THERE IS MORE TO LIFE.

Take it easy
Today it's all about speed. Whether we are making a meal, breaking a sweat or even visiting our doctor, life can move so quickly, we risk sacrificing effectiveness and enjoyment for efficiency.
Science and common sense shows us that sometimes it's better to slow down.

Wake up time
When you wake up your bed, don't just pop up and out bed, linger a bit and when rising, rise slowly. Some times your brain and body can't keep up, increasing the risk of a fall from light-headedness or a stumble due to painful joints or a cramp.
Slow down and stretch in bed to loosen your outer hips and hamstrings, two areas that get tighter with age.

Here's what can do: Lie on your back with your knees bent and feet flat on the bed. Lift your left leg and cross your ankle over the top of your right thigh above the knee. Next reach under your right thigh and pull gently towards you. Hold for five deep breaths, and stretch each side twice.
Natural levels of the stress hormone cortisol peak at about 30 minutes after waking and caffein boosts cortisol, so waiting a few hours later - till your levels naturally dip - to have your first cup of coffee will give you a lift when your body needs it.

Moving muscles
Take time to exercise; strength training is crucial to healthy aging. It keeps muscles, bones and joints strong, as well as improves balance and help prevent osteoporosis. Work the entire joint structure, the result is more strength, stability and range of motion.

Avoid anger -
The best way to defuse anger? Don't let it get going in the first place. biologically, when angry, your body pumps out stress hormones such as cortisol and adrenaline, which further fuel your rage. If you are over 60 male, decreasing testosterone can affect your mood, working to make you angrier faster.
What you ca do is to engage your slow-down strategy. Call a time-out, then hit reset by going for a walk, listening to soft music, taking a few deep breaths, drink a cup os cold water before reengaging.
One thing proven to help you slow down your angry thought or action is writing down your thought and feelings in longhand on paper. The beauty of writing is that it allows you to capture you creative thoughts.
But it's not just writing; it's taking time to think and process recent life events. The ritual is an effective way fot you to analyze situations creatively and to stay centered during difficult times.

CAN DIET SODA CAUSE WEIGHT GAIN ?

A diet soda can cause weight gain. Sometimes it's because we overestimate the calories we are saving from drinking diet soda, so we splurge on fries and cookies, thinking it's okay since we added a diet soda. So we end up actually eating more food. Your best bet is just to drink water. If you need the fizz, switch to sparking water.
"DIET" doesn't mean calorie free. "NO CALORIE" claim doesn't actually mean "ZERO CALORIE"
I have read in several places and blogs claiming that 'diet soda' help to loose weight or can cause or causes weight gain.
Some researches are inconclusive and the concluded ones are not convincing enough. The science isn't just there to back it up.
In my opinion, people who drinks diet soda gets overconfident about the so call diet soda and loose their focus regarding the amount of calorie they consume for a meal.

Last week, I was talking to a friend on how he was coping with his weight loss program, he was very proud on how he's been drinking a lot of diet soda to help him cut down on his weight but was "disappointed that nothing has changed yet!"
Apparently, he has been drinking of a lot diet soda unabated as if it's diet liquid medicine.
After we finished our aerobic exercise at the community park last night, my friend wanted to get some food for dinner and wanted me to go there with him. He took me to a fast food place, I decided to go inside with him, I was shocked  to see someone who claimed that diet soda is making him gain weight ordered his "usual" two double cheese whopper, two large fries and some chicken nuggets, then one extra large diet soda "to wash it down" he said.
Why are you getting diet soda if you are going to eat so much calorie? I asked him.
His defense was that; "the diet soda will prevent all these calories to be absorb into my system".
He was so wrong in his believe and practice, no wonder he has been gaining weight instead of loosing.
In fact, some research found out that the artificial sugar in diet soda can make you more hungry, causing you to eat more and thus promoting weight gain.
His question was; "should I order regular soda instead?"
And my answer to him and you that is reading this is--; "for you to loose weight and live healthy, you have to exercise regularly, eat healthy diet food, lots of fruits and veggies and I actually don't think you should drink any soda, DRINK WATER ALWAYS!"
 

DON'T GO UNDER THE SURGICAL KNIFE UNTIL YOU READ THIS.

ANY SURGERY IS DANGEROUS

The body consider an operation a serious insult, and even some minor procedures come with major risks, such as bleeding, blood clots infection, and damage to other organs. So, it's essential to know if surgery is necessary-- or beneficial. The following four operations are over performed for a variety of reasons: Some are moneymakers for hospitals and doctors, others are expedient, and still others seems to work, at least in the short term. But evident shows that all have questionable long-term outcome for treating certain conditions, and some may even cause harm. Here's what to do if doctor recommends one of them.

KNEE ARTHROSCOPY - FOR OSTEOARTHRITIS

With this procedure a surgeon places a tiny camera in the knee, then inserts small instruments through other incisions to repair torn or aging cartilage. Studies show the operation works well when patients have in fact torn their meniscal tissue, but it is no more successful than non invasive remedies in treating osteoarthritis of the knees. In a 2008 study, 178 patients with osteoarthritis received either physical and medical therapy without surgery, or therapy, or therapy plus surgery, after two years the groups had nearly identical outcomes, reporting less pain and stiffness and more mobility.

KNEE PAIN

Knee pain can be caused by a sudden injury, an overuse injury, or by an  underlying condition, such as arthritis. Treatment will vary depending on the cause. Symptoms of knee injury can include pain, swelling, and stiffness.

ALTERNATIVES TO SURGERY

If you have knee pain, start with the least harmful and invasive treatment and work your way up the ladder. This includes life style changes such as exercise, as well as medication and cortisone injections. 

Home treatment may help relieve pain, swelling, and stiffness.

Rest and protect an injured or sore area. Stop, change, or take a break from any activity that may be causing your pain or soreness.When resting, place a small pillow under your knee.

Ice will reduce pain and swelling. Apply ice or cold packs immediately to prevent or minimize swelling. Apply the ice or cold pack for 10 to 20 minutes, 3 or more times a day.

• For the first 48 hours after an injury, avoid things that might increase swelling, such as hot showers, hot tubs, hot packs, or alcoholic beverages.
• After 48 to 72 hours, if swelling is gone, apply heat and begin gentle exercise with the aid of moist heat to help restore and maintain flexibility. Some experts recommend alternating between heat and cold treatments.

compression, or wrapping the injured or sore area with an elastic bandage (such as an Ace wrap), will help decrease swelling.

• Don't wrap it too tight, since this can cause more swelling below the affected area. Loosen the bandage if it gets too tight. Signs that the bandage is too tight include numbness, tingling, increase pain, coolness, or swelling in the area below the bandage.
• Don't expect the bandage to protect or stabilize a knee injury.
• Talk to your doctor if you think you need to use a wrap for longer than 48 to 72 hours 
• . A more serious problem may be present

Elevate the injured or sore area on pillows while applying ice and anytime you are sitting or lying down. Try to keep the area at or above the level of your heart tp help minimize swelling. 

Reduce stress on your sore knee (until you can get advice from your doctor)

use a cane or crutch in the hand opposite your painful knee.

Use two crutches, keeping weight off the leg with the sore knee.

You can get canes or crutches from most pharmacies. Crutches are recommended if a cane cause you to walk with a limp.

Gently massage or rub the area to relieve pain and encourage blood flow. Do not massage the injured area if it causes pain.

Try the following exercise to maintain flexibility;

HAMSTRING STRETCH

KNEE TO CHEST EXERCISE.

Avoid high impact exercise, such as running, skiing, snowboarding, or playing tennis, until your knee is no longer painful or swollen.

DO NOT SMOKE. Smoking slows healing because it decreases blood supply and delays tissue repair. 

DIALYSIS DEFINED

DIALYSIS DEFINED
Dialysis is the clinical purification of blood by dialysis, as a substitute for the normal function of the kidney.
It's the process of removing waste products and excess fluid from the body. Dialysis is necessary when the kidneys are not able to adequately filter the blood.
Dialysis allows patients with kidney failure a chance to live productive lives. there are two types of dialysis: Hemodialysis and Peritoneal dialysis.
Each type of dialysis has advantages and disadvantages. Patients can usually choose the type of long term dialysis that best matches their needs.

Dialysis is the medical procedure to remove waste or toxin from the blood and adjust fluid and electrolyte imbalances by utilizing rates at which substance diffuse through a semipermeable membrane:

a: The process of removing blood from artery (as of a kidney patient), purifying it by dialysis, adding vital substances, and returning it to a vein- called also hemodialysis.

b: A procedure performed in the peritoneal cavity in which the peritoneum acts as the semipermeable membrane- called also peritoneal dalysis

During hemodialysis, you will be hooked up to a machine that takes over the kidneys' job of filtering blood.
Before the first session, the doctor will need to create an entrance into one of your vessels so your body can be connected to the filtering machine during each visit. this is called a vascular access. It is a place on your body where blood cam be removed and then returned. this can be done by;

• connecting an artery to a vein to create a larger blood vessel area, called a fistula 
• joining (grafting) an artery and vein together using a soft plastic tube
• inserting a thin plastic tube into a large vein in the neck or groin area of the leg; this type of access is temporary. 

When your kidneys are healthy, they clean your blood. they also make hormones that keep your bones strong and your blood healthy. When your kidneys fail, you need treatment to replace the work your kidneys used to do. Unless you have a kidney transplant, you will need a treatment called dialysis.

Experts recommend creating an access weeks or moths before your first dialysis session so it ha s a chance to heal properly before using it.

How long each hemodialysis session lasts depends on;

• How well your kidneys work
• how much fluid you gain since your last dialysis session
• how much waste has gathered in your blood since lst dialysis session 
• your weight
• the type of hemodialysis machine being used

SIDE EFFECTS OF DIALYSIS

The kidney dialysis treatment itself usually does not cause any pain or dicomfort. However, some patients may develop low blood pressure, which can lead to headache, cramping, nausea, and vomiting. This usually goes away after a few treatments.

If you are on dialysis, you may also feel like:

• You have less energy. Dialysis can cause you to feel tired.
• You are depressed. depression is a common problem among many patients on dialysis. but it can often be treated. Talk to your health care provider if you are feeling depressed.
• You may also feel like you have less time to get things done. Kidney dialysis require strict scheduling and adjustments to lifestyle, which can disrupt your ability to work or enjoy everyday activities. This may be frustrating for you or your family. Counselors may be able to help you cope.

Most patients on hemo-dialysis require treatments three times a week  for three to five hours or more a day.
this is often done at a dialysis center or hospital, although some patients on hemodialysis- along with a family member or friend- maybe taught how to perform the procedure at home. Your health care provider will discuss your options and determine which setting is best for you.

Patients who are on peritoneal dialysis have a little more independence, since this type does not have to be done at a clinic. It can be performed while you go about your daily activities or sleep.

Catheter- related infections are common concern for people who are on peritoneal dialysis.
Keeping your catheter area clean and bacterial-free helps prevent dangerous infection. If an infection affects the peritoneal cavity, you will not be able to continue with peritoneal dialysis.

Tips for preventing an infection include:

• Always wash your hands before touching your catheter,
• Wear a surgical mask when performing an exchange
• Use an antiseptic wipe to clean your access site
• Check your supplies for signs of contamination

WHAT IS A RESIDENTIAL CARE HOME.

WHAT IS A RESIDENTIAL CARE HOME.

A residential care home is a long-term care facility devoted to providing lodging, meals and care to elderly and/or disable adults. also known as adult family homes. board and care homes or personal care homes, residential care homes are small in scale, typically housing no more than 10 residents at a time.
Most care homes are located in single-family homes in residential neighborhoods. Residents share common areas such as a living room and dining room, but will generally also have their own private room.

When to consider a Residential Care Home

Residential care homes are occupied by seniors with a variety of ages, health conditions and genders.
Many residents require assistance with basic self-care, such as dressing and bathing, and need 24-hour supervision. This intensive level of care is often hard for a senior's family to provide within the home, especially if family members do not live nearby.
A decline in physical mobility may also necessitate a move to a residential care home.
residential care homes are designed with seniors' needs in mind and can make getting around much easier and safer fpr elderly residents.
Declining health is another big reason many seniors move into a residential care home. Care home workers are trained extensively in emergency response as well as in maintaining health for seniors with a variety of chronic conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, Alzheimer's or multiple sclerosis. the staff may also offer physical therapy or other rehabilitative services on site.
Recovery process is easier and faster in the calming familiarity of the similar home environment
Family support and participation: Your loved one also has the control and ability to lead a meaningful , independent life.
Professional caregivers are committed to involving your family in the care process and keeping everyone in clear communication. This includes routine calls or visits with your loved one at no additional charge.
Your peace of mind: When you bring these professional caregiver into your loved one's life, you're doing more than premium care for your loved one. you'e also ensuring peace of mind for you.

HOW TO CHOOSE A QUALITY RESIDENTIAL CARE HOME

HOW TO CHOOSE A QUALITY RESIDENTIAL CARE HOME

The best residential care homes will emphasize their efforts to promote and maintain an independent and healthy lifestyle as much as possible, rather than simply taking care of basic medical needs. A good home should offer a wide range of community and social activities in addition to basic services.
It is important to look for a residential care home that provides many levels of care. once a senior has moved into their new home, it will be best if they can stay there as their needs increase. Fortunately, many residential care home offer this feature.

Quality homes will offer a high quality of life for their residents, including spacious, well-decorated rooms and communal areas, handicap-accessible design, and healthy, appetizing food.

Paying for a Residential Care Home

Most residential care home will charge an "all-inclusive" monthly rate that includes the cost of care, room, board, activities and supplies,. Seniors who resides in a residential care home may often pay less over the course of their stay ae compared to a larger assisted living community, which offers the same type of services, because mane assisted living communities charge extra fees for care services. The average monthly cost of an assisted living community in the U.S.A. in 2010 was $3293.00 although priced vary widely across the country.
While using the personal savings of a senior and/or family is the most common way to apy for care, residential care homes are more than other types of long-term care facilities to accept Medicaid. Veterans benefits and long-term care insurance are other ways to finance a stay in a residential care home.

considering your options.

Chances are if you're researching senior care, you've heard a lot about senior housing options such as a nursing homes, assisted living, adult day care, retirement community, or continuing care retirement community, 

These elderly care options all have unique benefits, however, at home care is often the preferred choice for seniors who wish to age in place in their own home. your financial, social, and health situation will often determine which environment you choose.

Depending on your loved one's needs, you may opt for him or her to receive non-medical in home care to provide them with services throughout the day when you're unable to attend to their needs.

When families choose the in home option of aging they are often choosing to keep the family together.

Residential care homes are a great choice for seniors because they offer the dignity and fulfillment that comes with independence, while also ensuring safety, health, dignity and convenience.