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Articles By michael vaughan

Growing Older And Physical Change   By: michael vaughan
Growing older is marked with some major changes that may decrease body functionality. Apart from memory weakening, loss of hearing and sight and bone degeneration, there are a few other changes that can make finding elder care a vital consideration as we age. 1. Urogenital. Incontinence: This is the term for loss of bladder control, from mild leaking to uncontrollable wetting, that is very common in senior citizens. It is not caused by aging alone; factors causing it may be urinary tract infections, vaginal infection or irritation, constipation, or certain medicines. Many cases of incontinence can be controlled or cured with treatment, so it is important to talk to a doctor or someone else involved in your elder care about this. Benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH): Since the prostate gland grows with age, it may begin to squeeze the urethra. Tumors in the prostate may also contribute to this problem. This growth or unrelated infections may cause problems with passing urine. Some men experience this symptom in their 30s or 40s, whereas others do not notice this until a later age. Prostate cancer. This is another common type of cancer in men. Frequent check-ups are important in identifying and treating this disease. 2. Dental: Gingivitis, Periodontitis, Loss of Teeth. Tooth decay can occur regardless of age as long as you have natural teeth. It ruins the enamel that covers and protects the teeth. Plaque forms when you neglect your teeth and bacteria clings to them, forming a sticky, colorless film that can lead to cavities and tooth decay. Another factor in causing tooth decay is gum disease. Using a fluoride toothpaste can help protect your teeth. Gum diseases. These are sometimes called periodontal or gingival diseases, and they are infections that harm the gum and bone holding the teeth in place. If plaque stays on the teeth for too long, it forms tartar, which brushing doesn't clean and which continues to damage the teeth. When plaque and tartar remain on the teeth, gingivitis is formed. Gingivitis can form areas in which your gums lift away from your teeth, forming easily infected pockets. This is called periodontitis, which, if not properly treated, can ruin the bones, gums, and tissue supporting the teeth. It could even loosen your teeth in time, warranting removal of those teeth. 3. Skin Care for the Elderly. Staying out of the sun is the easiest and least expensive way of avoiding skin damage. Smoking can also increase the number of visible wrinkles because the chemicals in cigarettes damage elastin proteins in the skin. Skin also loses fat, causing it to appear less smooth. Still, senior citizens can take steps to protect themselves from the sun's harmful effects. Dry skin. This appears mainly on the lower legs, elbows, and forearms and affects many senior citizens. Skin may feel rough, scaly, and itchy. This could be aggravated by low humidity, which can be worsened by overheating in the winter and air conditioning in the summer. Dryness is also caused by the loss of sweat and oil glands that accompanies aging. Other things that may lead to dry skin are overusing soaps, antiperspirants, perfumes, and hot baths or dehydration, sun exposure, smoking, and stress. Skin cancer. Three types of skin cancer are the most prevalent. These include basal cell carcinomas, the most common, which grow slowly and rarely spread; squamous cell carcinomas, which seldom spread but do so more often than basal cell carcinomas; and the most dangerous common skin cancer, melanoma, which can spread to other organs. Shingles. This affects nerves, causing pain and blisters in senior citizens. It is caused by the same virus that afflicts people with chickenpox. After you recover from chickenpox, the virus remains in some of your nerve cells and, for reasons unknown, can become active again. When this happens, the result is shingles. Senior citizens with shingles feel sick with a rash on their body or face. Shingles targets older people rather than children, and about 20 percent of people who have had chickenpox as children will develop shingles after the age of 50. 4. Functional Abilities. Senior citizens often suffer from injuries caused by falling. This may be caused by other changes, including loss of sight, hearing, muscle strength, coordination, or reflexes. Diabetes, heart disease, or complications with your circulation or nervous system may negatively affect balance, and some medicines can cause dizziness. Any of these could cause a senior citizen to be more prone to falling. As with most problems experienced by senior citizens, the better you take care of yourself, the less prone you will be to falling. A test called a bone mineral density test can tell you how strong your bones are. If necessary, your doctor can use the results of this test to prescribe medications that will make your bones stronger and less likely to break. Moreover, you can arrange for caregiving for your elders so that someone is always near to lend a hand. For information on independent caregivers in your area, visit www.TheCaringSpace.com. Michael Vaughan is a social activist who is working to determine suitable standards for all home care centers. For about two years he has focused on issues of home care centers and has talked with many people about their experiences with home care agency agencies. He currently works with TheCaringSpace.com, a site that allows caregivers to easily connect with seniors in need of care.(read entire article)
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Category : Health

Alcohol And Its Ill Effects Over Elders   By: michael vaughan
The effects of alcohol, as well as ways to treat alcoholism, continue to be studied. In the future, the chance for recovery will increase, and the quality of life for problem drinkers will improve. The support from family members and relatives is always desired.(read entire article)
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Category : Health

Alzheimer Disease- Facts, Diagnosis And Treatment   By: michael vaughan
There are nearly 5 million Americans with Alzheimer's disease (AD). Dementia is a brain disorder that is generally associated with memory loss. AD is the most common type of dementia in senior citizens over the age of 65. AD affects various parts of the brain, including the regions that control memory, thought, and language. There is no cure known for Alzheimer Disease. And although researchers continue to make great strives in our understanding the disease, but still they are unable to know the cause of this fatal disease. Alzheimer's Disease causes loss of memory and mental functioning. It is non-reversible and progresses over a period of years. At first, symptoms may be confused as age-related changes in memory. As time goes on, the symptoms become more and more severe. Alzheimer's disease can cause a person to become disoriented and lead to personality changes. Cognitive abilities decline; as a result, language and other everyday skills can suffer. According to an estimate around five percent of senior citizens between the ages of 65 and 74 have AD. After age 74 the likelihood of developing the disorder drastically increases; by age 85 nearly fifty percent of senior citizens have AD. Though it is age-related, it is not a normal part of aging and symptoms should not be dismissed. Scientists have still to identify the cause of Alzheimer's Disease, however they have found some important influences. AD seems to be associated with both genetic and environmental factors. Some evidence suggests that conditions like high blood pressure and cholesterol may also be related to AD. Diagnosis and Treatment It is important that senior citizens with memory loss seek medical assistance. Caregivers who notice memory problems in senior citizens more severe than occasional forgetfulness should schedule a doctor's appointment for the senior. Consulting a doctor can help determine the difference between normal decline in memory and more severe problems like Alzheimer Disease. Absolute diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease is impossible in living people; rather, doctors make "possible" diagnoses. This is because observing the presence of plaques and tangles in the brain is the only way to diagnose the disease with certainty, and this can only be done after a person dies. Still, it is possible for doctors to diagnose AD with up to a 90 percent accuracy using general health questions, cognitive tests, medical tests, and brain scans. In some cases, these tests may uncover other causes for the Alzheimer's-like symptoms. Unfortunately, there is no way to stop the progression of Alzheimer's Disease. However, there are some medications that help control certain symptoms like agitation, anxiety, and depression. And when you have a person diagnosed with Alzheimer disease at your home make sure you are arranging for proper care for him. Apart from medical treatment, care and support from family members and friends can be of great use. Though the disease is supposed to have no cure till yet, but support from family members can really help the patient spend his live with ease. For any more help that you need concerning elder care you can simply log on to:www.thecaringspace.com(read entire article)
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Category : Health

Angina- Symptoms And Treatment   By: michael vaughan
Angina is concerned with the deposition of fat or plaques in the arteries that hinder the supply of blood and oxygen to the heart. Some people have trouble isolating discomfort that results from angina although complaints are usually associated with feelings of pressure or tightness that originate in the chest behind the breastbone and lasts for about five minutes at a time. Nausea, fatigue, shortness of breath, sweating, light-headedness, or weakness may also occur. Senior citizens have also reported pains in the shoulders, neck, jaw, and arms although women are more likely to feel this pain in the back and abdomen. While this general discomfort is most typical of stable angina, other less common forms like unstable and variant angina are usually associated with longer episodes of more severe discomfort. Unstable angina which is due to blood clotting may worsen as time progresses and eventually lead to an actual heart attack. An important part of eldercare is monitoring any types of chest pain that seem severe, and those caring for the elderly are advised to seek medical attention immediately if this type of discomfort lasts for more than a few minutes. Prevention and Treatment of Angina Senior citizens and those involved in their elder care can address Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) or other heart problems with a two-fold effort aimed at prevention and treatment. Depending on the severity of the condition, In Home Care for senior citizens will generally incorporate both alleviation of pain from current heart disease and activities that will decrease risk to heart attack or other complications. Preventing Episodes of Angina Some preventative tips to reduce discomfort and heightened susceptibility to heart attack can include taking breaks when the onset of angina-like symptoms are felt, avoiding large meals or specific heavy foods that tend to trigger episodes of pressure or tightening in the chest, and learning techniques to avoid and/or deal with stressful situations. Healthier living will also lower the risk for heart disease. Healthier living encompasses a wide variety of activities that focus on a healthy diet, healthy amounts of physical activity, taking medications prescribed by medical professionals, and also avoiding unhealthy activities like smoking. These could also decrease complications from related problems like high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and obesity. Heart healthy eating involves focusing on fruits, vegetables, whole grains, low-fat dairy, and lean meats and fish. It is important for senior citizens to not only follow the recommendations mentioned above but monitor their own patterns of symptoms and work with those involved in their elder care and doctors in developing a lifestyle that is optimal for treatment and prevention of heart disease. Treatment of Angina Senior citizens and those involved in their elder care are encouraged to become familiar with the types of foods, activities, and daily stresses that typically lead to an onset of CAD symptoms. Many senior citizens take medications for angina and other associated symptoms of CAD, so it is also important to be aware of what each medication does as well as possible side effects that can result from long-term usage. Avoiding strenuous physical activity or partaking in low-level activity with breaks, avoiding emotionally stressful situations, avoiding large or heavy meals, or simply being aware of your own limits can be very helpful in preventing further heart-related complications or making heart disease symptoms less severe in day to day life. While preventative techniques are important for avoiding heart attack, it is also important to have an emergency action plan for episodes of severe symptoms that could indicate a need for immediate medical attention. Senior citizens and or any family members and friends involved in their elder care should be aware of the signs and symptoms of heart attack. For more information over elder care you can log on to: www.thecaringspace.com (read entire article)
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Category : Health

Angina Types And Risks Involved With Elders    Submitted as: Michael Vaughan is a social activist who is wor
Coronary heart disease is a term used to describe a group of symptoms that have one major cause: atherosclerosis, or a build-up of plaque in the arteries. When we smoke or eat foods high in fat or sugar, considerable damage occurs in the arteries, which causes the body to reinforce the walls with plaque. When this fatty material builds up in the arteries, it not only causes discomfort, but limits the arteries' ability get oxygen to the heart, resulting in susceptibility to heart attack, which is a complete blockage of the artery. Senior citizens are at high risk for Coronary Artery Disease and its associated health complications. It is therefore important that the elderly and those caring for the elderly be able to identify symptoms and respond appropriately. A common symptom of Coronary Artery Disease is chest pain or what medical professionals refer to as "angina pectoris". Angina or symptoms associated with angina can also be referred to as acute coronary syndrome or coronary artery spasms. This symptom is characterized mainly by pressure in areas around the chest, leading to what some say feels like indigestion. The compromised function of the arteries results in a lack of oxygen getting to the heart, which in turn leads to this discomfort. The following describe different types of this particular symptom: Stable angina: This is the most common type. It occurs when the heart is constantly stressed from being overworked, and often occurs in predictable patterns. An increased demand for oxygen resulting from activities like exercise or other types of stress can trigger this type of discomfort. Stable angina is often easily relieved with medication. Unstable angina: This type of angina is not predictable, can occur randomly and may not be easily relieved. While all symptoms of angina can indicate susceptibility to heart attack, unstable angina usually indicates an increased risk. The unpredictability is due to blood clotting that occurs when blocked arteries rupture. Variant angina: This is the rarest form and can occur sporadically at night when one is at rest. This occurs because of spasms (tightening and narrowing of the artery wall) that occur in the arteries as a result of certain types of stresses on the body which may or may not be linked to CAD. Because angina is so common, and severity of discomfort caused by angina can vary considerably, it is always best to verify with a doctor in order to identify your personal risk to heart complications and discuss how to manage symptoms you may be having as a result. Senior citizens and those caring for the elderly should work with doctors to create and maintain care plans for addressing angina. Risk Factors for Heart Conditions in Senior Citizens Senior citizens are usually more at risk for various heart conditions. The following are some risk factors that have been shown to correlate with CAD or other heart conditions that result in symptoms like angina: high cholesterol high blood pressure smoking diabetes obesity metabolic syndrome lack of physical activity family history of heart disease Although a higher rate of heart attacks occur in men, both male and female senior citizens suffer from stable and unstable forms of angina, which makes it a priority in care for the elderly. So, timely consultation with a physician and arranging for better elder care can help you in treating the CAD patients. For more details over the disease and find a care giving agency you can log on to: www.thecaringspace.com(read entire article)
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Category : Health

Assistive Technology For Seniors And People With Disabilities   By: michael vaughan
Studies show that the majority of senior citizens who use methods of assistive technology have reduced their dependence on others, including paid assistance.. This means that assistive technology can reduce the cost of elder care for senior citizens and their families(read entire article)
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Category : Health

Assistive Technology Needs Assessment In The Elderly   By: michael vaughan
Assistive technology can be a very useful option when considering elder care. Planning and assessment are the fore most requirements before selecting any kind of assistive technology. This will allow you access customized requirements and also enable you arrange for finance.(read entire article)
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Category : Health

Cataracts & Cataract Surgery: Guide For Senior Citizens Care   By: michael vaughan
Cataracts are reported to be one of the major problems that come with age. Timely diagnosis can help cure this disability and can prevent permanent loss of sight. Those involved with elder care need to encourage healthy lifestyle among elders.(read entire article)
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Category : Health

In Home Care For The Alzheimer Patients   By: michael vaughan
Person with Alzheimer disease needs proper attention regarding hygiene, meals and daily activities. This will allow you care better and the person will feel good as well. Recognizing moods of the patient can also be helpful.(read entire article)
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Category : Health