People with skin conditions such a eczema and psoriasis as well as those with very dry skin may be exacerbating the problem with the excessive hand washing and hand sanitizers we are using to help prevent the spread of the new coronavirus. To provide some relief, the Medical News Today provides useful information from several experts including Dr. Zainab Laftah, consultant dermatologist and a spokesperson for the British Skin Foundation, on how to avoid or treat some of these issues.
Dr. Laftah starts by explaining that, “Repetitive use of hand sanitizers and hand washing can strip the proteins in the epidermis (top skin layer), leading to a compromise of the skin barrier and, therefore, the risk of infection. Additionally, soaps can give rise to irritant hand dermatitis, which presents as dry, flaky, itchy red skin, particularly in the finger web spaces and on the knuckles.” For those with preexisting skin conditions, she recommends using a moisturizer daily and to try a moisturizing hand soap with antibacterial ingredients such as chlorhexidine or benzalkronium chloride. However please know that recent studies have found “hand sanitizers containing these biocidal ingredients were less effective than alcohol-based hand gels at eradicating the coronavirus.” In addition to moisturizing or applying emollients repeatedly throughout the day, be sure to dry your hands thoroughly every time you wash them. This helps prevent germs from transferring between moist hands as well as reduces the drying effect water has on our skin’s natural oils. Dr. Laftah adds that “moisturizer that lathers can act as a soap substitute and will be less drying on the hands; therefore, those with cracked skin may find this more soothing.” Other tips include moisturizing right before bed and then putting on cotton gloves to help lock in moisture. Also when using cleaning products or if your hands will be in water for a period of time such as washing dishes, wear latex or rubber gloves. For unsurpassed senior living in Santa Fe, trust the MorningStar of Santa Fe assisted living and memory care community, which offers compassionate 24/7 care services as well as a full complement of resort-style amenities. Also please know that during the coronavirus outbreak, we are staying abreast of any updates and closely following—in many cases, exceeding—guidelines set by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) to ensure the health and well-being of all those beneath our roof. MorningStar of Santa Fe offers the very best in senior living with our distinct mission statement of “to honor, to serve, to invest.” Our foundation is built on honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve to create a true “home” for residents. We invite you to visit our website or to give us a call for more information on the finest assisted living in Santa Fe, NM. Source: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/hand-washing-advice-for-people-with-skin-conditions#Immunosuppressants
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There are many studies that suggest seniors are healthier when they stay socially connected and feel engaged with life. Researchers have found that older people without such connections are more apt to “experience greater numbers of chronic and life-limiting health problems, such as heart disease, diabetes and cancer.” In an article published by the New England Journal of Medicine, it reports that social interactions can also protect seniors’ cognitive skills.
As seniors age, it often becomes harder to stay connected to the community and many older adults end up living fairly isolated from the outside world. A number of factors contribute to the problem including health issues that limit mobility, no longer driving, and the loss of a spouse and other family members and friends. Furthermore, good nutrition can be a problem for seniors living alone as it may be difficult for them to prepare meals or to even buy groceries. Some seniors have even been found to be suffering from malnutrition. Physical safety can also be a problem as the elderly are more prone to falls due to common medical conditions that effect balance and physical strength including diabetes, heart disease and hypertension. In addition, seniors living alone may not be as quick to recognize a health issue needs immediate medical attention. For the area’s finest independent and assisted living, Reno area seniors are encouraged to consider MorningStar of Sparks. Participating in a range of activities is just a way of life at our beautiful community as we offer a full calendar of fun and stimulating activities every day. Our residents enjoy nutritional meals served restaurant style that offer plenty of opportunities to enjoy both the meal and to socially interact with others. We also provide scheduled transportation for residents along with special outings to local places of interest and entertainment. Please see our website to learn more. The unique mission statement of MorningStar of Sparks, “to honor, to serve, to invest,” sets us apart from other senior living communities. Our foundation is built upon honoring God, valuing all seniors, and investing in staff with a felt calling to serve. We invite you to schedule a tour to see firsthand the finest independent and assisted living Reno-Sparks has to offer. Source: whereyoulivematters.org/community-living-its-healthier/ Unfortunately, many seniors do not eat well and are at risk for poor nutrition and even malnutrition, which is often misdiagnosed as a disease or illness. In fact the A Place for Mom website states “Malnutrition is seen in varying degrees in the elderly, along with varying vitamin deficiencies.”
There are a number of reasons seniors do not eat well including physiological changes such as a decrease in basal metabolic rate and physical activity that reduces caloric needs. In addition, older adults experience changes in kidney function and a redistribution of body composition, gastrointestinal issues, dental problems and a change in taste and smell. All this can depress appetite which means the foods elderly adults do eat is more important than ever. The National Institute of Health (NIH) states that “a good diet in your later years reduces your risk of osteoporosis, high blood pressure, heart diseases and certain cancers. As you age, you might need less energy. But you still need just as many of the nutrients in food.” They recommend elderly adults avoid foods high in empty calories such as cookies, soda, potato chips and alcohol and instead concentrate on a diet of nutrient-rich foods low in saturated and trans fats as well as cholesterol. Not only does a nutritional diet help reduce the risk of heart disease, stroke, bone loss, type II diabetes, and some cancers, it can help people to better manage those diseases. A healthy diet can also give seniors more energy and lower blood pressure and cholesterol. MorningStar at Arcadia, a Phoenix assisted living and memory care community, not only agrees that a good diet is important for seniors but we practice it every day. Our residents dine on three healthy, delicious daily meals served restaurant-style in our beautiful dining room and prepared by our Executive Chef. We encourage you to contact us to learn more about our resort-style amenities and loving, caring staff. This post is intended for informational purposes only. Please contact your health care provider with any questions or concerns you have regarding your health. MorningStar at Arcadia represents the best in Phoenix assisted living with a unique mission statement “to honor, to serve, to invest.” We have built our foundation on honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve…all of which contributes to creating a true home for residents amid a beautiful, serene setting. Call to schedule a visit to our exceptional community. Often families are confused with the terms “independent living” and “assisted living” and are not sure which one is best suited for their needs. To clarify, the term independent living is used to describe senior living communities that are designed specifically for seniors 55 and older who want to and are able to live without any help. Assisted living is designed for seniors who still wish to live independently with personal privacy and autonomy, but require a little assistance in their daily lives.
Independent living is ideal for individuals who no longer wish to maintain their own home and desire a more carefree lifestyle. While each community can vary, many offer amenities such as social activities, day trips and meals. Senior independent communities offer residents the freedom to enjoy their retirement years without being tied down with mowing lawns, shoveling snow and other routine chores that need to be done when owning a home. At assisted living communities, residents get help with daily personal care and are provided with an array of services such as housekeeping, laundry, transportation, daily meals, and 24 hour supervision. Generally a community assesses in-coming residents to determine the level of assistance needed that is agreeable to the senior and their extended family. Other amenities offered by assisted living communities may include a range of activities and wellness programs. Looking for the finest senior living Phoenix has to offer? MorningStar at Arcadia is proud to offer 80 suites for assisted living and 30 secure suites devoted to the individualized, specialized care for residents with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia. Along with stylish suites, our community has a fireside courtyard, chapel, theatre, salon, bistro, fitness room and much more. We would love the opportunity to tell you more about our beautiful community. MorningStar Assisted Living & Memory Care at Arcadia represents the best in senior living with a unique mission statement “to honor, to serve, to invest.” We have built our foundation on honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve…all of which contributes to creating a true home for residents amid a beautiful, serene setting. Call to schedule a visit to the finest senior living Phoenix offers. Phoenix assisted living at MorningStar at Arcadia is just the place for those who require a little assistance with their daily personal care and wish to live in a community with a home-like atmosphere. You will find a wealth of amenities such as delicious, nutritional meals as well as an on-site bistro, theatre, library (including a computer), salon, general store and much more. Every day our residents are treated to a choice of daily activities that include outings, games, arts and crafts, social hours, movie nights, and a variety of physical activities to name but a few.
In addition, we provide a wide range of professional clinical services to meet your health needs like having a full-time licensed nurse on staff and 24-hour Care Managers. Each shift also has a CPR trained staff member. We have Certified Med Care Managers and each resident has their care plan reviewed periodically as well as scheduled health and wellness evaluations. The MorningStar community offers the convenience of pharmacy services and onsite dental and podiatry services. Furthermore, we partner with home health agencies to provide our residents with nursing, therapy, and social work services if needed. As a resident, you will have a choice of physicians and receive scheduled visits. We also provide diabetic management, oxygen administration, and catheter and colostomy care as well as palliative and hospice care and much more. All of our resident-centered clinical assistance is done through the full authority of our license from the Department of Health with the goal of providing each resident with a higher quality of care at a lower cost. Please visit our website for more information about the extensive services provided to MorningStar residents. MorningStar at Arcadia represents the best in Phoenix assisted living with a unique mission statement “to honor, to serve, to invest.” We have built our foundation on honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve…all of which contributes to creating a true home for residents amid a beautiful, serene setting. Call to schedule a visit to our exceptional community. MorningStar at Arcadia understands you may feel guilty about moving your spouse or parent into assisted living. If you are the adult child of the senior, you may worry you have let them down by not having them move in with you even though you know your other commitments make it impractical. Or you may already be the caregiver and realize the job is becoming too big to continue caring for your loved one properly at home.
If any of this sounds familiar, you need to know you are not alone. At MorningStar we understand the mixed-emotions that come with such a big lifestyle change. However just as we are committed to caring for our residents, the MorningStar of Arcadia staff is there to offer support for the families of our residents. Also, when your parent makes their home with us, we are not replacing you in their life, but rather are providing the specialized care they need. In fact, we think by letting us handle all of the caregiver duties, it frees you up to enjoy the time you do spend with your loved one and to start relaxing together and sharing memories or a laugh. Our experience has taught us it is best to introduce the idea of assisted living to your parent or spouse during a time and place when everyone is gathered and feeling relaxed. Remember a decision does not have to be made all at once but typically it is better to let it come in stages. Sometimes a family worries they may get resistance to the idea but are surprised to find it is something the person has been thinking about for some time. Ultimately the decision should be a consensus among family members as well as the senior. If you have questions or want to talk to someone about it, the MorningStar staff is here for you. Please visit our website to learn more about the best senior living Phoenix has to offer. MorningStar Assisted Living & Memory Care at Arcadia represents the best in senior living with a unique mission statement “to honor, to serve, to invest.” We have built our foundation on honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve…all of which contributes to creating a true home for residents amid a beautiful, serene setting. Call to schedule a visit to the finest senior living Phoenix offers. Right now we are all looking for ways to help keep our families healthy. In addition to practicing social distancing and washing our hands, experts remind us that eating healthy is more important than ever as it provides our bodies with the key nutrients that boost our immune systems. This is important as a strong immune system defends us against the viruses that cause colds and flus. Foods that are vital to maintaining a healthy immune system include fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. One vegetable especially nutrient-rich, readily available, and easy to cook is broccoli. It contains vitamin C and beta-carotene as well as “sulfur compounds that research suggests may boost production of glutathione, an antioxidant compound. In terms of immune support, glutathione works by attacking free radicals to minimize their potential damage.” Another good source of vitamin C, which plays a role in keeping our immune systems healthy, is fortified orange juice and just one cup gives us 100% of our required daily dose. Fortified OJ also has vitamin D as do eggs cheese, tofu and mushrooms that help make us more resistant to illnesses. Beans, nuts cereal and seafood all contain zinc which research has found may shorten the duration of the common cold. Other foods high in nutrients include spinach, salmon, lean beef, and yogurt. At Santa Fe’s top senior living community, MorningStar of Santa Fe, we provide a 5-star dining service to our residents that starts with meals prepared largely from scratch using the freshest ingredients. We also use ingredients with high concentrations of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds known to support brain health and aptly named “Super Foods.” These include items like acai berries, Omega 3 fats, dark chocolate and dark greens. Our team is dedicated to providing residents a safe, comfort environment where they can safely enjoy their well-deserved retirement years. Also during the outbreak of the coronavirus (COVID-19), MorningStar could not be more vigilant in our defensive approach. We are staying abreast of its real time status and closely following—in many cases, exceeding—guidelines set by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) to ensure the health and well-being of all beneath our roof. MorningStar of Santa Fe offers the very best in senior living Santa Fe style with our distinct mission statement of “to honor, to serve, to invest.” Our foundation is built on honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve to create a ‘true home” for residents. Please visit our website for information regarding the finest senior living in Santa Fe, NM. Source: allrecipes.com/article/foods-that-boost-immune-system/?utm_medium=browser&utm_source=allrecipes.com&utm_content=20200322&utm_campaign=498042 Decreases in brain metabolism have been shown to be a characteristic of Alzheimer’s disease and predictive of cognitive decline and the conversion to Alzheimer’s in older adults. Scientists believe that physical activity can modulate brain glucose metabolism but until now it was unclear what level of intensity and duration of exercise was most beneficial.
The National Institute on Aging published an article that found “even moderate physical activity may increase metabolism in brain regions important for learning and memory.” The NIA-supported study was led by Dr. Ozioma Okonkwo of the University of Wisconsin. Researchers had cognitively normal, late-middle age (average age 64 years old) participants wear an accelerometer for 7 consecutive days to measure their daily physical activity. Afterward, they looked at the amount of time each participant engaged in “light (e.g., a slow walk), moderate (e.g., a fast walk), and vigorous activities (e.g., run).” The data was analyzed to determine how they “corresponded with glucose metabolism within brain areas that have been demonstrated to be impacted in people with Alzheimer’s.” Increasing the levels of moderate physical activity showed an increase in cerebral glucose metabolism across all brain regions examined. Participants that engaged in light physical activity had no changes to the metabolism in any of the brain regions examined. Another thing that impacted the amount of brain glucose metabolism was the duration of time spent in moderate physical activity. Researchers found that the more time a person spent doing moderate levels of physical activity (average 43.3 min/day to average 68.1 min/day), the greater the increase in brain glucose metabolism. The NIA says it is encouraging evidence that physical activity may be beneficial for neurometabolic function. Moreover, they say it is a “critical contribution to the efforts to identify the intensity and duration of physical activity that confer the most advantage for combating Alzheimer’s-related changes in mid-life.” The unique mission statement of MorningStar of Sparks, “to honor, to serve, to invest,” sets us apart from other senior living communities. Our foundation is built upon honoring God, valuing all seniors, and investing in staff with a felt calling to serve. We encourage you to learn more about the finest independent and assisted living Reno-Sparks has to offer. Source:nia.nih.gov/news/moderate-physical-activity-linked-increases-metabolism-across-brain-regions |
MorningStar
MorningStar Senior Living offers assisted living, memory care and respite (short-term) care. Our communities have graciously-appointed assisted living suites, as well as beautiful and spacious private suites for those living with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia. Morningstar Senior Living's award-winning architecture, together with amenities that foster a lifestyle of comfort and wellness, make our residents’ retirement years as carefree as possible. Our activities and programs are enriching, and our care services first-class, but what truly sets us apart from other senior living communities is the love beneath our roof. To experience firsthand the finest senior living in your area, contact us to schedule a tour. Archives
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