Five Top Balance and Mobility Aids for Seniors

Every year, one in three adults aged 65 or older experiences a fall.

Falls are the leading cause of injury among seniors, and these injuries are the cause of the thousands of hospitalizations and deaths that occur each year.

Many seniors are scared of the increased risk of falls that accompanies aging. They’re so scared, in fact, that they avoid leaving their homes and participating in activities that they once enjoyed. This doesn’t have to be the case, though.

By investing in high-quality balance and mobility aids, seniors can continue to enjoy their daily activities without worrying about falling and hurting themselves. Five of the best balance and mobility aids for seniors are listed below:

1. Walking Sticks

Sometimes, a basic walking stick is all someone needs to feel more confident moving about inside and outside of their home.

When choosing a walking stick, seniors should keep these factors in mind:

• Aluminum and carbon-fiber models are the best materials for bearing weight
• A tripod or quadruped walking stick will support weight better than a traditional stick
• Folding walking sticks are lightweight, easy to store, and are less likely to become tripping hazards

2. Grab Bars

Grab bars are great options for helping seniors avoid slipping and falling. They also promote independence and help seniors take care of personal hygiene tasks without a caregiver’s help.

Most seniors can benefit from having a bar installed in their bathroom. The shower and next to the toilet are both good places for one.

Look for a sturdy grab bar that has to be screwed into the wall. Bars that attach with suction cups are not very secure and could come crashing down under the user’s weight.

3. Shower Chairs

For many seniors, standing in the shower is tiring and difficult. Because of this, shower chairs are good for individuals with balance issues.

A shower chair is a chair that usually has suction cups or special grips attached to the legs so that it doesn’t slide on the tile or tub floor when the user sits down on it. These can be used in conjunction with grab bars to help seniors feel more secure when they’re showering.

4. Lifting Cushions

Many seniors often struggle to stand up from a sitting position, especially when they’re sitting on a soft surface like a couch or rocking chair. Lifting cushions are a handy tool that can be used to rectify this problem.

A lifting cushion is specially designed to give seniors a gentle boost when they’re standing up so that they don’t have to rely on their leg and core muscles quite as much. Cushions also help prevent injuries that can occur when a caregiver is trying to lift or pull a senior up out of a chair.

Most cushions lift between 70 and 80 percent of the user’s weight, but some automatic models can actually lift 100 percent of their weight.

Look for a cushion that is made with memory foam, especially if the user is going to be sitting on it for an extended period of time. These models will be the most comfortable.

5. Balance Discs
 
Seniors who struggle with poor balance don’t just have to accept their mobility limitations. While some limitations are more severe than others, many seniors can improve their mobility and functionality simply by doing daily exercises that strengthen their core and make them more stable.

Simply standing on one foot while using a chair or wall for support is a great place to start. Investing in a tool like a balance disc can also help seniors improve their stability.

Balance discs are designed to be sat, stood, and knelt on while performing exercises like squats, leg lifts, and planks. The disc creates an unstable surface that forces the user to engage their core to keep themselves from tipping over, so it’s a great option for seniors who want to feel stronger and steadier in their daily activities.

These five balance and mobility aids can make a major difference in the lives of seniors who struggle with mobility limitations or are anxious about falls and injuries. Give them a try today!

This is a guest blog entry.

How to Get Quality Sleep When Your Back Is Hurting You

Back pain, especially lower back pain, can make it difficult to fall asleep and stay asleep. You toss and turn every night just trying to find a position that would be comfortable enough, and eventually fall asleep because of exhaustion.

This doesn’t last long however, as lower back pain can result in microarousals, periods in which the body shifts into a lighter sleep stage and causes you to wake up.

Microarousals can occur several times an hour. Pain in the back therefore decreases the amount of sleep you get, and with sleep deprivation also comes a diminished quality of life during daytime hours.

According to the National Sleep Foundation, individuals who have chronic pain lose an average of 42 minutes of sleep each night. That’s 42 minutes your body could have used to recover and heal itself.

But how can you get comfortable when a major part of your body that you use for sleeping is paining you? Here are some tips from the experts.

Sleep on your side.
If you have back pain, sleeping on your back can become unbearable - so sleep on your side instead. It helps if your mattress provides just the right amount of comfort and support to relieve pressure on the parts that make contact with your body, such as the hips and shoulders. A medium-firm mattress is usually recommended for those with back pain. Of course, it’s best if you try out different mattresses first to see which kind feels the most comfortable for you.

When sleeping on your side, bend your knees slightly toward your chest and place a pillow between them to keep your hips level and promote better alignment in the spine, pelvis and hips. If there is a gap between the mattress and your waist, you can place a small pillow there for added support and keep your spine aligned.

If you sleep on your back, prop up your knees with a pillow.
If sleeping on your back is what feels natural for you, you can relieve back pain by placing a pillow under your knees. The pillow would help keep the curve in the lower back and remove pressure from it. You can also roll up a small towel and position it under the small of your back.

Include yoga stretches in your bedtime routine.
There are several yoga poses that can alleviate pain in the lower back. Yoga stretches coupled with deep breathing exercises also helps in reducing stress. Take care not to overexert yourself especially if you’re a beginner - use props like blocks or rolled-up blankets for added support and to allow you to hold poses safely and comfortably.

Strengthen your core.
Along with yoga stretches, core exercises can also help in easing back pain. When you build flexibility strength in your core muscles (those in the abdomen, lower back, pelvis and hips), you reduce the risk of back strain and muscle spasms.

One of the ways you can exercise your core is by holding a plank position for 15 to 30 seconds. It may sound easy on paper but if you haven’t done it before, you may find it’s actually very challenging to maintain the proper position. Your hands should be straight under your shoulders with your legs out straight. Keep your body in a straight line - no sagging around the middle or bowing your back. Keep your abdominal muscles engaged and don’t forget to breathe.

Following these tips can help keep your spine healthy and relieve pressure on your lower back, helping you fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer. Try them out and let us know how it goes!

This is a guest blog entry.

Save Your Teeth – Find An Endodontist Now!

Your smile is integral to your day-to-day interactions. Teeth, in particular, are indicative of larger health issues and should therefore be prioritized, as far as one’s well-being goes. Great teeth, moreover, can give you confidence, while poor oral care health can negatively affect your digestion and cause you to be less active in the world at large.

Nevertheless, most people continue to fall under the assumption that all dental care is a painful and costly procedure, but professional dental care has made services not only more accessible financially, but efficient as far as pain prevention and relief go; this is indeed why it is important to know what an endodontist does– lest we avoid procedures that a certified professional would absolutely deem to be necessary, simply by virtue of our own naivety.

For example, traditional braces were uncomfortable and cost upwards of nearly $6,000. Today, clear braces require less recovery and cost far less than traditional sets, both in terms of installation and upkeep. In fact, more and more patients are seeking the professional help of an endodontist to improve their oral health.

With endodontistry on your side, you can choose from a quality professional with expertise on improving or enhancing your smile. An endodontist specializes in root canal therapy – in other words, they help relieve any pain or discomfort you may be experiencing in your teeth. With this in mind, it can be said that they offer interventions that are both cosmetic in nature and medically required. They'll remove the underlying pulp under the enamel which can become infected or inflamed. Indeed, preserving your smile is the number one goal of a professional dentistry specialist.

Signs You Should See An Endodontist

-    You have cracked or chipped teeth
-    You’re experiencing chewing pain
-    You have severe temperature sensitivity
-    You have a dislodged or knocked-out tooth

Additionally, missing canals – hidden from x-rays – can occasionally be located, but only with the aid of an endodontist. For this kind of procedure, they typically make use microsurgical techniques in order to enhance the appearance of your teeth, particularly in problematic areas around the root or canal.

No matter how daunting a procedure may seem, it’s important to trust the caring professionals you have readily available – they can assist you with your traumatic tooth injuries, which include many common therapy options like a root canal. Your comfort is, no doubt, their priority at all times. In any case, root canal therapy is very common and not as complex and painful as it once was for many patients, as any modern endodontist can tell you firsthand. By simply taking the time to treat your oral ailments, and doing research on your own time, you’ll never again have to sacrifice your smile out fear or by virtue of being uninformed. Indeed, saving face is easier than you once thought.

This is a guest blog posting.

Important Safety Reminders For First-Time Trekkers

Unlike hiking which is more organized and generally safer because of well-marked trails, trekking takes longer (often more than two days) and is a lot more challenging since you need to walk on uncharted paths in hilly or mountainous areas.

Based on data collected during the spring of 2017, around 47.2 million Americans went backpacking in the last 12 months. With travel goals and destinations posted all over social media, this number is bound to increase in the years to come. Becoming one with nature has many health benefits but for the ill-informed and unprepared, it can also prove dangerous.

Common trekking injuries

• Blisters. Walking on uneven terrain for extended periods of time can lead to skin irritation like blisters. Blisters do not only occur in your feet; you can also get blisters from gripping your trekking pole too tightly.

• Body pain. Muscle soreness may accompany trekking like it does most other physical activities that include physical exertion. The most common sites for injury include the knee, shoulder, lower back, and foot arch. Even seasoned trekkers experience body aches. It’s all a matter of preparation before the trek that can make a huge difference.

• Dehydration. Depending on your chosen location, it can get very hot when you’re walking in the middle of the day or early afternoon. Drinking water or sports drinks to replenish the liquids and electrolytes you lose through sweating can help prevent dehydration.

• Ankle sprain. Traversing uneven terrain and climbing over landmarks like fallen trees and boulders can make you more susceptible to losing your footing and twisting or spraining your ankle.

Safety reminders to keep in mind

1. Check the weather so you can better prepare especially if there are thunderstorms, strong winds, or heavy rain. In extreme conditions, it’s often not advisable to continue with the trek even more so if you’re a first-timer.

2. Have some basic knowledge of what to do in case of emergencies such as animal attacks, cuts and bruises, insect bites, and ankle sprains.

3.    Choose a high-quality pair of boots for trekking. Remember, when there’s discomfort in your foot, it will affect your gait and the way you walk, which will have a domino effect on your whole body. Go on short hikes with your new shoes to try to see if these will potentially give you problems during the trek.

4. Ensure feet comfort and protection by using gel insoles that provide adequate support and have a washable lining to avoid bacterial buildup. You can also wear thick and comfortable socks to prevent blisters. For problem areas, you can put blister tapes and antiperspirant powder for further protection.

5. Warm up for larger treks. If you have been largely sedentary and suddenly plunge into a grueling activity without preparing your body first, you could increase your risk of injury.

6. Pack a first aid kit. Include bug spray, alcohol wipes, sterile gauze, medical tape, antibacterial ointment, over-the-counter pain relievers, antihistamine and anti-diarrheal medications, elastic bandages, and aloe vera gel to name a few. You can add more to this list depending on where you’re going.

7. Stay hydrated and use a pouch or any container that’s easily accessible like a hydration pack or a water bag. When you’re trekking on an ascending trail, it can be inconvenient to constantly open your backpack to take out your water bottle.

8. Protect your skin against sun damage from UV rays with sun block SPF 50+. To soothe your sunburnt skin, you can apply aloe vera gel.

9. Don’t trek by yourself. If you’re with a group, try to keep up with them and have a buddy so you can look out for each other. And it’s also a good idea to do a headcount every now and then just to make sure you didn’t leave anyone behind.

10. Don’t leave the trail and start exploring by yourself. It may be tempting but you can get lost and separated from the group.

11. Bring important items only because you need to save your energy for the walk and carrying a heavy backpack will only put additional stress and tension on your joints. It’s best to make a list in advance and double check if you have everything packed.

Trekking is a fun and exciting way of exploring new places. Since it is physically challenging, however, there are several risks that can potentially lead to an injury. If you are not sure what to expect, you can always ask seasoned trekkers.

This is a guest blog entry.

How Can Office Fruit Boost Your Immune System?

Image source: https://pixabay.com/en/food-fruit-healthy-nature-grow-3262808/

We have all heard of the saying ‘an apple a day keeps the doctor away’ but how much truth is really in this? Employers across Ireland are considering a new approach to offering staff perks – a free fruit basket each week which is full of different fruits to keep staff hunger at bay throughout the working week. The latest idea is fuelled by the notion that offering fruit in an office setting will help staff stay healthier, encouraging them to avoid ‘bad’ foods like chocolates and crisps, and instead dose up on some much needed vitamins and minerals contained in fruits. What could be better?

There are many benefits to offering office fruit to your staff. The first is that naturally your staff will likely crave something sweet around 11am. Rather than fuelling up on a chocolate bar which is going to give them a quick high followed by a sluggish feeling later on, fruit will encourage the body to stay fuller for longer (especially with fruits like bananas) but will also satisfy that sweet craving. Healthy Eating states that if you just feel a need for something sweet, you could choose fresh or dried fruit instead of chocolate. Not only is fruit naturally high in dietary fiber, which can help you feel fuller for longer, it is also an important part of a healthy diet. The U.S. Department of Agriculture recommends that you eat between 1 1/2 and 2 cups of fruit per day. Most people don’t manage this but with office fruit right there on offer, it is much easier to eat more of what your body needs.

Let’s not forget one of the main benefits of fruit – it is good for you. According to Fruitful Office, who deliver office fruit to offices around Ireland, fruit has a whole host of benefits. Many are rich in vitamin C which boosts the immune system. Over time, it is likely that with vitamin C in your diet, you will experience fewer colds, flu and general bugs. With a stronger immune system, you are less likely to be taking sick days in the office. For employers, this means a more productive workforce overall. Each fruit comes with its own benefit, too. For instance, cherries – a perhaps underrated fruit, can offer a lot to staff members who suffer headaches. Researchers believe that 20 cherries are 10 times as potent as an aspirin. "Anthocyanins" – which are found in cherries, block inflammatory enzymes, helping to reduce general pain.  This is a natural way to cure a headache in the office. 

Providing office fruit is good for your staff’s immune systems, but it also helps them to feel more valued as an employee – because it shows that you care. Not having to buy their own fruit may seem like a small perk, but it can mean a lot over time. In many cases, this could equate to free tea and coffee, which we all know is something that staff love to have!

This is a guest blog post.

A Guide To The Dangers Of House And Yard Pests

Know Your Enemy

You’ll come into contact with unpleasant, creepy crawlies every day, and most are completely harmless. Some of them, however, are not, and it’s best to keep your distance from the pests that can do you harm. For the sake of your health, you should find out which pests are dangerous and know how to avoid them and eradicate them if needs be. Some pests are mildly annoying, others troublesome, and then there are ones that can cause serious health problems. You need to watch out for pests that sting repeatedly at will, hose that are aggressive will attack even when not provoked, and those that can transmit deadly diseases and even kill.

Wasps

Wasps are the usual plight of summer and can be a particular hindrance if you’re outside enjoying a sweet treat of a beer or family picnic. If they do sting, the sting caused by a wasp is painful, however, is unlikely to manifest itself into something more. The site of the sting should be kept clean and dry to prevent infection and a medicated cream should be applied when necessary. In the worst-case scenario, a wasp’s sting can have far more serious complications if the person stung suffers a severe allergic reaction to the sting, and as a result, goes into anaphylaxis. A wasp’s sting has the potential to be lethal so avoid being stung by them if you can. If you are experiencing problems with wasps and can’t seem to eradicate them yourself, then you will need to call upon the professional help of Pest Control Services to have them safely and effectively removed.

Rats

The nesting behavior of rats can affect how you enjoy your house and yard since they are keen to make your premises their own. Rats can live in places including but not limited to, the foundation of your house, in your shed, and under the floorboards and cupboards in your home. Most commonly, rodents spread disease through their saliva and urine. The fleas that live on rats pose a potential hazard to human health also. A flea can pass any disease that an infected rat or mouse might have through the means of a bite.

Ticks
 
Ticks are attracted to the warm flesh and blood of both humans and our four-legged friends, dogs and cats. Ticks can move easily between the two and can latch onto the skin and begin extracting blood. A tick will usually remain burrowed in the flesh and can secrete toxins into the body. Tick borne diseases include Lyme disease and Rocky Mountain spotted fever which are both ones to steer clear of. Some ticks can have fatal consequences for your pets, as paralysis affects the nervous system and will systematically paralyze the dog or cat it infects.  Eventually, the tick will cause the animal’s airways to constrict, resulting in probable death.

Spiders

Some venomous spiders cause a huge risk to humans. The risk will greatly depend upon where you live, as many dangerous spiders are indigenous to certain parts of the world and are not often found elsewhere aside from here. Spiders can dwell in both your home and your yard, so it is crucial to know which dangerous species to keep an eye out for.

This is a guest blog entry.

Healthy eating tips for the prevention or control of diabetes

Once you have developed type II diabetes it does not go away, although it may go into remission. This is why the best idea is to try and prevent it from developing in the first place. Some people do have a genetic disposition to developing this type of diabetes; but it is still possible to take action to reduce the risk of being diagnosed.

Healthy eating is an important preventative measure. It is also a vital aspect of improving your condition if you are diagnosed with type II diabetes. It is at this time that you need to determine the way forward, with the help of your doctor; click here for advice about the testing supplies you will need, in order to help control your diabetes. It's important to remember that everyone who suffers from diabetes has dietary needs that suit them best. You should speak to your doctor about your nutritional needs, but there is some general advice that is useful for alleviating the problems of type II diabetes and preventing it from happening in the first place.

What you should eat more and what you should eat less

Unless you are advised otherwise by your doctor, a healthy diet can include most foods in moderation. But, if you have been diagnosed with type II diabetes, or want to reduce the chances of you developing the disease, you should eat more:

• Fat that is healthy, such as that from nuts, fish oils and avocados. 

• Fruit and vegetables. 

• Whole grain foods that are high in fiber. 

• Fish.

• White meat such as chicken.

• Good quality protein such as that which can be found in low-fat dairy products. 

You should also eat less:

• Deep fried food. 

• Processed and packaged foods, especially if they are high in sugar and salt. 

• White bread and rice.

• Red meat and processed meat. 

• Low fat but high sugar products.

Choosing the right carbohydrates

Much is made of how carbohydrates can have an adverse effect on blood sugar levels. When you eat carbohydrates, the blood sugar levels in your body increase and the pancreas produces insulin which instructs the cells in the blood to use the sugar to produce energy. Problems occur when the demands on the insulin become too great and insulin resistance occurs, leading to type II diabetes.

This is more likely to happen if refined carbohydrates are involved, such as those found in white bread. These carbohydrates are easier to digest than those found in wholegrain products, putting more pressure on the insulin to convert blood sugar quickly.

Addressing the sugar issue 

You do not have to remove sugar from your diet completely if you want to reduce your chances of developing type II diabetes. Most diabetics can also eat reduced amounts of sugar; but you should always speak to your doctor if you have any doubts. There are several methods you can use to help make it easier for you to eat less sugar.

• Gradually cut down on the amount of sugar in your diet.  

• If you want a dessert with your meal cut down on the carbohydrates in the main course. 

• Eat sugary foods with a meal and not as a snack. 

• Take time to savor the dessert you are eating; do not rush the experience.

Understanding saturated fats

Having saturated fat in your diet is not necessarily unhealthy. It depends on the source of the fat. Healthy sources of saturated fat include, unprocessed meat, dairy products, nuts, seeds and avocados. Unhealthy sources of saturated fats include, cookies, cakes, chips and pastry products. This does not mean you cannot eat saturated fat from all sources, but you do need to be sensible about how much you eat, and choose healthy sources most of the time.

A healthy diet is one of the best ways to deal with type II diabetes, whether you are trying to cope with having the condition, or prevent it from developing.

This is a guest blog entry.