Wednesday, August 25, 2010

Cognitive Exercises In the Pasadena Community Educates Seniors

Cognitive Exercises

Cognitive Exercises (TM) is developed from the Feldenkrais R method of reeducation for posture, movement and breathing. Inputs from Bones For Life R also has been used to develop the program.

"What you can do, you can imagine and what you can imagine, you can do" - Moshe Feldenkrais. One of the reasons that the Feldenkrais Method is so successful with people in wheelchair and/or with dementia is that it is not about what the movement looks like. There is no right or wrong way. It is about sensing the movement inside, moving with your imagination, or smaller than you ever thought you could do. It is about paying attention to yourself.

Bones For Life R is specifically designed for seniors to strengthen their bones and correct alignment in a safe and gentle manner.

Steve Hamlin is a trained practitioner of Feldenkrais Method R and Bone For Life R . More information on Steve is available at www.mybodycanlearn.com.

We have been conducting Cognitive Exercises as a community service at the following retirement communities.

1. Pasadena Highlands, 1575 East Washington Boulevard, Pasadena, CA 91104

2. The Terraces of Park Marino, 2587 E Washington Blvd, Pasadena, CA 91107

3. Arcadia Retirement Village, 607 W Duarte Road, Arcadia, CA.91007



When you can't be there, Call ComForcare

Sam Gopinathan-CEO

ComForcare Home Care

1350 Altadena Drive, Suite B

Pasadena, CA 91107

Ph: 626-639-0226

Fax: 626-283-5733

ESanGabriel@ComForcare.com

http://esangabriel.comforcare.com

Independently Owned and Operated ComForcare is an Equal Opportunity Employer

Supporting Independence, Dignity and Quality of Life

Thursday, August 19, 2010

Caring About A Care Giver in Pasadena CA

Caring About A Care Giver
By Byron Pulsifer

So many emotions and so many thoughts of being helpless come to our mind. If you know of someone who is dying, or who is seriously ill, our hearts always seem to rest squarely on that person. For those who are concerned about this seriously ill or dying person, we usually want to help, but can't. We are not miracle workers; we are not able to heal them no matter what we may think of doing or wanting to do. But, in all our concern shown towards this person there may be someone else who desperately needs our help but seems to be far away in the shadows of our minds.

The person, who we can help, however, is the care giver especially if this person is the primary person extending at home care. Day in and day out, they are constantly vicariously living with their loved ones pain and anguish. The ups and downs that seem to come and go as if in a blur are there continuously. There is no way to escape the pain, the sorrow, the incessant question of being able to cope after their loved one has died. So, what can you do?

Frequently, the care giver needs to know there is someone there who they can talk to, to confide their inner emotions, their own anguish, and their feelings of deeper and deeper entrapment in a spiraling course of disease that they can not alter. The endless trips to the doctor, medical tests that seem to be repeated endlessly, the attempts to control pain or the progression of the disease, or the 24/7 knowledge that their life will be forever changed with the death of their loved one, is their constant diet.

If you are unable to visit because of distance, you can call the care giver on the phone every week. Of course, you'll want to know how their loved one is, but you also want to know how the care giver is coping. This is the time when you want to develop your listening skills. Often, a good listener is more valuable than a great conversationalist. You want the care giver to feel free, to open up, and to spill their emotions out to you. And, your role is not to offer trite "I know they will get better soon' meaningless phrases.

..continue reading


For information about how ComForcare Home Care Services can help you and your family in the Pasadena area, visit www.esangabriel.comforcare.com.

Wednesday, August 11, 2010

Healthy Diet In Monrovia CA Could Cut Alzheimer's Disease Risk

Healthy Diet Could Cut Alzheimer's Disease Risk

Eating a diet high in vegetables, fish, fruit, nuts and poultry, and low in red meat and butter may reduce the risk of Alzheimer's disease, new research finds.

Researchers asked more than 2,100 New York City residents aged 65 and older about their dietary habits. Over the course of about four years, 253 developed Alzheimer's disease.

Those whose diets included the most salad dressing, nuts, fish, tomatoes, poultry, cruciferous vegetables (such as cauliflower and broccoli), dark and green leafy vegetables, and the least red meat, high-fat dairy, organ meat and butter had a 38 percent lower risk of developing Alzheimer's than those whose diets included fewer fruits, vegetables and poultry and more red meat and high-fat dairy.

"Following this dietary pattern seems to protect from Alzheimer's disease," said senior study author Dr. Nikolaos Scarmeas, associate professor of neurology at Columbia University Medical Center in New York City. But he added that "this is an observational study, not a clinical trial," meaning that researchers cannot say with certainty that eating a certain way helps prevent the disease.


Read more…


In Monrovia CA, ComForcare Home Care Services helps many families care for their loved ones. If you need information about care and assistance, please visit www.esangabriel.comforcare.com.

Wednesday, August 4, 2010

Formula Predicts Alzheimer's Longevity in Bradbury CA

Formula Predicts Alzheimer's Longevity


Researchers Develop Method to Predict How Long Alzheimer's Patients Will Live

"Tell me, doctor, how long do I have?"

That, says Gregory A. Jicha, MD, is the first question patients ask after receiving a diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease.

Until now, the answer has largely been a guessing game. But Jicha and colleagues have developed a simple formula based on a patient's sex, age, and cognitive skills at the time of diagnosis to more accurately predict life expectancy.

"Having a better of idea of how long they will live will allow patients and families to better plan for the future," says Jicha, an assistant professor of neurology at the University of Kentucky in Lexington.

He presented his findings at the annual meeting of the American Academy of Neurology.

Read more from webmd.com…


If you need help caring for a loved one in the Bradbury CA area, visit www.esangabriel.comforcare.com.

Wednesday, July 28, 2010

Avoid the 'Senior Sickness Snowball Effect' in Pasadena CA

Avoid the 'Senior Sickness Snowball Effect' with a strong immune system
 
(ARA) - An emerging health trend where a relatively simple illness leads to a number of physical and lifestyle changes is impacting seniors around the country, say immune system researchers from Embria Health Sciences, co-founders of the Nourish America Senior Health Project. They've dubbed this trend the Senior Sickness Snowball Effect, which impacts the overall quality of a person's daily life and follows this recurring cycle:

* Loss of appetite
* Inadequate nutrition
* Decreased energy
* Reduction in social activities
* Decreased independence
* Limited social interaction
* Increased potential for depression, stress
* Weakened immune system
* Continued illness
* Loss of appetite

"Today's older Americans are active and often have major responsibilities that require them to be in good health," explains Stuart Reeves, Ph.D., director of research and development for Embria Health Sciences. "Unfortunately, as a person ages, their immune system becomes weaker and there is greater need for support, not just during cold weather seasons, but also throughout the year."

Embria Health Sciences established this Senior Health Project, alongside non-profit organizations Nourish America and the National Foundation of Women Legislators, to address the increased need for senior health support. This series of free community education events provides seniors with the knowledge and tools they need to maintain and manage their own health through a combination of non-profit health organization outreach activities and no-cost distribution of EpiCor, an all-natural immune health supplement, clinically shown to reduce cold and flu symptom incidence and duration.

In addition to his participation in the Nourish America Senior Health Project, Dr. Reeves offers these easy lifestyle tips that will keep seniors' immune systems going strong:

Get your grain: According to a 2008 report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, it is estimated that a mere 18 percent of Americans 60 and older meet the dietary recommendations for daily grain intake. "Well-nourished people have fewer illnesses," says Dr. Reeves. Seniors can easily add more whole grains into their diets through a wide variety of easy-to-prepare everyday foods, including brown rice, oatmeal and popcorn.

Adopt a pet: "Seniors living alone sometimes experience a sense of isolation, which is one of the main components of the Senior Sickness Snowball Effect," explains Dr. Reeves. Studies show that when seniors establish an owner-pet relationship, their feelings of loneliness dissolve and the pet-related activities such as walking, feeding, grooming and playing improve their overall well-being.

Fill in the gaps: "Since seniors are at a higher risk of falling ill, getting the right amount of daily vitamins and nutrients is essential to their well-being, which is why taking a multi-vitamin supplement is often recommended," Dr. Reeves explains. "Some seniors would also benefit from taking a supplement specifically designed for their immune system." Dr. Reeves points out that, "EpiCor, an all-natural immune health ingredient found in a wide variety of dietary supplement products, works year-round to balance the body's immune system for optimal health." Visit www.EpicorImmune.com for more information.

Hit the mall: The mall is great place to kill three birds with one stone. You can run a shopping errand, participate in social dialogue, and get some exercise by walking a couple of laps around the perimeter. "Staying active, both physically and socially, is a key element to a healthy lifestyle," says Dr. Reeves.

"By maintaining good immune health now, seniors may avoid experiencing the Senior Sickness Snowball Effect firsthand," says Dr. Reeves. "The immune system is an important part of the body's immune defense against germs and pathogens - keep it in check and the rest will follow."

To learn more about immune health, visit www.BalancedImmuneHealth.com.

Courtesy of ARAcontent


For information about the services provided by ComforCare Home Care Services in the Pasadena CA area, please visit www.esangabriel.comforcare.com.

Wednesday, July 21, 2010

In Pasadena CA, Are You and Your Doctor on the Same Page?

Are you and your doctor on the same page? Maybe not, new survey shows

Helping Americans recognize healthy habits and making them a top priority in daily life

(ARA) - Are you and your health care provider on the same page when it comes to discussing your health? Does he or she think you're doing as well at maintaining your health as you think you are? Probably not, according to a new survey conducted by
StrategyOne on behalf of GE, the Cleveland Clinic and Ochsner Health System.

While about a third of patients surveyed gave themselves grades of "A" on managing their personal health, eating well, exercising regularly, managing stress and getting preventative screenings, the majority of health care providers gave Americans a grade of "C" or lower on all points, according to the survey of more than 2,000 Americans age 18 and older, and more than 1,200 doctors, nurses, pharmacists and dieticians.

What's more, 70 percent of those surveyed admitted to avoiding their doctors at some point, even though 95 percent recognize the importance of regular doctor visits. And while 70 percent of providers say their patients only come to see them when they're sick, only 38 percent of Americans say this is true.

"Healthy living is not easy and can be overwhelming at times," says Olympic figure skating champion Michelle Kwan, who has teamed up with fellow Olympic champion Scott Hamilton, GE, Ochsner Health and the Cleveland Clinic to educate Americans on how to take simple daily steps to improve their health, and their communication with their doctors. "We learned there are times when Americans would rather lean their house than take care of their health, and with my hectic schedule, I can totally relate. You have to work to improve your health - it's not something that gets better overnight."

"It's crucial for people to take ownership of their health if they want to maintain it," says Dr. Joseph Bisordi, chief medical officer of Ochsner in New Orleans. "This is not just a question of motivation; we're seeing a significant doctor-patient communication gap. Health care professionals are eager to help people achieve better health."

So how can Americans improve their health and their communications with their physician? GE's "healthymagination: Year of Better Health for More People" initiative aims to help. On the Web site www.healthymagination.com, Americans can get advice on:

* What questions to ask your doctor about your overall health and specific medical conditions that might concern you. Developed with WebMD, the Better Health Conversation asks you a series of questions about your health status and generates suggested discussion points to cover with your doctor.

* A free mobile application for iPhones or Androids that suggests easy-to-do activities to improve your health in surprising, imaginative ways.

* An interactive tool that allows you to share health news, features and blogs with others on a variety of sites.

* Interactive data, graphically presented allows you to apply the data and learn about health issues like the major health issues facing Americans and conditions frequently experienced by people with health profiles similar to yours.

"Unfortunately the survey showed most Americans are avoiding the one person who could help them live healthier," says Bisordi. "It's time for Americans to have a more collaborative relationship with their health care providers, and we believe that improving your knowledge of good health is the best way to start."

Courtesy of ARAcontent


If you need care and assistance for a loved one in the Pasadena CA area, visit  www.esangabriel.comforcare.com.


 


 

Wednesday, July 14, 2010

30 Reasons Your Loved One May Need a Caregiver In Pasadena CA

I found this article, and decided to pass it on to you.  It provides extremely helpful information that may help you with your decision to choose home care for an aging loved one in your family.  If you have questions or need help in the Pasadena CA area, please visit our website at www.esangabriel.comforcare.com.

30 Reasons Your Loved One May Need a Caregiver
By Rebecca Colmer

There are approximately 37 million people over the age of 65 and 5.3 million people over the age of 85. Each year millions of older people start requiring some sort of assistance to carry out their routine daily activities. Family members (family caregivers) provide most of the help.

It is not always easy to know when to intervene. It may seem like your loved one is in a gray area somewhere between competency and incompetence.

Your loved one can have a behavior that is not life threatening but still very serious. Making an assessment is the very step.

Here are some clues that your loved one may need some extra help:

Read more...