For years most of us have heard we need to watch the amount of fat in our diet; however medical experts clarify that not all fats are the same. Bad fats, the ones to watch out for, include artificial trans fats and saturated fats that drive up our total cholesterol and LDLs, and cause clogged arteries, weight gain and an increase risk of certain diseases.
Good fats include unsaturated fats as well as omega-3 fatty acids that deliver lots of health benefits. Two important omega-3s, EPA and DHA, are primarily found in certain fish including: anchovies, bluefish, salmon, sardines, tuna, lake trout, mackerel, wild swordfish, and others. Doctors recommend eating these oily fish, non-fried, and twice a week, and to watch the amount of mackerel, wild swordfish, tilefish and shark you consume as they may contain mercury, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), or other toxins. ALA, (alpha-linolenic acid), is another powerful omega-3 fatty acid found in nuts and seeds such as walnuts, flaxseed and flaxseed oil, soybean oil and chia seeds. While oils and nuts are good for us, experts caution these foods are high in calories and to eat in moderation. So what are the benefits of a diet rich in omega-3s and ALAs? Doctors say for one thing, it can help reduce triglycerides, which accumulate in the blood and lead to heart disease and stroke. You may also slow the development of plaque in your arteries and reduce the chance of an abnormal heart rhythm. In addition omega-3s and ALAs may decrease your likelihood of having a heart attack or stroke. The MorningStar of Sparks senior living community offers all-inclusive independent living and assisted living in the Reno area with a broad range of care service, resort-style amenities and wellness programs. This includes a full dining service featuring meals largely prepared from scratch using the freshest ingredients. In addition we include ingredients known to support brain health with their high concentrations of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds. Our Chef deliciously incorporates “Super Foods” like acai berries, Omega 3 fats, dark chocolate and dark greens into many meals. Please visit our website for availability and pricing. MorningStar of Sparks’ unique mission statement “to honor, to serve, to invest” sets us apart from other senior communities. Committed to creating a true home for residents within a gorgeous setting, our foundation is built on honoring God, valuing our seniors and hiring staff with a felt calling to serve. We invite you to visit our website to learn more about exceptional senior living in Reno.
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While many of us understand that high blood pressure (also known as hypertension) is dangerous, we may not know how high is too high? Even if you thought you knew the “numbers,” you may be unaware that the American Heart Association (AHA) recently lowered the guidelines in November 2017. Now the threshold for a healthy blood pressure is 130/80 mmHg, and experts say that means more than 100 million Americans, or 46 percent of us, now have high blood pressure.
However the good news is doctors say hypertension can be effectively managed and by taking action, we can usually bring our levels down into a normal range. If you already know your numbers are high or are unaware of what your BP is, medical professionals recommend tracking your BP at home to reduce your risk. Please remember hypertension is called a “silent killer” for a reason, and most likely you will not know you have it unless along with your medical provider, you track it. Your blood pressure reading consists of two numbers –systolic over diastolic. Systolic is the top number and indicates the pressure of the heart pumping blood to the rest of the body. The lower number, diastolic measures the pressure in the arteries when the heart rests between beats. The AHA states a hypertensive crisis is when blood pressure levels reach 180/120. The individual may experience symptoms of a headache, shortness of breath, nosebleeds and acute anxiety. Doctor’s explain a “hypertensive emergency encompasses an elevated blood pressure reading and symptoms of chest or back pain, weakness, numbness or difficulty speaking,” and requires immediate medical attention. There are several things you can do to reduce your BP. While your doctor will determine if you require medication, simple lifestyle changes include getting regular exercise, quitting smoking, maintaining a healthy weight, moderating your use of alcohol and limiting the amount of salt you consume. In addition it is recommend that you track your own blood pressure at home and share your findings with your doctor. If you are looking for trusted assisted living in the Reno area, take a look at MorningStar of Sparks. In addition to compassionate assisted living, we offer independent living and memory care. Taking the utmost care of your loved one and of our community, we are safely accepting new residents. Check out our website for a virtual tour of our community and contact info for availability and pricing. MorningStar of Sparks’ unique mission statement “to honor, to serve, to invest” sets us apart from other senior communities. Committed to creating a true home for residents within a gorgeous setting, our foundation is built on honoring God, valuing our seniors and hiring staff with a felt calling to serve. Please visit our website for information on the area’s most trusted assisted living in Reno. Source:health.usnews.com/conditions/heart-disease/high-blood-pressure?int=hp_condition_guide_section_health While many of us have always felt a sense of calmness when working in our backyards or sitting out on our patios, there is now lots of research that proves spending time among nature can improve not only our wellbeing but our health. The National Institute of Health (NIH) recently published a report that draws on multiple studies, which show contact with nature improves a variety conditions and diseases including: depression and anxiety disorders, diabetes, mellitus, cancer, respiratory diseases and more. It explains that time spent “in and around tree-lined streets, gardens, parks, and forested and agricultural lands is consistently linked to objective, long-term health outcomes.” Moreover it found higher risks for morbidity and mortality linked to people in less green surroundings leading researchers to hypothesize that greening neighborhoods with more parks and trees may be an effective, inexpensive intervention for better health.
Thus spending time sitting on your deck, walking along a tree-lined street or simply looking out your window at a tree in your backyard, communing with nature benefits our health and wellbeing. In fact in the 1980s, renowned biologist E. O. Wilson first introduced the idea that humans have an innate connection to nature. Around that same time, a professor of architecture at Texas A&M University began studying how surgery patients seemed to be discharged faster and needed fewer painkillers if they had a view of a nature scene outside their hospital window. Also more recent studies have shown hospital patients exposed to “natural light, windows, and healing gardens are related to reduced stress, improved healing, and reduced use of pain medicines.” For trusted senior living in Reno, we urge you to consider MorningStar of Sparks. Our community offers independent living, assisted living and memory care, and currently we are safely accepting new residents. Please check out our website for a virtual tour of our community (we are set on a beautiful campus) and use our email link to inquire about availability and pricing. During this time of the novel coronavirus, we are following the guidelines of the CDC –in many cases exceeding them – and doing all we can to ensure the health and wellbeing of all those beneath our roof. MorningStar of Sparks’ unique mission statement “to honor, to serve, to invest” sets us apart from other senior communities. Committed to creating a true home for residents within a gorgeous setting, our foundation is built on honoring God, valuing our seniors and hiring staff with a felt calling to serve. Please visit our website for contact information and to learn more about the area’s most trusted assisted living in Reno. Source: ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4548093/ jphmpdirect.com/2020/04/30/our-need-for-the-outdoors-the-role-of-nature-during-covid-19/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=our-need-for-the-outdoors-the-role-of-nature-during-covid-19&utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=our-need-for-the-outdoors-the-role-of-nature-during-covid-19 The medical profession is worried that people have put off seeing a doctor or coming in to the emergency room for medical conditions that demand immediate attention. While many states are coming out of “stay at home” orders, doctors say there are still far too many people afraid to seek medical attention for critical care.
Doctors fear that patients who need urgent care for conditions such as stokes, heart attacks, abdominal conditions, and bladder infections are not reaching out for help. Moreover in some cases, by not seeking appropriate, timely assistance, there has been an uptick of people dying at home or suffering from irreversible damage caused by the lack of medical intervention. Reports out of Spain, one of Europe’s hardest hit countries “found that the number of heart attack patients treated in healthcare facilities has plummeted by 40% since the onset of the virus.” Hong Kong had similar reports. This is why hospitals and care providers around the country want to reassure the public that they are doing everything possible to keep you safe from catching the virus while getting the emergency care you need. In fact most medical centers and hospitals have completely separated potential COVID-19 patients from the general public. To ensure you get the critical care you need, healthcare providers say it is “crucial that patients identify key symptoms early and call 911 as soon as possible, regardless of the pandemic situation” MorningStar of Sparks is proud to be the most trusted senior living in Reno. While temporarily closed to non-essential visitors due to COVID-19, we are still safely accepting new residents. Along with 128 bright suites for independent living, we offer 80 suites for assisted living. MorningStar’s Reflections Neighborhood also provides 32 secure suites devoted to those with Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related diseases. Please check out our website for a virtual tour of independent and assisted living in Reno and use our email link to inquire about availability and pricing. MorningStar of Sparks’ unique mission statement “to honor, to serve, to invest” sets us apart from other senior communities. Committed to creating a true home for residents within a gorgeous setting, our foundation is built on honoring God, valuing our seniors and hiring staff with a felt calling to serve. Please visit our website for contact information and to learn more about the area’s most trusted senior living in Reno. Along with the finest assisted living Albuquerque offers, MorningStar’s Reflections Neighborhood has 21 secure suites in studio and one-bedroom configurations devoted to caring for seniors with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia.
The Reflections Neighborhood is specifically designed to allow our most tender residents the freedom to explore their surroundings safely and easily. Within the safe haven of our “Neighborhood,” we have created an environment that encourages and supports residents’ independence whenever possible. We accept residents in the earliest stage of the disease right through to those in more advanced phases that require the highest level of care. As dementia care specialists, we understand how devastating it is when a loved one receives a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s or another memory loss disease, and we want you to know we are here to help. We consider residents’ family members to be part of our MorningStar family as we walk alongside the memory-impaired and their families on this unexpected journey. Our unique approach to memory care is called Lavender Sky, which is how we thoughtfully enter, embrace and explore the entirely different and isolating world of memory loss. We are staffed by experienced and compassionate caregivers who truly understand the disease. Our holistic approach to memory care is designed to affirm the value of the person and to find ways to celebrate the smallest successes. MorningStar leverages the power of dance, music, art, exercise, animals and aromatherapy in order to heal and comfort, and provides meaningful wellness programs and activities that engage our residents. Also, as many adverse behaviors are often side effects from antipsychotic drugs, our goal is to have as few as possible of our residents on such drugs. Finally, MorningStar wants you to know that during the coronavirus outbreak, our highest priority is the safety and wellbeing of our residents, their families and our staff; and we 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. Please see our website for updates on the changes we have made to help keep our community safe during this hard time. The unique mission statement of MorningStar of Albuquerque, “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. Please contact us to learn more about the finest memory care and assisted living Albuquerque has to offer. For years research has suggested children should have limits placed upon their daily screen time, and now a large study suggests the same may be true for older adults. A published report from the University College London in the United Kingdom indicates that older adults who spent at least 3.5 hours a day watching television experienced a greater decline in verbal memory. The study’s data was taken from the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing (ELSA), which included 3,662 participants age 50 years and older.
Participants answered researchers’ questions in 2008-2009 and then again in 2014-2015 regarding the time they spent watching TV. Afterward they were given a series of tests that measured verbal memory and fluency. Results showed adults who watch 3.5 or more hours of TV daily had an “average decline of 8–10 percent in word- and language-related memory over the 6 years the study covered. This is compared with a lower 4–5 percent average decline in those who watched fewer hours of TV per day over the same period.” For the verbal memory tests, participants were asked to memorize and then recall lists of words within a given time. The verbal fluency tests required them to list as many examples, such as animals, they could in a given amount of time. The semantic fluency of the study’s participants did not seem to be affected. It was noted that most of the studies involving the effects of TV watching have been done on children and little to no studies on older adults. One of the study’s co-authors, Dr. Daisy Fancourt, who works in the Department of Behavioral Science and Health says, "Much less attention has been paid to the effects of television viewing at the other end of the lifespan, despite it being hypothesized for over 25 years that watching excessive television could contribute to the development of dementia." For the area’s finest independent and assisted living, Reno area seniors are encouraged to consider MorningStar of Sparks, a true destination for successful aging. Our residents have a whole lot more to do than just watching TV as our community provides a range of wellness programs and activities designed to enhance health and wellness, stimulate the brain and encourage connection. Please call or visit our website for more information. MorningStar of Sparks proudly provides the very best in senior living with our unique mission statement “to honor, to serve, to invest.” With a foundation built on honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve, we create a true home for residents amid a beautiful setting. Please contact us to learn more about the finest independent and assisted living Reno-Sparks offers. Source: medicalnewstoday.com/articles/324598.php In order to thrive and lead fulfilling lives, people need to socialize with one another, and seniors are no different. In fact studies show loneliness can have a detrimental effect on the elderly while socializing can help to enhance and enrich seniors’ lives.
An article in the US News & World Report discusses a study on seniors’ social interactions conducted by the Rush Memory and Aging Project and funded by the National Institute on Aging. The study found that the most socially active seniors experienced one-fourth the rate of cognitive decline as seniors with the lowest levels of social activity. The results were independent of other factors that may influence cognitive decline including physical activity, general health, and age. During a five year period, the Rush University project followed 1,138 adults with an average age of 80. Their research discovered that “elderly people with the highest levels of social activity -- doing things such as visiting friends, going to parties or attending church -- showed much lower levels of cognitive decline than those who were the least socially active.” MorningStar of Sparks is committed to provide the best senior living Reno-Sparks has to offer. We strongly believe we need to address our residents’ overall health and wellbeing through physical, intellectual and spiritual activities as well as to help them engage socially. Our life enrichment programs present creative ways for residents to stay active and productive for both companionship and pure fun. Our programs tap into residents’ unique talents and experiences as well as allow them to find new avenues of interest. In addition to our in-house activities, we take group trips to cultural destinations, parks, shopping, museums, and restaurants in and around Sparks, Reno and the surrounding areas. Please visit our website to see what is happening at MorningStar of Sparks. If you like what you see, go ahead and set up a visit. We look forward to meeting you. 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 see for yourself the finest senior living Reno-Sparks offers. Spending time doing things you enjoy can not only help you to stay more interested in life but may also be good for your health. Many hobbies are enjoyed at any age and can help to exercise your mind or body (many do both) as well as provide social interactions.
Creative hobbies such as painting, sculpting, photography, scrapbooking and knitting or the performing arts are fun activities for seniors and provide lots of opportunity for socializing. Another healthy hobby is caring for a pet according to A Place for Mom. They explain that, “Pets provide a comfort system and actually produce a chemical chain reaction in the brain that helps to lower levels of the stress-inducing hormone cortisol and increase the production of the feel-good hormone serotonin.” Studies have shown that pet ownership may help lower cholesterol, fight depression and help protect against heart conditions. Stretching exercises and yoga are also popular with seniors as they help improve flexibility and movement and build balance as well as improve blood flow to the brain, heart and circulatory system. Yoga classes are designed for many physical fitness levels such as chair yoga for those unable to get down on the floor. Joining a walking group is another fun way to exercise and spend time with friendly faces. Looking for the finest senior living Reno-Sparks has to offer? At MorningStar of Sparks, we specialize in providing our residents with a lifestyle of comfort, wellness and community. Every day we offer a variety of fun and engaging activities that may include things such as exercise groups, craft classes, games, painting classes, and the knitting club. Please visit our website to learn more about our loving community and while you are there, be sure to take a look at our Community Amenities and Suite Features & Floor Plan pages. 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 has to offer. More and more research supports the importance of seniors staying physical fit as well as keeping their brains’ fit. Harvard Health Publishing reports on research with mice and humans that show “brainy activities stimulate new connections between nerve cells and may even help the brain generate new cells, developing neurological ‘plasticity’ and building up a functional reserve that provides a hedge against future cell loss.”
Mentally stimulating activity such as trivia and memory games, puzzles, crosswords, board and card games can help maintain brain function. Even if you don’t have a partner to play with, many of these types of games can be found on a computer or tablet. Reading, taking courses, drawing, painting and experimenting with things that require manual dexterity are stimulating mental gymnastics. Other great brain boosters include learning or engaging in creative activities like playing an instrument or dancing. Board games, such as chess and checkers, require counting, strategy and decision-making. Memory games, scrabble and crosswords can help to improve recall and reduce those times when you cannot get the right word out. Another added benefit to playing games with other is companionship. Experts say physical activity is also necessary for good brain health as it increases the number of tiny blood vessels that bring oxygen-rich blood to the region of the brain responsible for thought. It encourages the development of “new nerve cells and increases the connections between brain cells (synapses).” Another positive side effect of exercise is it also improves your heart health by lowering cholesterol levels and blood pressure, improving blood sugar balance and reducing mental stress. Brain health is also improved with good nutrition. Diets rich in fruits, vegetables, fish, nuts, unsaturated oils (olive oil) and plant sources of proteins may help to prevent cognitive impairment and dementia. Looking for the finest independent and assisted living Reno-Sparks offers? MorningStar of Sparks may be your answer. By providing a range of meaningful programs, tasty, nutritional meals, and 24/7 care, residents are able to lead a lifestyle of comfort, wellness and community. 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 encourage you to schedule a tour to see firsthand the finest independent and assisted living Reno-Sparks has to offer. Sources: health.harvard.edu/mind-and-mood/12-ways-to-keep-your-brain-young mindhow.com/best-brain-stimulating-activities-for-seniors/ Seniors often feel it is too late to make a difference in their health or that it may be too complicated to do so. The truth is that taking better care of your physical health can be quite simple and enjoyable and may help you feel like a new person.
Our first piece of advice is to make sure you are managing your medical conditions, diseases and ailments in the most effective manner. This includes making sure you are receiving the best medical care for your medical issues as well as learning about and practicing activities that can help you better manage your conditions. Such as did you know that certain types of exercises can reduce your blood sugar and may even eliminate the need to take insulin? Also making small changes to your diet may not only help you take off a few extra pounds but relieve pain in your back and knees. Furthermore, enough cannot be said about the benefits of regular physical activity regardless of your age or state of health. Exercises for seniors should include daily or weekly routines to improve balance, flexibility, aerobic conditioning, and muscle strengthening. However, before you integrate an exercise activity into your life, please consult with your health care provider. Another aspect of improving our physical health is to practice good nutrition. Seniors can benefit from eating well and drinking plenty of water. Changing to a healthier diet will give you more energy and help you lose weight and prevent or alleviate the severity of illnesses. Lastly experts say it is important for people of any age including seniors to get enough sleep. A good night’s sleep will help you feel more energetic during the day, and it is recommended seniors 65 years and older get seven to nine hours of sleep per night. At MorningStar of Sparks, our mission is to provide seniors the best independent and assisted living Reno–Sparks offers, which includes nutritional, tasty daily meals. We also provide our residents with peace of mind knowing that others are around in the event of an emergency. Please visit our website to see more about the resort-style amenities and services we provide to ensure the comfort and wellness of our residents. 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 schedule a tour to see firsthand the finest independent and assisted living Reno-Sparks has to offer. |
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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