities that are enjoyable and that don’t put too much stress on the body
• Avoid exercising outside or during the hottest periods of the day (10am until 2pm)
• Drink plenty of fluids
• Get out of the heat if any new symptoms develop

Sources:

1. Science Daily
2. MS Society
3. WebMD

Image Source: pro.corbis.com

Home Care Houston Southeast serving elders in the Bay Area; Clear Lake, Webster, Pasadena, League City, & Pearland - call (281) 484-0200.

Home Care Houston South Central serving seniors in Meyerland, Bellaire, Missouri City, Sugar Land, & Stafford - call 713-774-2215.

Home Care Houston Southwest serving aging adults in Katy, Richmond, Rosenberg, Fushear, Sugar Land, Stafford, Memorial City & Galleria areas - call 832 379-4700.

Home Care Houston Northwest serving older adults in Humble, Katy, Spring, Cypress, and Tomball - call 281-440-5160.

My mother in law has had problems in her legs from quite a number of years, primarily due to the extra weight that she carries, which has put a strain on her legs which are the bulk of her support. In her 50s, she received two knee replacements, and while that helped her regain some semblance of mobility, in recent years that’s began to decline again. She’s had a number of issues, including what the doctor believes is tendonitis in the thighs, and has had leg infections when scrapes and other injuries have refused to heal. After multiple diagnoses and ineffective treatment methods for many of the problems with her legs, she still has not found a solution and is practically immobile, which is tragic since she is only in her early 60s.

Recently, she was sent to a masseuse in order to help treat what is believed to be tendonitis in her legs. However, after taking one look at her, the masseuse said that she doesn’t want to do too much, because it appears as though she has a varicose vein and pressure could further aggravate it. She has been examined multiple times by her doctor, but this has never been brought to her attention before; however, after looking into it further, she believes that this might explain many of the problems she’s been having; including the inability to heal, itchy legs, swelling in the legs (which the doctor said was due to a medication), and the severe leg cramps. After examining her again when she approached her doctor about the issues she was having and the belief that it might be a varicose vein, he determined that in fact not all of her problems are attributed to the presence of a varicose vein, but that many of her symptoms are correct. She’s currently undergoing a few different treatment methods in an attempt to alleviate her problems.

Sources:

1. Wrong Diagnosis

Image Source: pro.corbis.com

Home Care Houston Southeast serving elders in the Bay Area; Clear Lake, Webster, Pasadena, League City, & Pearland - call (281) 484-0200.

Home Care Houston South Central serving seniors in Meyerland, Bellaire, Missouri City, Sugar Land, & Stafford - call 713-774-2215.

Home Care Houston Southwest serving aging adults in Katy, Richmond, Rosenberg, Fushear, Sugar Land, Stafford, Memorial City & Galleria areas - call 832 379-4700.

Home Care Houston Northwest serving older adults in Humble, Katy, Spring, Cypress, and Tomball - call 281-440-5160.

Hypertension is known as the ‘silent killer’ amongst American seniors, because for many Houston older adults, the potentially fatal illness can go undetected. As a result, when a diagnosis of primary hypertension is made by a doctor, it’s crucial that seniors make adjustment to their lifestyles in order to reduce their blood pressure and make sure that it doesn’t harm their health. While medication can help reduce blood pressure, there are more favorable natural methods that seniors can use in order to make their health a priority.

• Aerobic Exercise – this is an easy way to reduce blood pressure. Whether it’s beginning a routine fitness regimen or making simple changes, like taking the stairs instead of the elevator, or parking father from the entrance to a store to walk a little bit further
• Lose weight – blood pressure and obesity naturally go hand-in-hand, so in order to lower blood pressure, start losing weight!
• Diet plan – seniors with high blood pressure should not only reduce the calories in their diet in order to help with weight loss; but they should also change their diet so that it’s low in saturated fats and rich in fruits and vegetables chalk full of nutrients
• Reduce sodium intake – sodium intake should be no more than 2,400 mg per day, so seniors should cut sodium down in their diets by avoiding especially salty foods. Sodium can exasperate high blood pressure or make symptoms worse
• Quit smoking – those who smoke can make high blood pressure much worse and potentially deadly. Inhaling smoke damages blood vessel walls and hardens the arteries

Before implementing any of the following tips in their life, seniors should talk to a doctor about safe methods to reduce blood pressure, incorporating the above, based on their health and fitness level.

Sources:

1. Suite101

Home Care Houston Southeast serving elders in the Bay Area; Clear Lake, Webster, Pasadena, League City, & Pearland - call (281) 484-0200.

Home Care Houston South Central serving seniors in Meyerland, Bellaire, Missouri City, Sugar Land, & Stafford - call 713-774-2215.

Home Care Houston Southwest serving aging adults in Katy, Richmond, Rosenberg, Fushear, Sugar Land, Stafford, Memorial City & Galleria areas - call 832 379-4700.

Home Care Houston Northwest serving older adults in Humble, Katy, Spring, Cypress, and Tomball - call 281-440-5160.

Houston seniors are aware of the benefits of exercise, but for many reasons, seniors find that they just can’t get themselves started. Here are a few of the common reasons that seniors avoid exercise, and ways that they can get over the hurdles and introduce physical activity into their lives.

• Seniors are afraid that they’re just too old – in reality, a fit 70 year old can be stronger and in better health than a senior who is sedentary
• Seniors are afraid that they might injure themselves – while this can be a reality, seniors need to choose activities that are well-suited to their physical abilities; and if they are concerned can talk to a doctor and a fitness expert who has experience working with seniors
• They are afraid it will harm their health – while overexertion can have negative health repercussions, seniors who pay close attention to the signs and symptoms generated from their bodies and know when to take it easy will likely avoid the risks
• They get bored – seniors should choose activities that they enjoy – this can be through trial and error – but generally, any physical activity is beneficial. By varying their routine and sticking with the exercises they enjoy, they will be more likely to keep it up

Sources:

1. Mature Fitness
2. MedicineNet

Image Source: pro.corbis.com

Home Care Houston Southeast serving elders in the Bay Area; Clear Lake, Webster, Pasadena, League City, & Pearland - call (281) 484-0200.

Home Care Houston South Central serving seniors in Meyerland, Bellaire, Missouri City, Sugar Land, & Stafford - call 713-774-2215.

Home Care Houston Southwest serving aging adults in Katy, Richmond, Rosenberg, Fushear, Sugar Land, Stafford, Memorial City & Galleria areas - call 832 379-4700.

Home Care Houston Northwest serving older adults in Humble, Katy, Spring, Cypress, and Tomball - call 281-440-5160.

Q – I am a care recipient for an elderly gentleman in Houston; for years, we have taped episodes of Dancing with the Stars and watched it during the day during our time together. Since this is one of the few interests that we share, I’ve been thinking about introducing my senior to ballroom dancing through lessons at a local community center in Houston; however, I’m wondering if it is a safe activity for a 82 year old man with a history of arthritis?

A – Dancing with the Stars has made many seniors and their caregivers across the United States consider ballroom dancing as a fun activity that is great for entertainment as well as exercise. Studies have shown that ballroom dancing can reduce instances of Alzheimer’s and dementia, increase flexibility, stimulate the mind and improve overall cardiovascular health. While you are right to be cautious about pursuing any physical activity, it can be a very safe activity for seniors of any age when learned under the supervision of an experienced ballroom dancing instructor who has a background working with seniors. When engaging in any physical activity with a senior, you should always be aware of any signs that they are struggling physically as a result of the activity. Shortness of breath or extreme perspiration my may be signs of overexertion, and if he mentions unusual pain in any of his joints or muscles it may be time to ease off the dancing. Otherwise, start dancing like your favorite stars, and he’ll be well on his way to better health!

Sources:

1. Suite 101
2. Global Action on Aging

Image Source: pro.corbis.com

Home Care Houston Southeast serving elders in the Bay Area; Clear Lake, Webster, Pasadena, League City, & Pearland - call (281) 484-0200.

Home Care Houston South Central serving seniors in Meyerland, Bellaire, Missouri City, Sugar Land, & Stafford - call 713-774-2215.

Home Care Houston Southwest serving aging adults in Katy, Richmond, Rosenberg, Fushear, Sugar Land, Stafford, Memorial City & Galleria areas - call 832 379-4700.

Home Care Houston Northwest serving older adults in Humble, Katy, Spring, Cypress, and Tomball - call 281-440-5160.

All seniors are different, but in my experience, teaching a senior about computer use isn’t always easy. When my grandfather had a computer brought into his home, we felt that it was necessary to teach him only the bare minimum; showing him skills he would need in order to get himself online, send email, and access his favorite websites. We created shortcuts, and had the web browser automatically save his login details so everything would happen simply and automatically. We also wrote down step-by-step instructions for every action so he’d have something to fall back on in case his memory failed him when performing a specific task on the computer. We knew when he got the computer that this would not be easy on him, or on the rest of the family; but we were also certain that the benefits he would receive would outweigh the negatives.

Within weeks of the computer being brought into my grandfather’s home, the phone calls started. With his limited knowledge of technology, anything out of the box that happened would leave him totally lost. If a different message box popped up while he was checking his email; everything would have to be put on hold. If the internet disconnected, he would worry that he had somehow broken the computer. Despite the complications, we knew how important that having the computer and internet access was to him; he was finally connecting with family members he could no longer speak with because of his limited hearing, and he had regained a sense of self through finding activities he enjoyed, that he could do at home, since he had to give up some of the physical things that his life had formerly revolved around, and that made it all worth it.

A Personal account by Beth Hodgson, writer for Carebuzz

Home Care Houston Southeast serving elders in the Bay Area; Clear Lake, Webster, Pasadena, League City, & Pearland - call (281) 484-0200.

Home Care Houston South Central serving seniors in Meyerland, Bellaire, Missouri City, Sugar Land, & Stafford - call 713-774-2215.

Home Care Houston Southwest serving aging adults in Katy, Richmond, Rosenberg, Fushear, Sugar Land, Stafford, Memorial City & Galleria areas - call 832 379-4700.

Home Care Houston Northwest serving older adults in Humble, Katy, Spring, Cypress, and Tomball - call 281-440-5160.

Image Source: pro.corbis.com

Elderhostel offers education tours for active seniors who want to pursue their specific interests at various travel destinations around the world. One of their popular travel programs for seniors is Birding the Hotspots of Costa Rica, which is a fairly physically strenuous program that requires seniors to spend a large part of their 2 week vacation on their feet. When taking an outdoor tour trip like this one offered by Elderhostel, seniors need to make sure that they pack the right items for the ultimate comfort during their trip. Some suggested items that Houston seniors should ensure they have in their suitcase before jet setting off to the jungles of Costa Rica include:

• Comfortable shoes suitable for wear on uneven terrain
• Clothing appropriate for the hot and humid Costa Rican temperatures; loose billowy clothing in light colors are recommended
• A good pair of binoculars and other appropriate birding gear
• Rain gear in case of changing tropical weather conditions during times spent outdoors
• A light backpack appropriate for carrying items needed during day trips while bird watching
• A reusable water bottle that can be carried out on excursions
• A hat, sunscreen and other sun protection items

Sources:

1. Suite101
2. Elderhostel

Home Care Houston Southeast serving elders in the Bay Area; Clear Lake, Webster, Pasadena, League City, & Pearland - call (281) 484-0200.

Home Care Houston South Central serving seniors in Meyerland, Bellaire, Missouri City, Sugar Land, & Stafford - call 713-774-2215.

Home Care Houston Southwest serving aging adults in Katy, Richmond, Rosenberg, Fushear, Sugar Land, Stafford, Memorial City & Galleria areas - call 832 379-4700.

Home Care Houston Northwest serving older adults in Humble, Katy, Spring, Cypress, and Tomball - call 281-440-5160.