Home Care Houston enables seniors to live happy, healthy, and independent lives in their own homes.

Many seniors suffer with diabetes. While there are various types of the disease, Type 1 is very common. With this type, the pancreas does not function properly and insulin is no longer produced. This results in the need for daily injections of insulin. When insulin injections are used in combination with a strict diet, those with Type 1 diabetes can usually lead a healthy and normal life. Below is a list that contains some facts that are useful for those
with Type 1 diabetes.

1. Those with Type 1 diabetes must take insulin every day. Without insulin, the patient will not survive. It is important to find out exactly how much insulin is needed to control blood sugar levels.

2. The onset of Type 1 happens rapidly. The warning signs of the development of type 1 diabetes include increased blood sugar levels, increased urination and thirst, weight loss, blurred vision and fatigue. If any of these symptoms are noticed, contact a doctor as soon as possible.

3. It is important to test blood sugar levels regularly. These levels allow patients to monitor their diabetes and can tell them how much insulin they need to control the levels. It is best to test before meals, a few hours after meals and before bedtime.

4. A regular diet is important, but so is the time meals are eaten. Many diabetics have to eat at the same time every day to keep their blood sugar levels under control.

5. A healthy life style will help the battle with Type 1 diabetes. Work with doctors to find a regime that works best and stick to it. Once your diabetes is under control, you will lead a normal life.

Source: diabetes.about.com

Image: diabetic-forum.net

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.

I know what you’re thinking, starting a diet isn’t one of your retirement goals, but it is the first step in ensuring that you can live out your dream retirement. Focusing on proper nutrition ensures that you’ve got all of the energy in the world to do all of those things that you’ve hoped to accomplish during your retirement; whether it’s to travel, interact with your grandchildren, or simply take up some new hobbies. A diet might not have been one of your retirement goals, but it’s time to start making it a priority, and here are some tips to get you started:

1. Eat raw foods – some nutrients can be best digested when in raw form and they are rich in fiber. Make sure that at least one of your daily servings of vegetables are consumed raw either on their own or in a salad

2. Choose whole grain carbs – unprocessed carbs that are whole grain provide energy , choose brown rice, and whole grain breads and pasta. White carbohydrates are starchy and can make you feel tired and bloated

3. Stick to lean proteins – limit red meat and instead go with lean sources of protein like poultry, fish, eggs, beans and nuts which will give you the fuel to get through you day and are also very health conscious

4. Incorporate low fat dairy items into your diet – calcium is crucial for senior health so drink low fat milk, and make sure you stock up on yogurt and cheese

5. Don’t avoid all fat – there are some good fats that should be part of your diet; make sure you get the positive benefits of healthy fats and oils through olive oil, avocados and nuts

6. Stay hydrated – remember to drink plenty of water and choose foods that have a lot of water content

Via: HelpGuide

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.

According to US Resolution 252, passed by the US Senate, February is officially designated National Prevention Month in the United States.  As one of the most devastating diseases, that impact the lives of approximately 550,000 Americans each year, including many older adults, the government clearly grasps the importance of promoting postive ways to enhance wellness and ultimately prevent cancer.

Sponsored by the American Institute of Cancer Research (AICR) the National Cancer Prevention Month resolution promotes making small lifestyle changes which can prevent cancer, in senior citizens and the rest of the population, by up to 70%.  Since diet and lifestyle play such a major role in cancer prevention, February is as good a time as any for people to understand what they can do to prevent the onset of or fatality from cancer and begin implementing exercise, smoking cessation, and well-balanced diets into their regular routines. 

The AICR recommends preparing daily meals that are 2/3 plant based foods, and 1/3 animal protein, since dietary fats will be reduced from your diet, which can help to maintain a healthy weight; a critical component in cancer prevention since 20% of all cancers relate to obesity.  Seniors should also engage in regular weekly physical exercise to help increase blood flow and control weight gain which can contribute to the onset of cancer, they should pick a routine that incorporates stretching, balance and strength training and that is suitable for their physical limitations.

National Cancer Prevention Month also aims to make people more aware of the screening techniques available that can lead to prevention, proper diagnosis and treatment of the various types of cancer.  During the month of February health institutions are encouraged to distribute information about cancer prevention to seniors and people of all ages and information is available on the AICR website regarding information sessions on cancer prevention.

Sources:
http://www.cancerwise.org/february_2004/display.cfm?id=B6EO5740-1F9C-4DC2-ADD57C9020
7F413D&color=blue&method=displayfull&color=blue
http://www.healthline.com/blogs/health-obsevances/2007/02/february-is-national-cancer-prevention.html

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, Baytown, and Tomball - call 281-440-5160.