Home Care Rancho Bernardo, CA 858-456-7600 Home Health Care

As we age, we may experience some problems that affect the body and mind, including a change in our sensory perceptions. Our sense of smell may affect how we eat, enjoy food and drink and also affect the type of nutrients we put in our bodies. Depending on how severe the loss of smell is, it could actually be dangerous if it means we don’t smell hazardous chemicals, gas leaks and smoke.

Our sense of taste is also affected by our sense of smell. If you eat something while holding your nose, you might taste salt, bitterness or sweetness, but you won’t taste the robust flavor of what you’re eating. The sensory perception that affects our sense of smell is call olfaction and this is what weakens when you age.

The fact that you lose sense of taste as you lose sense of smell is especially problematic for seniors. It could result in lack of appetite or of eating foods that aren’t good for you just to try and taste them. Think about how fresh bread baking makes your salivate and then think about how it would be if you couldn’t smell it. Your enthusiasm for eating would certainly wane.

Anyone who needs to control his or her diet may be greatly affected by sense of smell. If the olfactory system quits working or weakens, it’s more difficult to control and stick to a nutritious diet plan and a greater risk of chronic diseases is possible. You might eat less fruits and vegetables because they only seem to taste bitter rather than producing the same great taste they used to have.

Some seniors eat a lot of sweets and food that contain a high volume of fat because they can taste them and tend to eat more than those without a sense of smell problem. These seniors may become overweight or obese and become even more susceptible to dangerous or deadly diseases.

Surprisingly, when you chew food, the flavor of it is recognized in the olfactory bulb that rests behind the bridge of the nose. Seniors who have gum disease or other problems with teeth and gums may not chew as heartily and much of the taste disappears because the flavor never reaches the olfactory bulb.

Sinus problems and blockages of the nasal passages can also interfere with the olfactory bulb and your ability to perceive the taste of foods and your sense of smell. These disorders are often found among seniors and the results may damage certain receptors which can lead to diet problems and eventually, immunity problems.

Cancer patients, especially those who have had chemotherapy, radiation and/or surgery could possible go through a cycle of damaged sense of smell and a reluctance to eat a proper diet because of lack of appetite or damaged sense of taste.

Research has found that spices and herbs don’t help with the taste of foods when a person loses their sense of smell. There’s no way to restore olfaction, but you can balance the problem by choosing natural sweeteners, powerful herbs and spices and by taking vitamin and mineral supplements.

People wanting to learn more are encouraged to visit the company website and pick up a copy of their free report “Critical Questions You Must Ask Before You Hire a Home Care Provider," Visit, http://FirstatOfSanDiego.com

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About Firstat Nursing Services
Linnea Goodrich is the owner of Firstat Nursing Services, which is the only Home care Agency in San Diego that is both State licensed and certified by the Alzheimer's Association.  Firstat Nursing Services has been providing a higher standard of home nursing, home health and home care services for elderly, disabled and injured people in the greater San Diego area since 1997.  To pick up a copy of her free report "Critical Questions You Must Ask Before You Hire a Home Care Provider," Visit, http://FirstatOfSanDiego.com

Healthy aging in women is different than it is for men. As a woman you have special needs that need to be addressed. You experience many changes hormonal and as you age your risk for other conditions increases.

First, menopause is one of the most talked about changes a woman experiences as she ages. During this time your menstrual cycle stops and you have a major fluctuation in hormones. Eventually your body starts to compensate as other glands produce estrogen.

Many women choose to go through the natural process of menopause, but others choose to use hormone replacement therapy. This therapy can help you to feel more energy, have a stronger sex drive, and combat problems such as hot flashes.

When you think of heart disease, you most likely think about men. However, heart disease is also the number one killer in women. As you age, the changes in hormones actually cause your risk of heart disease to increase.

It’s important to get regular exercise and eat a heart healthy diet to help prevent heart disease. You should also get your cholesterol tested and talk with your doctor about any type of screening you need. Depending on your family history you may need to take a regular stress test.

Breast cancer also becomes a greater risk as you get older. It’s important to get regular mammogram screenings so that you can catch anything that’s going on early. Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers and also one with the best prognosis if you get early treatment.

As you age, your bones can also become more brittle. This problem is more common in women than men and is called osteoporosis. As your bones lose calcium they can become weaker and they can break more easily. This is one of the reasons older women have more fractures.

In order to have strong bones, it’s important to participate in weight bearing exercises. Walking is a great exercise for your lower body, but you should also make sure to do some kind of strength training for your upper body.

As your muscles contract, they pull on your bones and this stimulates the strengthening of them. Strength training exercises and taking calcium supplements is critical for your bones as you age. You should also discuss bone density screening with your doctor.

Most women are also concerned about their skin as they age. A diet high in vitamins and minerals as well as vitamin E supplements can help slow down the aging process of skin. Products containing retinol can also stimulate your skin to build new healthy tissue.

A healthy lifestyle is the most important factor for healthy aging in women. Eating a healthy diet, getting exercise, and talking with your doctor about getting appropriate screenings can help you to get the most of this time in your life.

People wanting to learn more are encouraged to visit the company website and pick up a copy of their free report “Critical Questions You Must Ask Before You Hire a Home Care Provider," Visit, http://FirstatOfSanDiego.com

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About Firstat Nursing Services

 Linnea Goodrich is the owner of Firstat Nursing Services, which is the only Home care Agency in San Diego that is both State licensed and certified by the Alzheimer's Association. Firstat Nursing Services has been providing a higher standard of home nursing, home health and home care services for elderly, disabled and injured people in the greater San Diego area since 1997. To pick up a copy of her free report "Critical Questions You Must Ask Before You Hire a Home Care Provider," Visit, http://FirstatOfSanDiego.com

As you grow older, you may begin to wonder is healthy aging possible?  No matter how hard you try, some things about your body are going to change over time.  But you can make lifestyle choices that give you the best possible life in your senior years.

The best time to make good choice for healthy aging is when you’re young.  The choices you make beginning in your teenage years can have a big impact on how well you age.  For example, choosing to smoke while young can have lasting consequences on your health as you age.

But even if you’ve lived a pretty carefree lifestyle, it’s never too late to start making positive changes that lead to better health.  Let’s take a look at the major areas where you can make lifestyle improvements that will help you to have a high quality life as you get older.

Nutrition is an area that always makes a big impact.  When you eat healthy foods, you give your body what it needs to get strong and to heal.  Nutrition is critical to keep your memory, muscles, and bones strong.  It can also provide you with the energy you need to complete your daily tasks.

Eating foods that are nutritious can also help your skin age at a slower rate and keep your hair shiny and healthy.  As you age, your nutritional requirements change from your younger years.  It’s important to make sure you’re getting the right foods.

Exercise is another critical component of healthy aging.  Weight bearing exercise helps to keep muscles toned and your bones strong.  Aerobic exercises such as walking, jogging, cycling, or swimming help to keep your heart and lungs healthy. 

It’s also important as you age to continue to keep current with health screenings for your body.  For example you should have your blood pressure and cholesterol checked.  Women should have mammograms as advised by their doctors and men should make sure to get the PSA test for prostate cancer.

Knowing your current health status can help you to make changes to improve your health as you age.  You’ll be able to take control of how you feel in this wonderful season of your life.  Is healthy aging possible?

It absolutely is.  And when you’re at your best possible health, you’ll be able to enjoy this time of your life more.  For example, you’ll have the energy you need to spend time with your grandchildren.

You’ll have the ability to spend time with friends and go on new adventures.  You can live and move without pain and you can look your best a healthy body and healthy skin.  You’ll also be able to enjoy your independence as you age.

With good lifestyle choices and attention to your health, you can make your senior years the best years of your life.  Healthy aging is within your reach when you take care of your body and put your health on the top of your to do list.

People wanting to learn more are encouraged to visit the company website and pick up a copy of their free report “Critical Questions You Must Ask Before You Hire a Home Care Provider," Visit, http://FirstatOfSanDiego.com

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About Firstat Nursing Services
Linnea Goodrich is the owner of Firstat Nursing Services, which is the only Home care Agency in San Diego that is both State licensed and certified by the Alzheimer's Association.  Firstat Nursing Services has been providing a higher standard of home nursing, home health and home care services for elderly, disabled and injured people in the greater San Diego area since 1997.  To pick up a copy of her free report "Critical Questions You Must Ask Before You Hire a Home Care Provider," Visit, http://FirstatOfSanDiego.com

As you get older, concerns about aging and memory loss can be troubling.  You may have seen friends and loved ones experience this problem and you’ve seen how painful it can be.  There are some forms of memory loss that are mild while others can be severe.

While you may initially be concerned about memory loss caused by Alzheimer’s disease, there are actually many causes of memory loss that are not related to it.  If you have serious memory loss problems occurring, it’s important to discuss this with your healthcare provider.

Memory loss can be a side effect of some medications.  By changing to a different medication you may be able to combat the problem.  You may also have deficiencies in certain vitamins and minerals that lead to problems with memory.

Problems such as depression and loneliness can also be related to aging and memory loss.  In addition, experiencing a fall or other type of injury can lead to memory problems.  The use of too much alcohol has also been shown to impede memory.  Memory loss can also indicate an illness or injury that hasn’t been diagnosed.

If you’re already experiencing memory loss, it’s time to seek treatment.  There’s much that can be done to diagnose and treat memory problems as you age.  But if you’re currently experiencing a good memory, there are things you can do to prevent problems with memory.

Aging and memory loss don’t have to go hand in hand.  First, it’s important that you keep your mind active.  Reading, solving puzzles, and playing games of strategy help to keep your mind sharp.

It’s also important to keep your social life active.  When you spend time with friends you keep your mind active as well.  You also lower your risk of depression caused by loneliness and isolation.

Exercise is another critical part of keeping a strong memory.  It helps to increase blood flow all over the body and provides your brain with oxygen.  It prevents problems such as heart disease and hardened arteries that might lead to memory problems.

A nutritious diet that includes a variety of lean proteins, whole grains, and lean meats can insure that you get the vitamins and minerals you need.  You may also need to take a supplement that helps to fill in the gaps of your diet.

Smoking can be a major contributor to memory problems.  If you smoke, you should consider ending this habit if you want to protect your memory.  Smoking causes the blood vessels in your body to constrict and keeps you from getting all the oxygen you need.

Sleep is another important factor in preventing memory loss. Make sure you’re getting at least eight hours each night.  If you’re having sleep problems due to stress, insomnia, or pain make sure to discuss options with your doctor.

You don’t have to experience memory loss during your senior years.  Healthy lifestyle choices can make your memory stronger.  While you may be concerned about aging and memory loss, the best thing you can do is make healthy lifestyle choices.

People wanting to learn more are encouraged to visit the company website and pick up a copy of their free report “Critical Questions You Must Ask Before You Hire a Home Care Provider," Visit, http://FirstatOfSanDiego.com

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About Firstat Nursing Services

Linnea Goodrich is the owner of Firstat Nursing Services, which is the only Home care Agency in San Diego that is both State licensed and certified by the Alzheimer's Association.  Firstat Nursing Services has been providing a higher standard of home nursing, home health and home care services for elderly, disabled and injured people in the greater San Diego area since 1997.  To pick up a copy of her free report "Critical Questions You Must Ask Before You Hire a Home Care Provider," Visit, http://FirstatOfSanDiego.com

One of the main reasons that people develop cataracts is the aging process, but they can also occur if you have diabetes, high blood pressure, smoke, drink too much alcohol, have a family history of cataracts and numerous other medical problems. The first symptom of cataracts is usually that your vision is hampered by “cloudy” lens. Cataracts develop slowly and usually don’t impair your vision until later on.

Cataracts form on the lens part of the eye which is behind the iris. Lens use light that comes into your eye and send an image to the brain of what you’re seeing. If you have cataracts forming on your lens, they will cause the light to disperse and a clear image won’t be presented to the brain. Your vision then becomes blurred.

The aging process causes changes in the lens, such as inflexibility and thickness, and that clouds may form around the lens. As the cataracts begin to shadow over the lens, your vision becomes even more blurry. There are several types of cataracts including those you are born with, and others such as:

• Posterior sub capsular cataracts – This type of cataract forms in the back of the eye’s lens. You might notice glaring, especially at night -- and reduced ability to read.

• Nuclear cataracts – Nearsightedness is common to those with nuclear cataracts. You may also have double vision and have trouble seeing colors.

• Cortical cataracts – These cataracts affect the outer edge of the lens cortex and as they grow, streaks or opaque film moves more to the center of the lens. Some people experience night time glaring with this type of cataract.

Cataracts can occur in both your eyes or only one and can begin slowing so that you may not really notice big changes in your vision. But, as the cataract grows, you’ll begin to notice vision loss and cloudiness. When this occurs, it’s time to make an appointment with an ophthalmologist.

To prepare for your appointment thoroughly, be sure to jot down the symptoms you’re having and any questions that you may want to ask the doctor. Since some medications directly cause blurred vision, write down a list of all the medications you’re taking and present them to the doctor at your appointment. As with all important medical appointments, it’s good if you can take someone with you to possibly hear statements that you miss.

With an onset of cataracts, you’ll probably notice that you’re having difficulty reading and driving a car. Glasses may help at first, but if the cataracts begin to hinder your lifestyle, it’s time to see an ophthalmologist and think about cataract surgery. If you decide to have cataract surgery, you should know that it’s a fairly safe procedure and is usually very effective in restoring your vision.

People wanting to learn more are encouraged to visit the company website and pick up a copy of their free report “Critical Questions You Must Ask Before You Hire a Home Care Provider," Visit, http://FirstatOfSanDiego.com

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About Firstat Nursing Services
Linnea Goodrich is the owner of Firstat Nursing Services, which is the only Home care Agency in San Diego that is both State licensed and certified by the Alzheimer's Association.  Firstat Nursing Services has been providing a higher standard of home nursing, home health and

Every senior citizen and their close family members should know what the symptoms are for Alzheimer ’s Disease. The disease itself is devastating to the victim and his family and the sooner the disease is diagnosed, the quicker that medications can be prescribed to slow the onslaught and buy more quality time with the person afflicted with the disease.

Symptoms of Alzheimer’s Disease include more than merely losing your car keys once in a while or forgetting where you put your glasses. Alzheimer’s victims suffer memory loss because of destroyed brain cells, and every aspect of the person’s life may be affected, including work, socialization and unusual or bizarre behavior.

In the early stages of Alzheimer’s Disease, problems with concentration, memory and thinking clearly might signify that a test for the disease is in order. You might also notice that a person in the beginning stages needs a minimal amount of help with simple tasks and routines such as doing dishes or cooking a meal. He may get lost in areas that are familiar to him and confused about the day and time.

Later symptoms of Alzheimer’s Disease may include trouble in making judgments, even for trivial decision-making or the victim’s speech may undergo change such as slurring or beginning sentences that are never finished. As the disease progresses and more brain cells die, these conditions will become worse.

Although there is yet no cure for Alzheimer’s Disease and no single test that can pinpoint a diagnosis, there are early tests that can determine if this disease is the likely culprit for the symptoms or if there are other reasons for the memory and skill loss. Your health care provider will probably begin with simple tests that check your memory and other mental abilities. She’ll also want to know your medical history, including any injuries, surgeries or illnesses and how you’re accomplishing certain daily tasks.

Medication history is also part of any medical examination that seeks to detect or reject the possibility of Alzheimer’s. Side effects from overdosing or combining certain medications with others are common causes of memory loss and confusion.

A neurological exam may also be ordered by your health care provider. This will include tests for coordination, movement, walking and sensory functioning and may show problems with the nervous system that are causing thinking and behavior problems.

If you’re seeking assistance for yourself or a loved one and suspect that Alzheimer’s Disease may be the cause of problems you’re experiencing, go to your primary health care provider first. There are currently no doctors who specialize specifically in the disease, but your primary provider should be able to order tests and refer you to specialists.

People wanting to learn more are encouraged to visit the company website and pick up a copy of their free report “Critical Questions You Must Ask Before You Hire a Home Care Provider," Visit, http://FirstatOfSanDiego.com

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About Firstat Nursing Services Linnea Goodrich is the owner of Firstat Nursing Services, which is the only Home care Agency in San Diego that is both State licensed and certified by the Alzheimer's Association. Firstat Nursing Services has been providing a higher standard of home nursing, home health and home care services for elderly, disabled and injured people in the greater San Diego area since 1997. To pick up a copy of her free report "Critical Questions You Must Ask Before You Hire a Home Care Provider," Visit, http://FirstatOfSanDiego.com