Along with fall’s changing leaves and cooler temperatures, it also signals the start of the flu season, which means you need to start thinking about getting your annual flu shot. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that everyone 6 months of age and older gets a seasonal flu vaccine each year by the end of October.
The flu season begins to increase in October, and typically peaks between December and February but can last as late as May. Also as it takes about two weeks after your vaccination for the protective antibodies to develop, it is important to get it early in the season. These antibodies provide protection against infection with the various viruses that are in the vaccine. The CDC stresses it is especially important for people 65 years and older to get a flu shot as they are at greater risk for serious complications that can result in hospitalization and, in some cases, even death. This is because seniors’ immune systems are generally weaker than those of younger adults. Complications of flu can include: bacterial pneumonia, ear infections, sinus infections and worsening of chronic medical conditions, such as congestive heart failure, asthma, or diabetes. The CDC also recommends people 65 years and older get a flu shot approved for their age group and not a nasal spray vaccine. Additionally you need to know that last year’s flu shot will not protect you from this season’s flu virus. Not only has your immunity from last year’s shot started to wane, but each year the viruses change so you need the protection of the new antibodies. The flu shot you receive this year has been designed to protect against the flu viruses that researcher have determined will be the most common in the 2019- 2020 flu season. MorningStar of Sparks offers a lifestyle of comfort, wellness and community. Please visit our website to learn more about the best senior living Reno-Sparks has to offer. MorningStar of Sparks’ mission statement “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. Dedicated to creating a real home for residents within a beautiful setting, we encourage you to see for yourself the finest senior living Reno-Sparks offers.
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MorningStar at Arcadia proudly offers seniors a lifestyle of comfort, wellness and community. Along with lots of amenities and services, excellent food and beautiful surroundings, our residents benefit from WellStar, our signature wellness program.
Every day MorningStar’s Life Enrichment team presents our community with ways to stay active and productive for man’s good and God’s glory. Our programs are designed to enhance your health and wellness, stimulate your brain and encourage social connections that allow you to continue learning and contributing. The breath and scope of our wellness programs tap into a wide range of various interests, hobbies and talents and provide seniors with the chance to explore a range of topics. Furthermore, if our programs do not address a special interest, residents are invited to start a club themselves. To get an idea of what goes on around our community, we invite you to visit MorningStar at Arcadia’s website and take a peek at our “Upcoming Events” or “Life Around our House.” You will find our residents not only stay engaged with daily activities within the community but also enjoy fun outings such as our trip to the ballpark to cheer on the Diamondbacks. MorningStar also supports and participants in activities that raise funds and awareness for Alzheimer’s each year. Please visit our website to learn more about our Phoenix assisted living and memory care community. Nestled on the in the popular neighborhood of Arcadia, our location is convenient for residents as well as visiting family members as it is close to banks, hospitals, shopping, churches, grocery stores and restaurants. 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 tour of our exceptional community. Research has shown over and over again that physical exercise is beneficial to older adults regardless of their age and health limitations. If you are an older adult who is already physically active, you may be helping to “prevent problems like a lower maximum heart rate, reduced muscle mass, bone loss, stiffened tendons and ligaments, and some joint or nerve problems.” Experts recommend at least 30 minutes of physical activity daily or 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity per week.
If you are an older adult with some health limitations, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the American Heart Association offer some useful tips for safely benefiting from physical activity. Just remember, before you start any new exercise regimen, consult with your health care provider. Also while you may not be able to attain the recommended 150 minutes a week, experts say you should try to engage in as much physical activity as you can. Adjust the intensity of your physical activity to your fitness level, and find activities you can do all year round and enjoy. Walking is considered to be a good exercise for older adults as it can easily be adjusted to one’s fitness level by adjusting the length of the walk and pace. Also remember to wear comfortable clothing as well as properly fitting footwear. Walking with someone makes good sense for safety reasons and provides companionship. For seniors at risk of falling, it is important to do exercises to improve your balance. Most of the recommended exercises are easy-to-do at home and can be done daily. You will want to start any new activity slowly and increase your progress gradually. Another thing to remember is to drink plenty of water throughout the day and during your exercise activity. Keep in mind that as we age our thirst sensation diminishes, and by the time you feel thirsty, you may already be partially dehydrated. At MorningStar of Sparks, we strive to be the best senior living Reno or Sparks has to offer, providing residents with a lifestyle of comfort, wellness and community. Beautifully designed to meet our residents’ every need, MorningStar has a range of wellness programs and activities to engage and support physical, intellectual, social and spiritual connections. Please visit our website for contact information. Please contact your healthcare provider before you start, change, or stop any type of physical activity or exercise. MorningStar of Sparks’ mission statement “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. Dedicated to creating a real home for residents within a beautiful setting, we encourage you to see for yourself the finest senior living Reno-Sparks offers. Source: secondscount.org/heart-resources/heart-resources-detail?cid=8ad2d089-64a5-4d99-940d-818a250c91a4#.XWQdwHtMGM9 We have all had the experience of visiting our doctor’s and afterward thinking of questions we wished we had thought to ask. The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ), a division of the U.S. Dept. of Human Health & Services, says asking questions and providing information to your healthcare providers, actually helps to improve your care. Also when you actively participate in your care, it helps build trust between you and your doctor and leads to better results.
The AHRQ has put together a series of questionnaires to facilitate better communication between you and your doctor. They explain that once you get in the habit of preparing questions beforehand, you can more efficiently use your time with the doctor (doctors spend between 13 to 24 minutes with each patient). Questions will change depending on the reason for your visit such as discussing a medical procedure (remember you are your own best advocate). AHRQ recommends asking: why do I need this procedure; how many times have you performed it; and when will I get the results? It is also advisable to ask if there are alternative treatments that are just as effective; possible complications; and what hospital is best for this type of procedure? If you are being prescribed a new medication, AHRQ says to ask how the new drug will interact with other prescription drugs you are taking as well as with over-the-counter drugs and herbal supplements and vitamins you use. Also ask how long you will be taking the drug and any common side effects. Another good take-away from the article is it reminds patients that doctors and nurses welcome questions as they let them know you understand their instructions and are an active partner in your care. If you feel overwhelmed by lots of new information, consider bringing a family member or trusted friend along with you to the appointment. MorningStar of Sparks’ mission statement “to honor, to serve, to invest” sets us apart from other Greater Reno retirement communities. Our foundation is built upon honoring God, valuing all seniors, and investing in staff with a felt calling to serve. Dedicated to creating a real home for residents within a beautiful setting, we invite you to schedule a tour to see for yourself our exceptional community. Source: ahrq.gov/patients-consumers/patient-involvement/ask-your-doctor/index.html Studies show that socialization is a key component to a senior’s overall health and can help to reduce stress and anxiety and maintain cognitive health as well as improve longevity. Conversely older adults who are isolated have been found to be more at risk for a range of health problems including cardiovascular disease and depression.
Researchers also found that the more social a person is the more likely they are to exercise on a regular basis. This is important as older adults are susceptible to a number of health conditions, including osteoporosis, heart trouble, cancer and chronic illnesses that can benefit from exercise. In addition daily exercise can prevent muscles and bones from deteriorating in old age. A good way for older adults to exercise is at a community class designed for seniors as you have the opportunity to socialize and to stay motivated. Senior living communities such as MorningStar of Sparks provide seniors a healthy lifestyle designed around comfort, wellness and community. Our mission is to care for residents’ physical, emotional, spiritual and wellness needs within a loving, secure setting. MorningStar’s monthly calendar consists of a range of exercise classes, arts and crafts projects, and enjoyable, challenging games. We also have fun celebrating holidays and hosting special events and outings. MorningStar of Sparks offers 128 spacious suites for independent living along with 80 assisted living suites for those needing help with daily activities. Our Reflections Neighborhood has 32 suites devoted to the individualized care of those with memory impairment. Please visit our website to learn more about one of the best Greater Reno retirement communities. MorningStar of Sparks’ mission statement “to honor, to serve, to invest” sets us apart from other Greater Reno retirement communities. Our foundation is built upon honoring God, valuing all seniors, and investing in staff with a felt calling to serve. Dedicated to creating a real home for residents within a beautiful setting, we invite you to schedule a tour to see for yourself our exceptional community. Source: actsretirement.org/latest-retirement-news/blog/2017/12/12/the-importance-of-socializing-for-seniors/ According to research, animals can help older adults lower their blood pressure as well as increase their social interactions and physical activity. Studies have also found pets help seniors to cope with depression and reduce feelings of loneliness and isolation. Pets such as dogs and cats are very loyal, loving animals and make great companions for seniors.
In the National Poll on Healthy Aging, sponsored by AARP and the University of Michigan, 2,051 seniors age 50 to 80 were interviewed. Over half of the participants were pet owners, and of that group, more than 88% reported that pets added to their enjoyment of life. Moreover 86% of them said their pets made them feel loved. The survey also reported that as many as 80% of the pet owners stated their pets helped them reduce stress. Experts estimate that up to 40% of seniors feel lonely on a regular basis, which is problematic as loneliness is associated with poor sleep habits, higher stress and more inflammation. In another study from 2012 by Pain Magazine, it was reported that “therapy dogs provided significant reduction in pain and emotional distress for chronic pain patients.” The journal, Science, reports that just by looking into the eyes of their dog for at least 5 minutes, pet owners got a boost of the feel-good oxytocin hormone in their brain. Dr. Jay P. Granat, a New Jersey-based psychotherapist explains some of the benefits of pet ownership for the elderly, saying, “Dogs and cats live very much in the present; they don’t worry about tomorrow, which can be a very scary concept for an older person. An animal embodies that sense of here and now, and it tends to rub off on people.” At MorningStar of Santa Fe, we provide compassionate senior housing in a true home setting. Our loving, around-the-clock care encompasses the physical, mental, spiritual and social wellbeing of our residents. We also recognize the relationship that exists between a senior and their pet, which is why our community is pet friendly. Please see our website for more information regarding our pet policy and to learn about our various amenities, services, and support we offer to our residents and their families. 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. Please visit our website for more details about unsurpassed senior living in Santa Fe, NM. MorningStar of Sparks strives to be the best senior living Reno or Sparks offers, and provide residents with all of the amenities and services they need to ensure carefree retirement years. As part of those amenities, we proudly offer residents meals that are as delicious as they are nutritious.
Daily meals are prepared under the direction of our Executive Chef, Jacques Cornelis. Jacques was born in Belgium and first entered a professional kitchen at 14. For the next four years, he attended school as well as a culinary apprenticeship at a Michelin-starred restaurant. As Jacques puts it “I fell in love from day one. You either have the hospitality gene or you don’t.” MorningStar of Sparks’ cuisine is much the richer for Jacques’ many stints as a chef in restaurants of many ethnicities and styles, from some of the finest restaurants in Antwerp, Brussels and Paris to a golf course and a Tahoe resort. Jacques specialties? Well, in a word, everything. After over 50 years in the profession, he is accomplished in all types of cuisines. Jacques explains “With perfected techniques and correct improvisation, you can prepare anything.” Senior living is an ideal fit for Jacques as he is a senior himself and understands the special requirements of his senior clients. His delightful meals are prepared largely from scratch and include the freshest ingredients. He loves hearing feedback and is open to all suggestions from our residents. Our meals also include BrainWise super foods that are known to support brain health with their high concentrations of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds. These include foods such as acai and other berries, fish, nuts, dark chocolate, and dark leafy greens. Please visit MorningStar of Sparks to learn more about our wide variety of amenities and services. Currently we are offering special pricing as an “anniversary gift to you.” Use our convenient online links to find out about availability and pricing or to set up a tour. 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. Dedicated to creating a real home for residents within a beautiful setting, we encourage you to learn more about the finest senior living Reno/Sparks has to offer. At MorningStar of Santa Fe, we proudly welcome vets into our community. In fact throughout MorningStar communities, we have vets from all five branches of military service. Recognizing the courage and self-sacrifice they made to serve our country, we are committed to helping them get the services they now need to improve their quality of life.
One of the ways we help is to direct prospective residents who are vets or surviving spouses to local resources that can to determine if they qualify for the Aid & Attendance benefit. This monthly benefit payment is provided by the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs and is available to qualifying wartime vets or their survivors. Requirements to qualify include financial need and a physician’s order for regular assistance with activities of daily living. In addition the vet must have received an honorable discharge and served for at least 90 days of active duty with at least one of those days served during a period of foreign war. In order for a surviving spouse to qualify, he or she must have been married to the vet at the time of their death and never remarried. The reason we recommend going to accredited VA advisors for assistance in filing a claim for an Aid & Attendance benefit, is they are authorized by the VA to help claimants in the preparation, presentation and prosecution of claims for the benefit. Once approved for the benefit, the monthly payment goes directly to the qualified applicant and can be used to pay for any kind of assistance, including assisted living. The National Care Planning Council estimates that up to 25% of seniors could potentially apply for Aid & Attendance. Now that MorningStar of Santa Fe is open to residents, we encourage you to schedule a tour to experience unsurpassed senior housing in Santa Fe. Please our website for contact information and availability and pricing. 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. To get a look at the finest senior living in Santa Fe, NM, we encourage you to set up a tour. The National Resource Center on Nutrition, Physical Activity, and Aging states that, “1 in 4 older Americans have poor nutrition.” They explain that malnutrition puts them at risk of becoming overweight or underweight as well as cause weaken muscles and bones.
Poor nutrition also leaves you more vulnerable to disease and makes it harder to manage the diseases you may already have such as heart disease and diabetes. An unhealthy diet can even jeopardize a senior’s immune system and make them more susceptible to colds and flus. Furthermore, as many seniors experience a decrease in their appetite, they need to increase the nutrient density of their food, not necessarily portion size. This means eating a well-balanced diet chock-full of vitamins, minerals and other nutrients as well as more fiber. Avoid foods high in processed sugars, saturated and trans fats, and salt. Eating alone can also decrease a senior’s appetite so make meals a more social occasion and serve foods that taste as good as they look and smell. At MorningStar of Sparks, we are committed to provide the best senior living Reno or Sparks offers. We recognize that good nutrition is vital to seniors’ health, which is why we put such an effort into the food we serve our residents. Starting with having our own Executive Chef, our meals are largely prepared from scratch and include the freshest ingredients. In addition, we offer a range of nutritional choices including low sodium, sugar free, no sugar added, vegetarian and low fat so residents can self-manage their diet. MorningStar’s chef even uses “super foods” such as acai berries, Omega 3 fats, dark chocolate, and leafy, dark greens. Furthermore, meals are served restaurant-style in our lovely dining room, which is an ideal setting to socialize and enjoy a meal together. Please visit our website for more details on all of the amenities and services offered at MorningStar of Sparks. We suggest you schedule a tour to see our beautiful community in person rather than just relying on our pictures. 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. Dedicated to creating a real home for residents within a beautiful setting, we encourage you to learn more about the finest senior living Reno/Sparks has to offer. Source: healthline.com/health/healthy-eating-for-seniors Congestive heart failure affects nearly 6 million Americans and there are approximately 670,000 new cases diagnosed each year. While it is the leading cause of hospitalization in people over the age of 65, the Medical News Today website reports on a 2016 study that estimates about half of the people who develop heart failure live more than 5 years after being diagnosed. They explain there is no set reason why some people with CHF live longer than others as life expectancy varies greatly but “personal lifestyle choices may also play a factor, as well as whether a person has other medical problems.”
CHF is a disease that occurs when the heart muscle does not pump blood as well as it should and can be chronic or come on suddenly. It affects people of any age but 80 percent of the cases occur in elderly people. Also while the disease is not curable, early detection is important to extending life expectancy as well as quality of life. Common symptoms of CHF include fluid backing up in the lungs and resulting in shortness of breath during exercise or difficulty breathing at rest or when lying flat in bed. A person can also have a hacking cough or wheezing. As the disease causes less blood to be pumped to your kidneys, you may experience fluid and water retention with swollen ankles, legs, and abdomen as well as weight gain. Other symptoms include dizziness and weakness, rapid or irregular heartbeats, nausea, and a lack of appetite. It you have any of these symptoms; you should see your healthcare provider as there are several treatments and lifestyle changes that can improve your condition. It is advisable to limit sodium, keep track of your fluid intake, monitor your weight, and to take your medications. If you are looking for “assisted living near me,” we encourage you to take a look at Santa Fe’s newest assisted living and memory care community. MorningStar of Santa Fe is located near the intersection of St. Francis and St. Michael on the city’s west side and dedicated to creating a true home for our residents. This blog is for informational purposes only, please see your healthcare provider if you have a medical problem. 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. Located on the west side of town, we invite you to call for more information about unparalleled senior living in Santa Fe. Source: medicalnewstoday.com/articles/321538.php mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/heart-failure/symptoms-causes/syc-20373142 |
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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