Know the Facts about Prediabetes

The Mayo Clinic defines prediabetes as the condition where a person’s “blood sugar level is higher than normal but not yet high enough to be classified as type 2 diabetes.”  They go on to say that without intervention, a person is in danger of becoming diabetic in 10 years or less; however, there are steps you can take to help prevent this from happening.   

While it is not known exactly what causes prediabetes, we do know that family history and genetics play a significant role.  The Mayo Clinic explains that the genetic link has been confirmed by research with the discovery of some insulin resistant genes.  In addition studies show that excess fat; especially abdominal fat as well as inactivity are “important factors in the development of prediabetes.”

The job of glucose (sugar) in our bodies is to fuel the cells that make up our muscles and other tissues.  We get glucose from any food we eat that has carbohydrates and not just from sweets.  As our food is digested, glucose enters the bloodstream, and “with the help of insulin, it enters the body's cells where it is utilized as a source of energy.”   For someone who has prediabetes, it means they have stopped processing glucose properly, and it is building up in their bloodstream, no longer providing fuel for their cells.

To help prevent prediabetes from becoming type 2 diabetes, you need to make changes in your lifestyle.  A good way to start trying to normalize your blood sugar levels is to get plenty of physical exercise, make healthier food choices, and lose weight if you carry a lot of excess body fat.   

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 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 schedule a visit to learn more about our exceptional senior living.

Source: mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/prediabetes/basics/symptoms/con-20024420 

Seniors Enjoy the Benefits of Senior Living Communities

As it turns out, many seniors are quite happy with their decision to move into an independent senior living or assisted living community.  In part, that may be due to the fact that typically today’s senior communities are loaded with numerous amenities and activities.   As a resident, you are provided with a lifestyle of comfort and community as well as a sense of safety and security.   

When seniors move out of their family home into a senior community, they find themselves freed from lots of responsibilities.  Owning a home requires routine care and maintenance such as mowing lawns, shoveling snow, pulling weeds, and other housekeeping chores. 

Furthermore, seniors often live alone and experience feelings of loneliness and isolation.  Also as people age, many are reluctant to drive, which means they end up spending a lot of time at home by themselves.  This is something that is not a problem in senior living communities.  While activities are optional, there is generally something of interest for everyone.   

For seniors who do not drive anymore, senior living communities usually offer some form of transportation.  In addition many communities routinely schedule day trips to activities such as plays, museums, shopping malls or other events. 

We also know that many seniors who live alone do not eat well.  In some cases, preparing food has become more difficult as well as grocery shopping.  Most assisted living communities make healthy, nutritious food a priority and serve residents three daily meals.  This is especially important for residents with dietary restrictions as most diets are accommodated. 

Another frequently overlooked benefit of seniors moving into senior living communities is they do not need to depend on their grown children or other family members as they did when living on their own.  This allows both parties to just enjoy one another again.  Grown children no longer find themselves in the position of have to parent their parent as the senior is getting needs meet at their “new home.”

Finally we cannot forget the importance of socializing and making new friends at any age.  Even for individuals who value their privacy, there is still the comfort of having other people around.  If the event of a fall or medical emergency, help is always close at hand for residents at an assisted living community.     

At MorningStar Senior Living of Sparks, we offer residents a safe and secure place to age in and to enjoy our many amenities and activities.  Contact us to schedule a tour and discover for yourself why our residents are happy to call MorningStar’s senior community “home”.

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 schedule a visit to learn more about our exceptional senior living.

Source:aplaceformom.com/blog/why-seniors-prefer-senior-living-communities/

The Benefits of Pet Ownership

Research continues to show a strong correlation between pet ownership and a number of benefits to seniors.  Everything from helping the elderly to stay physically active, to lowering blood pressure, reducing stress, providing companionship and making depression less likely are attributed to having a pet.  In fact there are several studies that indicate that patients with heart problems do better when they are responsible for a pet.

Not only do pets offer lots of affection and unconditional love but they can also help seniors cope with the loss of a loved one.  In an article from AgingCare.com, a New Jersey psychotherapist, Dr. Jay P. Granat, discusses some of the other intangibles that pets offer to the elderly.  He states that, "Dogs—and other pets—live very much in the here and now. They don't worry about tomorrow. And tomorrow can be very scary for an older person. By having an animal with that sense of now, it tends to rub off on people."

At MorningStar Senior Living ofSparks, we wholeheartedly agree that pets provide many benefits to seniors, which is why we are proud that our community is pet friendly.  Along with our residents’ pets, we also have a couple of special “house pets” that provide companionship and warmth throughout our entire community. 

Willow, an adorable Golden Doodle, is a gentle, loving dog who is a big hit with all of our residents and staff.  Additionally we recently welcomed Paradise, a Senegal parrot, into our family.  Senegal parrots are renowned for their calm, quiet disposition along with their intelligence and ability to learn complex tricks.  At just three months old, Paradise is already fully grown, and is content to spend the day perched upon any willing shoulder. 

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 schedule a visit to learn more about our exceptional senior living.

Sources:petsfortheelderly.org/articles.html

agingcare.com/Articles/benefits-of-elderly-owning-pets-113294.htm

The Importance of Seniors Staying Hydrated

According to the Mayo Clinic, the elderly are among one of the groups of people that are more susceptible to dehydration.  They cite the following reasons for this including the fact that a senior’s ability to conserve water is lessened while at the same time they experience a diminished sense of thirst.  Furthermore, a senior’s capacity to respond to changes in temperature is reduced and many do not adept well to extremely hot or cold weather.  These issues are often compounded by the prevalence of chronic diseases such as diabetes, heart failure, dementia and kidney problems.  There are even certain medications that can contribute to the elderly being more susceptible to dehydration. 

As we age our kidneys’ lose some of their ability to concentrate urine and retain water during episodes of fluid deprivation.  Also a reduced sensation of thirst means that many seniors forget to drink enough fluids throughout the day.  Moreover disorders such as Parkinson’s disease and dementia can create swallowing problems that make it more difficult to drink.  Other factors that can contribute to dehydration include a decrease in mobility and incontinence.     

The dangers of dehydration are many and often results in emergency visits and hospitalization and have even been associated with increased mortality rates in the elderly.  Additionally it is related to a range of health issues such as falling, constipation, and impaired cognition and confusion.   

So what steps should you take to ensure you or your loved one stays hydrated?  Experts advise that every time you take a pill to drink a full glass of water.  Also have healthy fluids readily available throughout the day and avoid sugar-laden drinks as well as salty foods. 

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 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 schedule a visit to learn more about our exceptional senior living.

Sources: mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/dehydration/basics/risk-factors/con-20030056

aplaceformom.com/blog/2013-7-18-elderly-dehydration/   

Discover the Best Senior Living in Sparks!

Providing seniors with carefree retirement years is the primary goal at MorningStar Senior Living of Sparks.   Our beautiful community offers residents a safe and comfortable place to age in place while taking advantage of resort-style amenities and a broad range of meaningful activities.  MorningStar of Sparks has independent living, assisted living and memory care. 

When we boast about resort-style amenities, we really mean it such as three delicious daily meals expertly prepared by an Executive Chef and served restaurant style in our lovely dining room.  In addition a range of convenient services including a full salon offering manicures and pedicures, a spa bath, fitness room, library, and bistro.  For entertainment, residents enjoy our on-site theatre, billiards and game room, and a full calendar of wellness programs and activities. 

Furthermore, if you have no longer drive - no problem as MorningStar of Sparks offers scheduled transportation and outings to local venues, parks, malls and more.  We have fun marking each holiday with special celebrations such as our recent Mother’s Day Brunch that was a resounding success.  Executive Chef Jacques’ meal was wonderful and each of our ladies was presented with flowers.  Even a group of local firefighters stopped by to spread goodwill and delighted the visiting grandkids with an inside peek of the firetruck.  

Other amenities include beautiful strolling paths, full-time licensed nurse and a caring and responsive 24-hour staff.  So if all this sounds like something you may be interested in, please contact us to schedule a visit.  You cannot really get a complete picture of all that goes into making our community a real home without experiencing it firsthand.  

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 schedule a visit to learn more about our exceptional senior living.

Lifestyle Changes that Improve Brain Health

While scientists have known for some time that as we age our brains shrink, a few years ago a report was published that for the first time provided evidence of certain risk factors which can contribute to a reduction in brain size.  However the good news is that since these risk factors are generally controllable; we can make changes to our lifestyle that will not only improve our physical health be also help to delay a decline in our brain volume.     

The study, from the University of California, Davis, reported that there are four risk factors associated with a faster decline in brain function including: high blood pressure, diabetes, cigarette smoking and being overweight or obese.  The 1,352 participants were an average age of 54 years at the start of the study and did not have any signs of dementia.  All of them were part of the Framingham Offspring Cohort Study (the children of the participants of the original Framingham Heart Study).

The researcher’s results proved similar to those of earlier studies, which indicate a strong link to the fact that “damage to the cardiovascular system is associated with cognitive decline and increased risk of dementia.”  Although we know that smoking, high blood pressure, obesity and diabetes increase the chance of cardiovascular-system damage; these are all controllable factors that can be addressed through medications and lifestyle changes.   

The Alzheimer’s Association reminds us that while we cannot change risk factors such as age, family history and heredity, most experts agree that Alzheimer's disease occurs as a result of complex interactions.  They state that, “Research is beginning to reveal clues about other risk factors we may be able to influence through general lifestyle and wellness choices and effective management of other health conditions.”

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 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 schedule a visit to learn more about our exceptional senior living.

Source:

healthland.time.com/2011/08/03/study-4-factors-that-may-shrink-your-brain/

Risk Factors Contributing to Falls in the Elderly

We know that falls can be dangerous, and in fact, they are the leading cause of fatal and non-fatal injuries for older Americans.  The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) statistics state that one-third of Americans age 65 years and older fall each year.  They report that, “every 13 seconds, an older adult is treated in the emergency room for a fall; every 20 minutes, an older adult dies from a fall.”

However, there are several risk factors that can be addressed that may help prevent falls.  The National Institute of Health (NIH) explains that it is not only chronic health conditions that lead to falls but also safety hazards within or around a senior’s home.

The NIH cites muscle weakness, especially in the legs, along with a lack of flexibility and endurance as a significant risk factor that puts seniors at risk for a fall.  Another factor increasing risk is an unsteady gait when walking as well as poor balance, which can be contributed to chronic health problems and lack of exercise.  In addition older adults need to be sure to wear safe footwear and should avoid backless shoes or slippers, high-heeled shoes or shoes with smooth soles.     

Furthermore, a condition known as postural hypotension (when blood pressure drops too quickly when getting up from a lying down or sitting position) can increase the risk of falling.  There are several chronic conditions such as Parkinson’s or diabetes as well as certain medications that can cause this to happen.  Also vision problems, sensory difficulties, confusion and medications can lead to dizziness and unsteadiness, and result in a fall. 

The NIH advises seniors to report any fall to their doctor as is may be a sign of a “new medical problem that needs attention, such as an infection or a cardiovascular disorder.”  It could also be a signal that your medication needs to be adjusted or changed. 

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 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 schedule a visit to learn more about our exceptional senior living options.

Sources:

ncoa.org/news/resources-for-reporters/get-the-facts/falls-prevention-facts/

nihseniorhealth.gov/falls/causesandriskfactors/01.html

Misconceptions about Assisted Living

There are many misconceptions about senior independent and assisted living communities.  Regardless of what you think you know; the truth is every senior community has a unique personality and the best way to really get to know a place is to visit it firsthand.   Krystal Chan, a Partner Services Projects Manager at A Place for Mom, notes that, “You can visit two communities down the street from one another that offer the same care and services, they may even look identical to one another, but that feel very different. Just because your loved one didn’t like one community, doesn’t mean the next one won’t feel right.”

In terms of assisted living, you will find that the level of care varies from facility to facility as well as from state to state as requirements and regulations differ.  Some states have a tiered level of licensing so facilities with higher level licenses can provide more care.

One thing that surprises a lot of people is that many senior living communities allow pets.  In fact, as research continues to solidify the benefit seniors get from caring for an animal, many communities wholeheartedly welcome pets into their community. 

Another misconception about assisted living is that it is very expensive. In a 2012 Cost of Senior Care Survey from A Place for Mom, it cites the fact that assisted living is often less costly than home health or nursing home care.  In addition they report that “more seniors are purchasing long-term care insurance to help plan for and finance their long-term care needs.”  Furthermore, other programs such as one for Vets and their spouses offer assistance to help off-set the cost.  

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 schedule a visit to learn more about our exceptional senior living.

Source:

aplaceformom.com/blog/things-you-didnt-know-about-assisted-living-2-19-2012/