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SENIOR LIVING | HEALTH
5 Ways to Improve Your Heart Health
Solution: To help manage stress, try relaxation therapy and increase phys- ical activity. Talk to a qualified mental health provider or someone you trust. De-stressing may also help improve sleep. Stay motivated: Join a friend or family member in a relaxing activity like walk- ing, yoga or meditation every day. Learn about heart health and heart healthy activities in your commu- nity at nhlbi.nih.gov/ourhearts. Use #OurHearts on social media to share how you and your friends, colleagues or family members are being heart healthy together.
Stay motivated: Ask your family and friends for support or join a support group. Find resources and connect with a trained counselor at 1-800-QUIT- NOW or smokefree.gov. Risk: Inadequate or poor-quality sleep Solution: Sleeping 7-8 hours each night helps improve heart health. Try going to bed and waking up at the same time each day. Getting a 30-minute daily dose of sunlight may also improve sleep. Stay motivated: Resist that late after- noon nap. Turn off all screens at a set time nightly. Relax by listening to music, reading or taking a bath.
Risk: Inactivity Solution: Move more throughout your day. Aim for at least 150 minutes each week of physical activity. Build up to activity that gets your heart beating faster and leaves you a little breathless. If you’re busy, try breaking your daily activity into 10-minute chunks. Stay motivated: Make walking dates. Join a pickup soccer or basketball game. Join a fitness class with your neighbor. Grab a loved one and dance in your kitchen. Risk: An unhealthy diet Solution: Consider an option like NHL- BI’s Dietary Approaches to Stop Hyper- tension (DASH) eating plan, which is free and scientifically proven to lower high blood pressure and improve cho- lesterol levels. Stay motivated: Invite friends to cook up heart healthy recipes together. Start a lunch club at work and trade recipe ideas. Risk: Smoking, even occasionally Solution: Quitting can be beneficial to your overall health, even if you’ve smoked for years. Set a quit date and let those close to you know. If you’ve tried quitting in the past, consider what helped and what made it harder.
(Family Features) If you worry that you or someone you love will get heart dis- ease or even have a heart attack, it’s un- derstandable. Heart disease is the leading cause of death for men and women in the United States, according to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI). Research shows you can lower your risk, particularly if you team up with family, friends or co-workers. This kind of so- cial support may be the key to your suc- cess. To mark American Heart Month, NHLBI, one of the National Institutes of Health, is inviting people across the country to teamup and join #OurHearts, a national heart health initiative that en- courages people to improve heart health together. “Studies show that having positive, close relationships and feeling connected to others benefits overall health, blood pressure, weight and more,” said NHL- BI’s Dr. David Goff, director of cardio- vascular sciences.
Risk: Uncontrolled stress
Consider these five tips that can help lower your risk of heart disease:
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SENIOR LIVING | HEALTH
Men’s Health Matters 5 Tips to Maintain Overall Wellbeing
medications after they have been diagnosed, but relief can be inadequate and temporary,” said Dr. Peter Walter, M.D., urologist and paid consultant for Teleflex Incorporated, the manufacturer of the UroLift® System. As one alternative to medica- tion, an option like the UroLift System treatment is aminimally invasive procedure that doesn’t require any cutting, heating or removal of prostate tissue.5 A urologist places small implants to lift and move enlarged pros- tate tissue so it no longer blocks the urethra and can allow for normal urine flow. Most com- mon side effects are mild to moderate, and patients gener- ally can return to their normal routines with minimal down- time. For more information about treatment options, or to find a urologist near you who treats BPH, visit UroLift.com. Focus on a more nutritious diet. Aim for a pattern of healthier eating that includes more fruits, vegetables and leafy greens such as lettuce, spinach, kale and broccoli, which can help keep you – and your prostate – healthy.6 Also try to cut back on consumption of red meat – specifically pro- cessed meat – as well as salt and sweets. Know your numbers. Be sure to discuss your family history and lifestyle with your doctor as he or she may recommend screenings for diseases and
common ailments. Be sure to keep up with these screenings and check in with your doctor to make sure you’re accounting for milestone ages and common ailments associated with aging. Make exercise a priority. Ex- ercise is a key to maintaining quality of life. The American Heart Association recommends
at least 150 minutes per week of moderate-intensity aerobic ac- tivity for adults.7 Even shorter increments of physical activity multiple times a day such as a walking meeting, opting for the stairs instead of the elevator or parking farther from your des- tination can provide health and stress-relieving benefits.
(Family Features) While fam- ily history and age cannot be changed, there are everyday steps men can follow to take charge of their health, includ- ing prostate health, and maybe even prevent problems down the road. Consider these tips to help lead a healthier lifestyle. Get checked out regularly. Just because you’re healthy doesn’t mean you should eschew rou- tine checkups, and that includes self-examinations. While reg- ular visits to your health care provider can keep you up-to- date on preventative screenings and immunizations, getting to know your own body can have similar benefits. Care for your prostate. If you’re experiencing frequent
urination, a weak or slow urine stream, incomplete bladder emptying, difficulty or delay in starting urination or a urine stream that stops and starts, these may be signs you may be suffering from Benign Prostat- ic Hyperplasia (BPH), other- wise known as enlarged pros- tate.1 Enlarged prostate, which is non-cancerous and affects more than 40 million Ameri- can men, can also cause loss of productivity and sleep, accord- ing to research published in the “Journal of Urology.”2,3 Med- ication is often the first line of treatment, but some patients may suffer uncomfortable side effects including dizziness, headaches and sexual dysfunc- tion, which can prompt them to quit using their medications.4 “Many men living with BPH symptoms take prescription
1. Speakman et al. 2014 BJUI International 2. Berry, J Urol 1984 and 2017 U.S. Census population estimates. 3. NeoTract US Market Model estimates for 2018 based on IMS Health Drug and Procedure data 4. AUA BPH Guidelines 2003, 2010, 2018 5. Roehrborn J Urol 2013 LIFT Study 6. Tips for Keeping a Healthy Prostate. (n.d.) Retrieved from https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/well- ness-and-prevention/tips-for-keeping-a-healthy-prostate 7. www.heart.org. (2019). American Heart Association Recommendations for Physical Activity in Adults and Kids. [online] Available at: https://www.heart.org/en/healthy-living/fitness/fitness-basics/aha-recs-for-physi- cal-activity-in-adults
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SENIOR LIVING | HEALTH
Tips to Weather Seasonal Joint Pain
• Relieve Pain Naturally: The next time you experi- ence pain, avoid popping a conventional pain re- liever. Arnica montana, a type of mountain daisy, has been used for centu- ries for natural pain relief and is one of the most popular homeopathic medicines worldwide. As a first-line therapy, con- sider using an unscented, non-greasy topical treat- ment like Boiron Arni- care Gel for muscle pain, stiffness and swelling from injuries and bruises. More information can be found at Arnicare.com. Claims for Arnicare are based on traditional ho-
their bones” can predict rainy or chilly weather ahead. The general theo- ry is that this is caused by changes in temperature and barometric pressure. “Sometimes joint pain can occur in flares that your body can predict: a change of weather in a usually dry climate, a change of temperature or staying in contact with water for too long,” says Dr. Ken Redcross, author of “Bond: The 4 Corner- stones of a Lasting and Caring Relationship with Your Doctor” and found- er of Redcross Concierge. “Particularly as we age,
pain tends to sneak in, so managing it is a useful skill to acquire. However, it’s not just about taking a pill to numb the pain and hoping for as few side ef- fects as possible.” If a chill in the air or damp, humid temps bring you discomfort, Dr. Red- cross recommends the following simple mea- sures, which may help you find relief: • Keep Moving: Inclem- ent weather can keep us sedentary. When you reduce your movement or don’t get out as much, pain can increase. Don’t
let potential aches and pains stop you from reg- ular activity. The sooner you start moving, the bet- ter you will feel. • Know Your Limits: Don’t increase the inten- sity of physical activity too quickly, especially if you have existing cardio- vascular, joint or muscle problems that could be aggravated as a result. Work with a licensed trainer at first, who can assess your strength, flex- ibility, balance and endur- ance, and create a custom workout program accord- ingly.
meopathic practice, not accepted medical evi- dence. They are not FDA evaluated. • Spice it Up: Turmeric, ginger and cayenne pep- per all have anti-inflam- matory properties, as well as many other health benefits. Stick to an ener- gy-boosting diet by giv- ing your foods a low-calo- rie kick with spices, roots and herbs. Don’t let the weather get the best of you this spring. With a few key strategies, you can better manage weather-related joint pain, rain or shine.
(StatePoint) Do April showers bring May flow- ers or just a lot of aches and pains? While re- search on how weather affects a person’s pain lev- els is inconclusive, many people swear that the pain in their joints or ache “in
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SENIOR LIVING | HEALTH How to Reduce Your Risk for Another Heart Attack
(Family Features) After a heart attack, as many as 1 in 4 survivors will have an- other one. Lifestyle changes and work- ing closely with your doctor to manage your health can help minimize the risk of a repeat event. “A heart attack is a life-changing event,” said Nieca Goldberg, MD, American Heart Association volunteer and med- ical director of NYU Women’s Heart Program. “What many people don’t re- alize is the hidden risks that led to your first heart attack can be managed and, by doing this, you may reduce your risk of having another one.” Because up to 80% of heart attacks are preventable, it’s important to follow your doctor’s recommendations for reducing your risk. Talk to your doc-
tor about a secondary prevention plan, and consider other steps like these from the American Heart Association’s sec- ondary prevention program, nationally sponsored by Bayer: Take your medications as prescribed. Certain medicines can lower your risk of another cardiac event. That’s why it’s important to understand your medica- tions and take them correctly. Taking aspirin as recommended by a doctor is one way to help prevent another attack. No one should start, stop or modify an aspirin regimen without first speaking with their doctor. Aspirin is not appro- priate for everyone, so be sure to talk to your doctor before you begin an aspirin regimen.
attack, it’s important to manage risk fac- tors such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes by taking med- ications as prescribed, quitting smoking, eating healthier and getting active. Attend your follow-up appointments. Attending your follow-up appointments helps your doctors keep track of your condition and recovery. You can make the most of your time with your doctor by preparing a list of questions and con- cerns along with a list of all medications, vitamins and supplements. Bringing a trusted friend or family member may help as well. Participate in a cardiac rehabilitation program. Cardiac rehabilitation is a medically supervised program designed to help you recover after a heart attack. You should have received a referral to cardiac rehab when you were discharged from the hospital; if you didn’t, ask your doctor if this program is right for you. Get support. It’s normal to feel scared, overwhelmed or confused after a heart attack. Getting support from loved ones or people who have also experienced a heart attack can help you cope. Connect with other heart attack survivors and caregivers through local support groups or the American Heart Association’s free online Support Network. Learn more about ways you can thrive after a heart attack at heart.org/oneise- nough.
someone in your household smokes, en- courage him or her to quit. It may not be easy, but it’s even harder to live with chronic heart disease or recover from a heart attack. Choose good nutrition. A healthy diet is one of the best weapons for fighting cardiovascular disease. Research shows eating 4-5 servings of fruits and vegeta- bles each day may lower blood pressure over time. Lower cholesterol. Fat lodged in your arteries can trigger a heart attack or stroke. Reduce your intake of saturat- ed fat, trans fat and cholesterol, and get moving. If diet and physical activi- ty alone don’t get those numbers down, then medication may be the key. Lower blood pressure. Shake that salt habit, take your medications as recom- mended by your doctor and get moving. An optimal blood pressure reading is less than 120/80 mmHg (millimeters of mercury). Be physically active. Research has shown that at least 150 minutes per week of moderate-intensity physical ac- tivity can help lower blood pressure and cholesterol and keep your weight at a healthy level. Reduce stress. Some studies have noted a relationship between coronary heart disease risk and stress. This may affect the risk factors for heart disease and stroke. For example, people under stress may overeat, start smoking or smoke more than they otherwise would. Content courtesy of the American Heart Association’s secondary prevention ini- tiative.
Manage your risk factors. After a heart
Take Charge of Your Heart Health
Heart disease is the No. 1 cause of death in the United States, but your lifestyle can be your best defense.
Stop smoking . If you smoke, quit. If
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SENIOR LIVING | FINANCE 5 Important Financial Decisions: Should You DIY or Hire a Pro?
(StatePoint) Financial decisions can have a big impact on your future and the future of your loved ones. Good finan- cial decisions you make on your own can save thousands of dollars, but according to experts, there are some decisions that may be better left to the professionals. 1. Do your taxes. There is no one-size- fits-all answer but if you don’t have de- pendents or investments, don’t own a business, and have the time and patience, you may be able to file a simple tax form on your own fairly easily. As you gain significant income and your financial situation becomes more complex, a pro might be helpful. 2. Buy or sell a house. Weigh the pros and cons to determine the best plan. Choosing the “For Sale by Owner” route lets you avoid paying a commission to real estate agents, which averages 5 to 6% of the home’s sale price. On the oth- er hand, your house may get less traffic
compared to what it would receive if it were included in professional listing platforms. You’d also need to be pre- pared to handle all the paperwork, or- ganize open houses and screen potential buyers yourself. 3. Purchase life insurance. Life is al- ways changing, and it’s important to make sure your coverage is keeping up so that your loved ones are protected in the event that something happens to you. Because life insurance is so critical, companies like Erie Insurance recom- mend always working with a pro instead of going the DIY route. For example, term life insurance provides coverage for a specific number of years, while a whole life policy is designed to last a lifetime. But which type is best for you -- and how much you actually need to protect your family -- is something your trusted in- surance agent can help you determine. In addition, studies show that people often overestimate the cost of life insurance,
sometimes assuming it costs as much as three times more than it does. In addi- tion to being surprised at how affordable it is, you also might be surprised at how quick and easy it is to get a quote. 4. Create a retirement savings plan. The right advisor can help you figure out a monthly amount of money to set aside in a 401(k) or Roth IRA and choose the right investments to reach your long- term goals. If you want to DIY, there are free calculators available online that use your savings and spending habits to look at your financial situation. The federal government also offers a calculator to estimate your social security benefits. 5. Write a will. This is an area where many experts say it may be advisable to
hire a pro. Estate-planning software can be generic, as it considers compliance across the country instead of state-spe- cific laws. It’s important to use the correct legal language in a will and be knowl- edgeable about estate and inheritance taxes when leaving behind property. As part of estate planning, you may want to consider addressing whom you’d want to care for your minor children in the event of your passing. Federal regulations pre- vent minors from legally owning prop- erty, but they can be beneficiaries. Determine whether you have the right skill set and time to take on these five important financial decisions. Doing it yourself can save money but the long- term result could be costly.
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SENIOR LIVING | TECHNOLOGY
How to Troubleshoot Your Technology Issues
• Are there any guarantees if my issue can’t be resolved? Can I cancel any time? • Do I have access to support via phone and chat? Is online self-support available? • Can I schedule a time to have a tech support agent contact me?
• What do other customers say about the service?
Look for an affordable monthly or annual subscription plan that offers unlimited tech support for any issue with your connected devices, regardless of the type of device, brand, or where you bought it. Plans can cost as low as $10 per month with no long-term commitment. Find tech support providers with US-based support agents that offer a range of support options, including phone, chat, or video-based “virtual house calls.” You could even try the free self-support tools from Support. com’s TechSolutions or, if you need more help, learn more about their tech support plans at www.support. com. Having a tech support plan with a highly qualified tech support provider is an efficient and smart way to manage and maintain your technology, and can help you get the most out of all your home tech.
(StatePoint) If you’re like most people, you’ve spent more time than you’re willing to admit troubleshooting a technology issue with any one of the many devices in your connected home. Did you know that the average person owns at least 10 connected devices from Macs and PCs, smartphones, tablets and printers, to voice assistants, video doorbells and even home automation systems? As homes get “smarter” with more connected devices, more complex problems arise, including issues with setup, troubleshooting and syncing devices. Calling the manufacturer or going to the store where you bought the device could help, if it’s still under warranty. Trying to diagnose and solve the problem yourself might work, if you have time, patience and some know-how. But what many people really need is an IT expert on- call, ready to solve all their personal tech issues…but how realistic or affordable is that? “Subscribing to a technical support plan is actually an increasingly popular option for consumers who want to keep their tech working 24/7. Many plans provide a professional, remote, ‘IT team’ available anytime you run into trouble. This can help keep costs low since the team resolves your tech issues by phone, chat or by virtually remoting into your device,” says Renée Soulliard, of Support.com.
Googling “tech support” brings up numerous options that promise to solve your various tech problems. With so many options, how do you know which ones are reliable? Fraudulent tech support companies continue to get more sophisticated and difficult to detect, warns Soulliard. “To find a trusted tech support provider, choose one with a long history and highly trained, professional tech support agents,” she says.
Here are some potential questions to ask while evaluating tech support providers:
• How long has the company been in business?
• Are the company and its agents US-based?
• Is there a limit to how many devices are covered? Are there any restrictions on the types of devices, brands or problems covered?
• What operating systems are covered?
• Is the support provided unlimited? Is support available 24/7? • Are there monthly plans available or just annual plans? Are there set-up fees?
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5 Reasons Why You Need a Financial Plan Before a Recession
• Maintain a Diversified Portfolio. One of the best ways to prevent emotional swings is to create and ad- here to a diversified portfolio that spreads out your risk across different asset classes, such as stocks, bonds, cash and commodities. • Take a Break from the Bad News. Once you have as- sessed your personal situation and made some choices, it’s smart to tune out from the constant news coverage. The drumbeat of bad news can lead to a cycle of nega- tive thoughts, like “I am never getting this money back,” or “I will never retire.” Psychologists say such thoughts can distort reality, disrupt thinking and erode perfor- mance. To find a CFP professional who can help you prepare a financial plan, visit letsmakeaplan.org. However dire a crisis may seem, having a long-term fi- nancial strategy will keep you on track to achieve your financial goals.
(StatePoint) With speculation swirling that the U.S. economy is heading for another recession, you might be wondering what you can do to protect yourself from feeling the pinch of a slowing economy. Experts agree that proactive and prudent financial planning is key to avoiding emotion-driven deci- sions and maintaining a long-term orientation during times of turmoil. Those who already have a financial plan should take the time to re-evaluate its goals and strategies to ensure it can withstand a dramatic mar- ket decline. If you do not have a financial plan yet, take the initiative to start putting one together. A Certified Financial Planner (CFP) professional can provide you with guidance on creating and maintaining a compre- hensive financial plan. Here are five reasons why you need a financial plan in place before a recession:
are in turmoil and you are feeling scared, your personal situation should guide your decisions. The first step in developing a financial plan is to figure out where you stand, which includes getting a thorough understand- ing of your cash reserves, consumer debt and current retirement contribution level and savings. • Balance Fear and Greed. Bull markets can make in- vestors more hopeful that gains are perennial, leading them to assume too much risk. Conversely, when the market drops, fear takes over and makes them want to sell everything. A financial plan helps you to avoid im- pulsive actions and balance market highs and lows. • Manage Your Cash. A sound financial plan ensures that you do not put money you know you will need in the short term at risk. Money you anticipate needing within a year or so should be kept in a safe place, like a checking, savings or money market account, a short- term Certificate of Deposit (CD) or a bond.
• Know Where Your Finances Stand. When markets
Tips to Help Family Caregivers Avoid Burnout
be found through hospitals, Facebook, Meetup.com or organizations like the Alzheimer’s Association or the American Heart Association. • Make life easier: You can simplify daily tasks for your senior with a few considerations. For example, if utensils are difficult to use, look for opportunities to provide healthy finger foods that help your senior feel more independent. Think sliced frittata, which can be eaten like pizza, versus scrambled eggs. When it comes to getting dressed, opt for Velcro if zippers and buttons have become difficult. Another good trick? Tie loops of string around the ends of zippers so they’re easier to grab. • Don’t be surprised by negative feelings: Caring for someone can be an emotional rollercoaster. Even the calmest person can experience a range of negative emotions. The best way to handle them is to acknowl- edge that they are a natural reaction to stress. If these feelings persist, reach out to local caregiving support groups, a family physician or therapist for help. • Consider home care as a partner: Professional home care services can complement the care you provide, helping ease its emotional and physical toll while offer- ing you peace of mind.
While selecting senior home care services is something to be proud of, family members often feel guilt over the decision. Conflicted emotions are normal. How- ever, knowing that the decision will make you better equipped to care for everyone can help you move past feelings of guilt. Home healthcare has emerged as a powerful option for families seeking a better way to care for their se- nior loved ones. Not only does it provide medical and personal care for seniors, it can nurture their indepen- dence by allowing them to remain at home, all while providing respite care for family members from the daily routine of caregiving. Be sure to look for care that offers a whole-person ap- proach, such as InterimHealthCare’s HomeLife Enrich- ment standard of care, where caregivers look beyond a diagnosis so that every patient is treated as an individ- ual with unique needs and desires. To learn more, visit interimhealthcare.com. More caregiving tips can be found at interimhealthcare. com/blog. Serving as a family caregiver is challenging. But there are ways to make life easier and more fulfilling for both you and your loved one.
(StatePoint) Family caregivers lead busy and at times, stressful lives, often balancing work, their own kids and spouses, hobbies and more, all while ensuring their loved ones are happy and healthy. In celebration of family caregivers and all that they do, Interim HealthCare Inc. shares tips to help them avoid burnout and provide better care: • Know you’re not alone: As of 2015, an estimated 43.5 million adults in the U.S. have provided unpaid care to an adult age 50 or older, according to AARP. Of these in- dividuals, around 28 percent have a child or grandchild under the age of 18 living in their household, and six in 10 caregivers report being employed at some point in the past year while caregiving. Online and in-person support groups can be a great way to connect with oth- ers who may be in similar situations. These groups can
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