Blog - Page 60 of 106 - AAAAA Private Home Health Care AAAAA Private Home Health Care

National Vinegar Day

Posted by Mary Demakes on November 2, 2020

Yesterday was National Vinegar Day. Vinegar is made by fermenting something past the point of an alcoholic drink until it’s acidic. This is why we have different kinds of vinegars, just as we have different kinds of wines and liqueurs. Many times vinegar is made from grapes (white wine vinegar, red wine, or balsamic vinegar). Popular kinds also include apples (apple cider vinegar), rice (rice wine vinegar), grains (white vinegar), and more.

No need for a sour face though – vinegar has health benefits. Vinegar is no longer reserved just for salads, and has found its way into the arsenals of medicine cabinets. In recent years, apple cider vinegar has been in the spotlight for it’s useful properties. Many people drink a tablespoon full of vinegar in the morning either with water or, for the brave hearted, straight by itself. Apple cider vinegar has various healthful properties, including antimicrobial and antioxidant effects. What’s more, evidence suggests it may offer health benefits, such as aiding weight loss and reducing cholesterol. Vinegar also helps improve the symptoms of diabetes – apple cider vinegar has shown great promise in improving insulin sensitivity and helping lower blood sugar responses after meals. The science is still being contested on whether vinegar supports weight loss, but several promising human studies show that vinegar can increase feelings of fullness. This can lead you to eat fewer calories and lose weight. For example, according to one study, taking vinegar along with a high carb meal led to increased feelings of fullness, causing participants to eat 200–275 fewer calories throughout the rest of the day.

Apple cider vinegar also promotes antioxidant activity. In research studies, apple cider vinegar induced a protective effect against erythrocyte, kidney, and liver oxidative injury and lowered the serum lipid levels in mice fed a high cholesterol diet. The authors of the study suggested that it may scavenge free radicals, inhibit lipid peroxidation, and increase the levels of antioxidant enzymes and vitamins in cells. As we know, antioxidants are vital to health because they fight inflammation, and inflammation is the ultimate cause of all disease.

Vinegar helps kill pathogens, including bacteria. People have traditionally used vinegar for cleaning and disinfecting, treating nail fungus, lice, warts, and ear infections. In fact, Hippocrates, the father of modern medicine, used vinegar to clean wounds more than 2,000 years ago. Vinegar is also a food preservative, and studies show that it inhibits bacteria like E. coli from growing in and spoiling food. That is good news for salad lovers – even after rinsing, vinegar helps clean produce to make sure there is no bacteria to avoid any food-borne illness. This is also one of the reasons why vinegar is an excellent choice for cleaning. Toxic chemicals like bleach are not healthy to inhale or touch, and vinegar is a natural alternative that does the job just as well. Mix it with lemon for a powerful and natural bath and shower cleaner, or use it straight to brighten coffee cups. It can also be a lifesaver for getting tough stains out of your favorite fabrics.

Posted in: Healthcare

National Diabetes Awareness Month

Posted by Mary Demakes on November 2, 2020

November is National Diabetes Awareness Month. In the United States, 30 million adults aged 18 years and older are living with diabetes and 84 million with prediabetes. This is even more prevalent in older adults, with one in four people over the age of 65 estimated to have diabetes, and one in two has prediabetes. Persons with prediabetes are at risk for developing type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and stroke. National Diabetes Awareness Month was established by the International Diabetes Federation in 1991 to call attention to this worldwide epidemic. The date of Nov. 14 was chosen to honor Dr. Frederick Banting, co-discoverer of insulin back in 1921 along with Dr. Charles Best. This month is of course a time when diabetes organizations of all sizes launch awareness efforts, initiatives and campaigns. There are a number of types of diabetes, type 1 and two are the most prominent. Diabetes can be debilitating, and it is the leading cause of blindness, amputations and kidney failure. As a chronic disease, it makes individuals more susceptible to further illness and health conditions. At Private Home Care, we support the fight against diabetes.

In type 1 diabetes, the body does not produce insulin. The body breaks down the carbohydrates you eat into blood sugar that it uses for energy—and insulin is a hormone that the body needs to get glucose from the bloodstream into the cells of the body. With the help of insulin therapy and other treatments, everyone can learn to manage their condition and live long, healthy lives. Thankfully, this is a condition that can be managed. By living a healthy lifestyle filled with exercise and proper diet, you can live a normal life and do everything you set out to do.

Type 2 diabetes is the most common form of diabetes—and it means that your body doesn’t use insulin properly. This type of diabetes largely results from unhealthy lifestyle choices. The onset of this disease is caused by poor nutrition, obesity, a sedentary lifestyle, and so forth. There is a high comorbidity rate for chronic diseases such as heart disease. Once established, some people can control their blood sugar levels with healthy eating and exercise, others may need medication or insulin to help manage it. In fact, many times when someone who is obese loses a large amount of weight and maintains a healthy diet, their diabetes is significantly improved or may go away completely. That being said, a key part of managing type 2 diabetes is maintaining a healthy diet. You need to eat something sustainable that helps you feel better and still makes you feel happy and fed. This can be a challenge for some, especially after years of unhealthy dietary choices, but it is important to remember that it is a process. You can work with medical professionals, such as your PCP, endocrinologists, and nutritionist to find helpful tips and diet plans that best suit your lifestyle—and how you can make your nutritional intake work the hardest for you.

Fitness is another central component to managing type 2 diabetes. And the good news, all you have to do is get moving. The key is to find activities you love and do them as often as you can. No matter how fit you are, a little activity every day can help you put yourself in charge of your life.

Ways you can honor National Diabetes Awareness Month:

Get a physical. Regular checkups let us know where we stand and what changes we need to make. Ask questions, too!
When we make small changes, we are more likely to stick to them. So, add one or two small improvements at a time for a healthy lifestyle, instead of huge sweeping changes.
Keep track of your dietary, fitness, and wellness goals. We are more likely to be honest if we write down our daily intake than if we just guess.
Get a buddy. It’s more fun when we make changes together than if we go it alone.
Learn more about diabetes from leading resources like American Diabetes Association and the CDC.

Posted in: Healthcare

National Deviled Egg Day

Posted by Mary Demakes on November 2, 2020

Today is National Deviled Egg Day! Who doesn’t love a good deviled egg? They are delicious as an everyday snack or can be served as hors d’oeuvres at a party. The classic deviled egg recipe includes mayo, Dijon mustard, and relish. Regional recipes add different seasonings or ingredients. But why are they called ‘Deviled’ eggs? In the 1780’s the dish was dubbed ‘deviled eggs’ because at the time “deviled” foods were considered those that were seasoned, fried, or boiled. At Private Home Health Care, we appreciate the healthiest versions of classic favorites. Instead of mayonnaise, you can substitute avocado or full fat Greek yogurt.

Eggs are a nutritious food that can easily be incorporated into any diet. They are easy to eat and are great for those who may have trouble chewing or swallowing, or for those who may require simple proteins. For a little while eggs had a bad rep and people tended to steer clear of them due to worries about high cholesterol content. But in 2000, the American Heart Association guidelines were revised to say that an adult can enjoy an egg a day and remain well within the daily cholesterol limit.

At Private Home Care we love eggs because they are one of the most nutritious foods on the planet!

-They are a complete protein: One egg has 6 grams of protein with all nine “essential” amino acids, the building blocks of protein. That’s important because those are the ones your body can’t make by itself. The egg white holds about half that protein and only a small portion of the fat and cholesterol.

-Nutritionally Dense: That means eggs have more nutrients — vitamins, minerals, amino acids — per calorie than most other foods. Have an egg and you’ll get:

High-quality protein
Selenium
Phosphorus
Choline
Vitamin B12
Multiple antioxidants, which help keep your cells healthy

-Raises ‘good’ HDL cholesterol: High in Cholesterol, but Don’t Adversely Affect Blood Cholesterol. It is true that eggs are high in cholesterol. However, it’s important to keep in mind that cholesterol in the diet doesn’t necessarily raise cholesterol in the blood. HDL stands for high-density lipoprotein. It is often known as the “good” cholesterol. People who have higher levels of HDL usually have a lower risk of heart disease, stroke and other health problems. Eating eggs is a great way to increase HDL. In one study, eating two eggs per day for six weeks increased HDL levels by 10%.

-Antioxidant rich: The antioxidants lutein and zeaxanthin are very important for eye health and can help prevent macular degeneration and cataracts. Eggs are high in both of them.

Posted in: Healthcare

National Caramel Apple Day

Posted by Mary Demakes on October 30, 2020

In addition to it being Halloween, tomorrow is also National Caramel Apple Day! Private Home Care invites you to indulge in this tasty treat, while still enjoying the health benefits of fresh fruit! Caramel apples leave the skin on the fruit, which is where a lot of nutrients are. There is a reason why there is the saying ‘an apple a day keeps the doctor away’. Apples are a perfect snack, and are quite nutritious! One medium-sized apple contains: 95 calories, 4 grams of fiber, potassium, and Vitamin C.

Apples may be good for weight loss – they are high in fiber and water, which are two things that are filling. Apples are good for your heart! They have been linked to a lower risk of heart disease, and one reason may be that apples contain soluble fiber — the kind that can help lower your blood cholesterol levels. They also contain polyphenols, which have antioxidant effects. Many of these are concentrated in the peel. One of these polyphenols is the flavonoid epicatechin, which may also lower blood pressure.

In fact, an analysis of studies found that high intakes of flavonoids were linked to a 20% lower risk of stroke. Flavonoids can help prevent heart disease by lowering blood pressure, reducing “bad” LDL oxidation, and acting as antioxidants. Another study comparing the effects of eating an apple a day to taking statins — a class of drugs known to lower cholesterol — concluded that apples would be almost as effective at reducing death from heart disease as the drugs.

Apples could help lower risk of diabetes (that is, when they are eaten on a regular basis and are not smothered with caramel). In one large study, eating an apple a day was linked to a 28% lower risk of type 2 diabetes, compared to not eating any apples. Even eating just a few apples per week had a similarly protective effect.

It’s possible that the polyphenols in apples help prevent tissue damage to beta cells in your pancreas. Beta cells produce insulin in your body and are often damaged in people with type 2 diabetes.

Apples promote good gut bacteria! Apples contain pectin, a type of fiber that acts as a prebiotic. This means it feeds the good bacteria in your gut.

Your small intestine doesn’t absorb fiber during digestion. Instead, it goes to your colon, where it can promote the growth of good bacteria. It also turns into other helpful compounds that circulate back through your body.

Research suggests that this may be the reason behind some of the protective effects of apples against obesity, type 2 diabetes, and heart disease.

Happy National Caramel Apple Day! Check out this video of how to make your own caramel apples at home!

Posted in: Healthcare

World Psoriasis Day

Posted by Mary Demakes on October 30, 2020

Yesterday was World Psoriasis Day. World Psoriasis Day is celebrated annually as a way to raise awareness of psoriasis. It is dedicated to the over 125 million people globally with psoriasis and/or psoriatic arthritis and healthcare professionals who help treat this condition. National Psoriasis Day has been celebrated globally for over a decade.

Psoriasis is an immune-mediated disease, meaning that a dysfunctional immune system is a key cause of the disease. In the case of psoriasis, an overactive immune system can cause a rapid increase in skin cell production that leads to raised, scaly patches on the skin. These patches can be red in Caucasian skin and purple in skin of color. Many people report that psoriasis itches, burns and stings. While most immune systems take 30 or so days to push new cells to the skin, those with psoriasis push new cells within two to three days. Psoriasis is a chronic disease that often comes and goes. On World Psoriasis Day, psoriasis associations strive to spread information about the condition and improve access to treatment.

Psoriasis is not just a skin disease but a systemic one, which means it affects your whole body. It is associated with other serious health conditions, such as diabetes, heart disease and depression. If you develop a rash that doesn’t go away with an over-the-counter medication, you should contact your healthcare provider.

Psoriasis is also associated with psoriatic arthritis (PsA). PsA is a chronic, inflammatory disease of the joints and the places where tendons and ligaments connect to bone. Inflammation can lead to swelling, pain, fatigue and stiffness in the joints. Left untreated, PsA can cause permanent joint damage. Over 8 million Americans have psoriasis. Nearly a third of them will develop psoriatic arthritis.

Diseases associated with psoriasis include:

-Type 2 diabetes

Psoriasis is often associated with type 2 diabetes, a condition in which the blood retains high levels of sugar.

– Heart disease

Heart disease, the leading cause of death in the United States, can lead to psoriasis.

-Bowel disease

Those who suffer from psoriasis may also suffer from inflammatory bowel disease, an often painful condition that affects the digestive tract.

Posted in: Healthcare

Halloween

Posted by Mary Demakes on October 30, 2020

Tomorrow is Halloween! Private Home Care wishes you and your loved ones a happy and safe Halloween! This year may look a little different, (also because of the fresh snow on the ground!) but you can still enjoy Halloween.

-Watch a Halloween movie: Get in the Halloween spirit and watch a scary Halloween film! Some good suggestions are: Hocus Pocus, Psycho, The Nightmare Before Christmas, Nosferatu, The Shining, Halloween, The Silence of the Lambs, It’s the Great Pumpkin Charlie Brown, Scream, Ghostbusters, Edward Scissorhands, Rosemary’s Baby, and more! You can choose one depending on the level of fright that is right for you!

-Dress up! Who says that costumes are for kids? You can simply put on a mask or go all out with a detailed costume. Popular costumes include witch, vampire, cat, ghost, food (grapes are always a good choice!), or a character from a movie. You can also wear festive Halloween colors – black and orange.

-Candy and sweets! This one goes without saying! Indulge with your favorite Halloween candies and sweets like candy corn, chocolate bars, gummies, candy apples, caramel popcorn, hot chocolate, and more!

-Cards: Send a fun Halloween card! You can either make or buy a fun Halloween card to send to friends and family. People will appreciate that you were thinking of them.

-Halloween crafts! Create Halloween crafts like jack-o-lanterns and decorate your house and yard with scary Halloween decor such as spider webs. You can also bake Halloween-inspired treats such as orange and black cupcakes or cookies decorated like pumpkins.

Here is some fun Halloween trivia to play with friends!

What does the word “Halloween” mean?

Hall of October
‘All Hallows Eve’ – Hallowed Evening or Holy Night.
It has no meaning
“Ghosts and Candy” in old English

Answer: B. ‘All Hallows Eve’ – Hallowed Evening or Holy Night. A ‘Hallow’ is a saint

Which country does Halloween originally come from?

Ireland
US
Mexico
Japan

Answer: Ireland

Did you know: Halloween’s origins date back to the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain in Ireland. October 31 marked the end of summer and the beginning of the dark, cold winter, a time of year associated with human death. Irish Celts believed that on this night, the boundary between the worlds of the living and the dead became blurred and that the ghosts of the dead returned to the earth.

How many visitors come to Salem, MA for the Halloween season each year?

500,000
30,000
2 million
100,000

Answer: A. 500,000!

Which classic Halloween movie was filmed in Salem, MA?

“Halloween”
“Nightmare Before Christmas”
“Hocus Pocus”
“Scream”

Answer: C. Hocus Pocus!

What is the #1 Halloween candy in the US?

Sour Patch Kids
Skittles
Reeses
Candy Corn

Answer: B, Skittles

Posted in: Healthcare

National Chocolate Day

Posted by Mary Demakes on October 27, 2020

It’s the day we have all been waiting for – National Chocolate Day is almost here! Tomorrow, October 28th, is National Chocolate Day where we celebrate everyone’s favorite cocoa treat! Private Home Care loves dark chocolate not only because it is delicious, but because it is a healthy treat!

Dark chocolate is rich in antioxidants. In fact, it is one of the best sources of antioxidants! Dark chocolate contains several compounds that possess antioxidant properties, such as flavanols and polyphenols. Antioxidants neutralize free radicals and prevent oxidative stress. Oxidative stress refers to the damage that excessive amounts of free radicals can inflict on cells and tissues in the body. Oxidative stress contributes to the natural aging process and can contribute to the development of disease. This is why it is so important to have a diet rich in antioxidants – to combat oxidative stress in the body. Dark chocolate contains compounds with anti-inflammatory properties (antioxidants) that may help reduce inflammation in the body.

Cocoa is rich in plant chemicals called flavanols that may help to protect the heart. Dark chocolate contains up to 2-3 times more flavanol-rich cocoa solids than milk chocolate. Flavanols help to relax the blood vessels and improve blood flow, which lowers blood pressure. There is a link between high cocoa or chocolate intake of 6 grams daily (1-2 small squares) and a reduced risk of heart disease and mortality, possibly in part by reducing blood pressure and inflammation. Eating dark chocolate may improve brain function and help prevent neurodegenerative conditions, such as Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease.

The findings of a small 2018 study suggest that the flavanols present in dark chocolate may enhance neuroplasticity, which is the brain’s ability to reorganize itself, particularly in response to injury and disease. Also, flavanols in chocolate can increase insulin sensitivity in short term studies; in the long run this could reduce risk of diabetes.

Choosing dark chocolate of at least 70% cocoa and eating modest quantities may offer the greatest health benefits. Private Home Care invites you to indulge your sweet tooth in the name of health for National Chocolate Day!

Posted in: Healthcare

Healthy Lung Month

Posted by Mary Demakes on October 27, 2020

October is Healthy Lung Month! Private Home Care would like to breathe some life onto an important subject: how to best care for your lungs! Simply put, if we take care of our lungs, our lungs will take care of us. Your body has a natural defense system designed to protect the lungs, keeping dirt and germs at bay. But there are some important things you can do to reduce your risk of lung disease. Here are some ways to keep your lungs healthy:

-Don’t smoke: Cigarette smoking is the major cause of lung cancer and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), which includes chronic bronchitis and emphysema. Cigarette smoke can narrow the air passages and make breathing more difficult. It causes chronic inflammation, or swelling in the lung, which can lead to chronic bronchitis. Over time cigarette smoke destroys lung tissue and may trigger changes that grow into cancer.

-Avoid exposure to indoor pollutants that can damage your lungs: Secondhand smoke, chemicals in the home and workplace, and radon all can cause or worsen lung disease. Make your home and car smokefree. Test your home for radon and mold. Avoid exercising outdoors on bad air days. And talk to your healthcare provider if you are worried that something in your home, school or work may be making you sick.

-Prevent infection: Proper hygiene and good health practices are important for preventing infection, especially during cold and flu season. Take precautions such as frequently washing your hands with soap and warm water or using hand sanitizer. Make sure to get your yearly flu shot and stay away from people who are sick. Practice good oral hygiene.

-Get regular checkups: Regular checkups help prevent disease and illness, even if you are feeling well. Your healthcare provider will check your lungs during your yearly checkup to make sure that everything is in top working order.

-Exercise: Exercise is important for lung and respiratory health. When you are physically active, your heart and lungs work harder to supply the additional oxygen your muscles demand. Just like regular exercise makes your muscles stronger, it also makes your lungs and heart stronger. As your physical fitness improves, your body becomes more efficient at getting oxygen into the bloodstream and transporting it to the working muscles. That’s one of the reasons that you are less likely to become short of breath during exercise over time. Some types of exercise can also strengthen the muscles of the neck and chest, including the diaphragm and muscles between the ribs that work together to power inhaling and exhaling.

Private Home Care wishes everyone a happy Healthy Lung Month! We hope this serves as an inspiration to give your lungs some extra love by doing breathing exercises.

Posted in: Healthcare

Respiratory Care Week

Posted by Mary Demakes on October 27, 2020

Breathe easy – it is Respiratory Care Week! Respiratory Care Week (October 25-31st) is a full week that is set aside each year in order to appreciate and acknowledge hard-working Respiratory Therapists around the world. It began in 1982 when President Ronald signed a proclamation declaring the third week of each October as National Respiratory Care Week. Respiratory Care Week is now a yearly event that is designed to promote and bring awareness to the field of Respiratory Care!

According to the American Association for Respiratory Care (AARC), “Respiratory Care is the health care discipline that specializes in the promotion of optimum cardiopulmonary function and health and wellness. “ As part of this work, respiratory therapists diagnose, manage and work to control illnesses affecting the lungs.

Typically, Respiratory Care Week is celebrated in all parts of the world, and is most notably recognized in the United States and Canada. Respiratory Therapists around the world use Respiratory Care Week as a way to celebrate their profession and dedication to high-quality patient care. Respiratory Care Week not only focuses on efforts to reduce disabling lung conditions like asthma and COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease) but the week is also devoted to panel discussions and special events to help raise public awareness about what they can do to reduce lung conditions and illness.

Private Home Care extends a big thank you to Respiratory Care professionals who help take care of our breathing and lungs!

Posted in: Healthcare

Healthy Vision and Aging

Posted by Mary Demakes on October 23, 2020

More about World Blindness Month:

Some age-related visual impairment is genetic (if your parents wore glasses as they aged, then you are likely to need them as well), but some is environmental and is determined by your lifestyle. Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) is the leading cause of severe vision loss in adults over age 50. Macular Degeneration is an eye disease affecting the macula (the center of the light-sensitive retina at the back of the eye), causing loss of central vision. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimate that 1.8 million people have AMD and another 7.3 million are at substantial risk for vision loss from AMD. This eye disease occurs when there are changes to the macula, a small portion of the retina that is located on the inside back layer of the eye. In its early stages, the following signs of macular degeneration can go unnoticed: gradual loss of ability to see objects clearly, the shape of objects appearing distorted, straight lines look wavy or crooked, loss of clear color vision, dark or empty area in the center of vision. In it’s more advanced stages, Age-Related Macular Degeneration can lead to severe vision impairment or blindness. Causes and risk factors include heredity. UV light exposure, smoking, poor nutrition, and lack of exercise.

While there is no specific treatment for dry AMD, studies have shown a potential benefit from vitamin supplements, a Mediterranean diet, protection from the ultraviolet light of the sun and cessation of smoking. AMD is linked to oxidative stress, autophagy decline and inflammation. Research has revealed that the polyphenol (a plant-based compound) abundant in the Mediterranean diet is responsible for lowering inflammation. This confirms what Private Home Care knows – the Mediterranean Diet is at it again! There’s no substitute for the quality of life good vision offers. Adding certain nutrients to a diet every day—either through foods or supplements—can help save the patient’s vision. A large clinical study linked lutein and zeaxanthin, omega 3, vitamin C, vitamin E and zinc to reducing the risk of AMD. Some foods in particular are important for eye health and preventing AMD, like green, leafy veggies, oily fish, and eggs.

Posted in: Healthcare