New Report from the CDC Show High Rates of Osteoporosis

A recently released report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) shows that 25 percent of all American women aged 65 or older suffer from osteoporosis.   In men over 65 years, the figure drops to about 6 percent.

Osteoporosis is the gradual weakening of the skeletal system and causes bones to become weak and brittle.  Those with the disease have a greatly increased risk of fractures from falls or even mild stresses.  One of the most common ways to diagnose it is through a dual X-ray absorptiometry, also called DXA or DEXA.  This test is used to measures the bone mineral density (BMD) of the spine, hip or total body bone density to help evaluate a person’s risk of fracture.   The scan is painless and noninvasive and typically takes no more than 10 or 20 minutes.

One of the results from the study is that experts agree that there should be a bigger push for more adults to get tested for the disease.  Dr. Saad Chaudhary, a spine surgeon at Mount Sinai Beth Israel Hospital in New York City, says that osteoporosis and the less severe condition known as osteopenia (low bone mass) are “not just a problem for the 80-year-old individual, but starts to become an issue for many adults in their 50s and 60s."

The study was conducted by researchers, Anne Looker and Steven Frenk, of the CDC's Division of Health and Nutrition Examination Statistics and examined data from a large federal health survey done in 2005-2010.  Data from the study also indicates that osteopenia was discovered in 52 percent of senior women and 44 percent of senior men.    

Currently bone mineral density screening is recommended for all postmenopausal women.  For men aged 50 and over, the test is recommended based on risk factors.  All women age 70 and older as well as all men 80 and above should have the test done.  Furthermore, doctors recommend that to reduce your risk of osteoporosis in later life, eat plenty of calcium and Vitamin D enriched foods.  

** This post is intended for informational purposes only.  Consult your health care provider regarding all of your medical concerns. **

     

At SYNERGY HomeCare, we are one of the most trusted names in home care in Colorado serving the Front Range since 2006. We have grown to 5 offices and will be adding 2 more locations in 2015 and our successful growth can be summarized by one word, "Service".  Our mission is to ensure that every client is treated with the upmost respect and dignity, and we strive to incorporate those beliefs into all of our home health care services. We are available 24/7 to listen to your unique story and provide you answers to all your questions.

Sources:nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/news/fullstory_154101.html,webmd.com/healthy-aging/news/20150813/1-in-4-senior-women-in-us-has-osteoporosis-cdc

The Early Signs of Alzheimer’s

The Alzheimer’s Organization’s website has a list of warning signs that may indicate the early stages of Alzheimer’s.  However they caution that everyone’s experience is different, and if you suspect a problem to consult with your doctor.  

One of the first signs they list is experiencing memory loss to the extent that it disrupts a person’s life.  The most common symptom of Alzheimer’s is memory loss and it first starts by affecting recently learned information.  Problems include: “forgetting important dates or events; asking for the same information over and over; increasingly needing to rely on memory aids (e.g., reminder notes or electronic devices) or family members for things they used to handle on their own.”

The Alzheimer’s Organization next cites difficulty in planning or organizing common activities.  Examples include struggling to follow a recipe or keeping track of monthly bills.  Another problem may be struggling to complete familiar tasks at home or at work.  Confusion is also associated with Alzheimer’s, and in the early stages someone may start forgetting things such as what time of year it is or what season. 

While seniors often have vision problems, someone with Alzheimer’s can have problems understanding visual images and spatial relationships such as with reading or judging distance.  This is critical to recognize if the person is still driving.  Furthermore, someone in the early stages may start to have trouble following conversations or with talking.  They may start to speak but suddenly stop mid-stream while they attempt to find the right word.

Helping a loved one with Alzheimer’s is a difficult task and can cause a great deal of stress.  Agencies such as Colorado’s SYNERGY HomeCare provide families the kind of services they need when caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s.   

*Our post is for information purposes only and not a substitute for seeking medical advice.

 

At SYNERGY HomeCare, we are one of the most trusted names in home care in Colorado serving the Front Range since 2006. We have grown to 5 offices and will be adding 2 more locations in 2015 and our successful growth can be summarized by one word, "Service".   Our mission is to ensure that every client is treated with the upmost respect and dignity, and we strive to incorporate those beliefs into all of our home health care services. We are available 24/7 to listen to your unique story and provide you answers to all your questions.

Source: alz.org/alzheimers_disease_10_signs_of_alzheimers.asp?type=alzFooter#signs

What You May Not Know about Heart Disease

As the number one killer for both men and women, it is important that we know the facts about heart disease. The American Heart Association’s website contains useful information about heart disease and the many problems related to atherosclerosis, which is the condition that develops when a substance called plaque builds up in the walls of the arteries.  When this buildup narrows the arteries, it more difficult for blood to flow through and increases the chance of a blood clot forming, which can stop blood flow and cause a heart attack or stroke.

A heart attack occurs when the blood flow that goes into the heart becomes blocked by a blood clot.  The treatment an individual receives depends on the severity of the heart attack, but for most, medications and lifestyle changes are prescribed. 

The most common type of stroke is an ischemic stroke and happens when a blood vessel that feeds the brain is blocked (usually from a blood clot).  Uncontrolled hypertension can result in what is known as a hemorrhagic stroke, which occurs when a blood vessel in the brain burst. 

The AHA states that heart failure, also called congestive heart failure, is one of the most common causes of hospitalization for  adults 65 years and older.  Heart failure occurs when the heart is not pumping blood as well as it should and the body’s blood and oxygen needs are not being met.  Left untreated it can worsen, and individuals with the disease need to be diligent in following doctor’s orders.  Treatment may include lifestyle changes, medications and surgery. 

Other types of cardiovascular disease are arrhythmia and heart valve problems.  Arrhythmia is the abnormal rhythm of the heart that causes the heart to beat too slowly, too fast or irregularly.   Stenosis is when the heart valves do not open enough to allow blood to flow through, and regurgitation is what happens when the heart valves do not close properly and allow blood to leak through.  Finally mitral valve prolapse is when the valve leaflets bulge or prolapse back into the upper chamber. 

*Our post is for information purposes only and not a substitute for seeking medical advice.

At SYNERGY HomeCare, we are one of the most trusted names in home care in Colorado serving the Front Range since 2006. We have grown to 5 offices and will add 2 more locations in 2015.  Our successful growth can be summarized by one word, "Service".  Our mission is to ensure that every client is treated with the upmost respect and dignity, and we strive to incorporate those beliefs into all of our home healthcare services. We are available 24/7 to listen to your unique story and provide you answers to all your questions.

Sources:heart.org/HEARTORG/Caregiver/Resources/WhatisCardiovascularDisease/What-is-Cardiovascular-Disease_UCM_301852_Article.jsp#

Phones Designed Especially for Seniors

If you are phone shopping for an elderly parent or relative, you may be wondering which one to get.  Before you decide, you may want to consider a number of factors such as whether or not your senior is tech savvy and do they need to watch their budget.  In addition many seniors have problems with hearing and fading eyesight so that may be something else to think about.  Also your selection must take into account if they already locked into a cellphone contract and how often will they use the phone. 

For seniors on a tight budget or someone who only wants a cellphone for an occasional call or for emergency situations, a no contract plan may be the way to go.  A prepaid cellphone does not require a contract and there are not any of the hidden costs or a monthly bill as in a standard phone plan.  

The Huffington Post’s Senior Savvy blog recently published an article detailing some of the latest choices in cellphones designed specifically for seniors including those with hearing loss.  All of the phones they listed are basic phones with big buttons, SOS emergency buttons and easy to navigate menus.  Some of these new phones include features such as enhanced speakers and hearing aid compatibility.     

One of their top choices was the Samsung flip-phone called the GreatCall’s Jitterbug5.  Easy to navigate, it too offers big buttons, simple YES/NO menu buttons and a large, bright colored screen.  The phone contains their one touch dedicated 5Star button to immediately connect the user to a 5Star Medical Alert Agent who will in turn contact the appropriate help in an unsafe situation. 

Another Senior Savvy’s recommendation is the less expensive Doro PhoneEasy 626.  This easy-to-use phone lets you answer and end calls with a simple flip.  It has large, raised buttons with speed-dial functionality, text messaging and an accessible emergency call button.  It has excellent sound and audio quality and offers hearing-aid compatibility.  A user can listen to conversations from the earpiece or through the speakerphone.

At SYNERGY HomeCare, we are one of the most respected names in home care in Colorado serving the Front Range since 2006. Currently we have 5 offices and will be adding 2 more locations in 2015, and our successful growth can be summarized by one word, "Service".  Our mission is to make sure that every client is treated with the upmost respect and dignity, and we strive to incorporate those beliefs into all of our home health care services. We are available 24/7 to listen to your unique story and provide you answers to all your questions.

Sources:huffingtonpost.com/jim-t-miller/simplified-cellphones-for_b_7682798.html