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

A Healthy Diet is Important for Seniors

We know it is important for everyone to eat well and seniors are no exception.  In fact Help.guide.org, the non-profit guide to mental health and well-being, suggests that for those over 50, “the benefits include increased mental acuteness, resistance to illness and disease, higher energy levels, faster recuperation times, and better management of chronic health problems.”

The USDA recommends that seniors make some simply modifications to their diet to ensure the food they eat is rich in nutrients and vitamins and to try to avoid unhealthy options.   Their suggestions include instead of using salt to flavor food, seniors should get in the habit of using spices and herbs. Also have available sliced fruits and vegetables for snacks and meals.   They also recommend eating foods fortified with vitamin B12, such as fortified cereals and to drink 3 cups of fat-free or low-fat milk daily.  If you cannot tolerate milk, then eat yogurt, hard cheeses or lactose-free foods.   Most importantly they remind seniors to drink water, not soda or other sugary drinks.  

As some seniors suffer from a decreased appetite due to lack of exercise or from medications, it is even more critical that the food they do eat is nutritional.  In addition eating healthy foods helps to maintain your weight or to lose weight if you need to.  The daily diet for seniors should include colorful fruits and vegetables, whole grains and lean proteins.  

The National Institute of Aging says physically inactive women over 50 need to consume about 1600 calories a day, and those somewhat active women should get around 1800 calories.  For women over 50 who lead a very active lifestyle, they need approximately 2,000 calories daily.  Men over 50 not physically active only need 2,000 calories, somewhat active men about 22-2400 and very active men require 2400-2800 calories daily.

SYNERGY HomeCare is 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:helpguide.org/articles/healthy-eating/eating-well-as-you-age.htm choosemyplate.gov/older-adults

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#

Is Frequent Bruising a Cause for Concern?

 

While some people are more prone to bruising and women more so than men, it is true that as we age everyone bruises more easily.  According to the Mayo Clinic, older people’s skin is thinner and has lost some of its fatty layer that works as a cushion to protect blood vessels from injury.   

Contusion, the medical term for a bruise, is typically caused when the small blood vessels near the skin’s surface are broken by the impact of an injury or blow to the area.  This results in blood leaking out of the vessels and creating the black-and-blue mark of a bruise.  A bruise heals as the body reabsorbs the blood. 

There are even certain medications that are known to cause bruising.  The Mayo Clinic website cites aspirin and other anticoagulant medications and anti-platelet agents as things that reduce your blood's ability to clot.  They explain that “bleeding from capillary damage might take longer than usual to stop — which allows enough blood to leak out and cause a bruise.”  In addition they advise that some dietary supplements including fish oil and ginkgo may also increase the risk of bruising because of their blood-thinning effect.

Bruising can sometimes be a sign of serious medical conditions such as abnormally functioning or low levels of platelets as well as problems with the proteins that help to clot blood.  The Mayo Clinic recommends consulting your doctor if large bruises appear on your body for no reason or if you start bruising more after starting a new medication.

One thing you can do to try and prevent bruises is to clear away clutter from your home’s pathways.  Also if you are unsteady on your feet, considering using a cane or walker or install handrails to help you navigate more safely around your home. 

*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:mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/healthy-aging/in-depth/easy-bruising/art-20045762