Home Care Blog

Remember being a kid and thinking when you grow up you would like to have a high paying job like a doctor or lawyer?  According to Medscape, this mentality has changed among practicing doctors with 49 percent of all physicians and 54 percent of primary care physicians reporting they are not satisfied with their income. For some, this may be difficult to comprehend when a doctor’s annual salary, on average, ranges anywhere from $160,000 to $315,000 and patients are reviewing medical bills, which without insurance coverage, are astronomical.

However, physicians feeling the way they are is not unreasonable.  Between the debt that is incurred from medical school and loans, individuals are averaging around $141,000 over the course of their schooling.  The government and insurance companies also can cap doctor’s incomes. 

My income is 60 percent of what it was ten years ago and I'm doing more work," said Anthony Youn, a plastic surgeon in Detroit. “I love being a physician, but I hate what is happening to medicine. Too many people are coming between me and the care I provide to my patients. Dissatisfaction among physicians is also on the rise according to the same Medscape study, with only 54% (out of 24,000 surveyed) of physicians saying they would choose a career in medicine again.
 

In 2010, Americans spent $2.6 billion on gluten-free products, amounting to a 30 percent increase in spending, than four years earlier. Why the spike in gluten-free products? Gluten is gluten a protein found in wheat, oats, rye, or barley. For some it seems to be one of the newest dietary fads gaining momentum by improving digestion among adopters. Others are born with celiac disease or developed an allergic reaction to gluten over time.

There are nearly three million Americans with celiac disease, a disease of the digestive system where the lining of the small intestines becomes damaged. The symptoms vary from person to person but often present themselves in the form of gas, bloating, stomach pains, abnormal stools, weight loss, fatigue and weakness and vomiting.

Even if individuals don’t have celiac disease, eliminating gluten from their diets has been proven to make many people feel better. “Those people may be legitimately gluten-sensitive. Or perhaps they're simply eating a healthier diet,” says Mayo Clinic gastroenterologist Joseph Murray, M.D., who notes that junk food tends to have high amounts of gluten. To see if you benefit from a gluten-free diet try eliminating gluten completely for two weeks, then reintroduce it and see if you feel any difference.

There are many experts on health and longevity throughout the world; all with varying beliefs and viewpoints on best practices for aging, longevity and nutrition. But what are their secrets for improving health and increasing lifespan?  Let’s find out.

1. Thomas Perls, 49: Director, New England Centenarian Study at Boston University Medical Center

Perls donates blood about every eight weeks because he believes that moderate iron deficiency may be good. Iron stimulates cells to churn out free radicals and molecules that may contribute to cancer and other diseases of aging. Women tend to outlive men and are generally better at postponing the onset of age-related diseases. One theory involves iron loss due to menstruation.

2. Mark Mattson, 52: Chief, Laboratory of Neurosciences, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health

He limits calories to around 2,000 per day. Research by Mattson and others suggests that restricting calories (and occasionally fasting) can stimulate "adaptive stress response mechanisms" in the body, which may boost its resistance to injury and disease.

3. Cynthia Kenyon, 55: Geneticist, Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of California San Francisco

She follows a "low glycemic index" diet which limits foods that the body quickly converts to sugar. Foods she limits are: pasta, potatoes, bread, rice and she completely cuts out dessert. Sugar promotes insulin, which turns off the "longevity gene”.

4. David Sinclair, 40: Professor of pathology, Harvard Medical School

Since 2003, he has taken resveratrol, a compound found in the skin of red grapes, because it may activate a family of longevity-related cells.

5. Felipe Sierra, 56: Molecular biologist, director, Division of Aging Biology, National Institute on Aging

He laughs a lot. "I really think that's the best we can do for a while," he says. After all, they say laughter is the best medicine.

What is your secret to aging gracefully?

How well we age is in part already predetermined, like our genes. In fact, recent research suggests that those with family members who are centenarians are 20 times more likely to live past 100 as well.  However, longevity does not completely boil down to just nature, but nurture as well.  Healthy eating habits and exercise can be the beginning steps to keeping you living happy and healthy into the triple digits.

1.    Don’t retire: Evidence shows that in societies where people stop working abruptly, the incidence of obesity and chronic disease skyrockets after retirement,” says Luigi Ferrucci, Director of the Baltimore Longitudinal Study of Aging. Instead, volunteer or find hobbies to keep you active and alert.

2.    Floss: Flossing everyday might keep your heart healthy. A 2008 New York University study showed that daily flossing reduces the amount of gum disease which causes bacteria in the mouth. Bacteria entering the bloodstream can result in inflammation in the arteries which is a major risk factor for heart disease.

3.    Move: Your body is a well-oiled machine and needs to keep moving to stay strong, even if its only 30 minutes a day. Exercise is the only real fountain of youth that exists, according to Jay Olshansky, a professor of medicine and aging researcher at the University of Illinois at Chicago.

4.    Eat fiber: Maintaining stable blood sugar levels throughout the day with fiber and whole grains can keep diabetes at bay.

5.    Sleep: Getting at least six hours of sleep a night can add years to your life. Sleep is one of the most important factors that our body uses to regulate and heal cells.

6.    Eat food, not vitamins: People who have high levels of certain nutrients like selenium, beta-carotene, vitamins C and E, age much better and have a slower rate of cognitive decline than those who do not. Unfortunately, there’s no evidence that taking vitamins containing these nutrients provides anti-aging benefits. Avoid eating bland foods with no nutritional content, the more colorful the better.

7.    Don’t stress:  Find a good way to deal with stress, like yoga, meditation, or exercising.  There is a new study coming out that shows centenarians tend not to internalize things or dwell on their troubles, according to MD Thomas Perls.

8.    Be an Adventist: Being a seven day Adventist means cherishing your body; no smoking, alcohol abuse or abuse of sweets. Adventists typically consume a vegetarian diet and are heavily invested in their families and communities. Individuals exhibiting these traits have an average life expectancy of 89 years. This is approximately a decade longer than the average American.

9.     Keep a routine:  Consuming the same diet and participating in the same activities for the majority on one’s life keeps the immune system healthy and strong. To keep your body in equilibrium, try going to bed and waking up at the same time.

10.     Connect: Regular social contact can be helpful for avoiding depression. Some psychologists think that one of the biggest benefits older adults get from exercise is the social interaction that comes from walking with a buddy or taking a group exercise class.

11.     Be conscientious:  The book The Longevity Project, by Howard Friedman, describes a   study that followed 1,500 children for eight decades, collecting exhaustive details about their personal histories, health, activities, beliefs, attitudes and families. The children who were prudent and dependable lived the longest because conscientious types are more inclined to follow doctors’ orders, take the right medicines at the right doses and undergo routine checkups. Being prudent, persistent and well organized, according to the study, will help increase your lifespan and healthspan.

Some of us think of our tax refund as “free money” and tend to spend it wants, not needs, like vacations, new gadgets, clothing, entertainment, etc.  Putting this money toward something you have wanted for a long time, but have been unable to afford, is alright. However, you can also consider using this money as an investment and spend it in a smarter way that will benefit you more in the long run.

Here are 5 ways to get started:

1.    Eliminate Debt
If you owe anything on your credit card(s), use all, or a good portion of your refund to pay it down. If your credit card is paid for, you can put this money toward other bills or expenses you may have like your mortgage. Reducing debt lowers your monthly expenses and boosts your credit score.

2.    Put it Away
With the economy the way it is these days, financial stability is not necessarily guaranteed.  Put your money into an emergency savings fund for a rainy day or continue saving for retirement.

3.    Invest in You
Why invest in others when you can invest in your self. Take time to get additional education and certifications in your field. Use your tax refund to pay for tuition. Alternatively, you can take the money to make a more personal investment by hiring a personal trainer or joining a high-end gym.

4.    Fix your House
Invest in energy efficient upgrades for your home.  Installing solar panels (with a larger tax refund) or switching out all your light bulbs to more efficient LED lights (with a smaller tax refund) will be a cost savings by cutting your monthly energy bill down.

5.    Charity
Invest in someone else’s future. If you have grandchildren help them out by paying for part of their college tuition. Want a tax deduction? Find a charity that you are passionate about and make a donation.

However you choose to spend, or not spend your tax refund, it’s always nice to have a little extra cash on hand.
 

“When we try to pick out anything by itself, we find it hitched to everything else in the universe.” -John Muir

We are all connected to our environment as it provides us with the essentials in life: air, water, food and sunlight, and therefore, we must do what we can to keep it clean and livable for all.  Earth Day serves as a day to educate the general public about the impact our society has on the environment. 

Earth Day was started by founder Gaylord Nelson in 1969, a U.S. Senator from Wisconsin. After witnessing a massive oil spill in Santa Barbara, California that year, he called for a national “Environmental Teach-In” to invoke public consciousness about air and water pollution, specifically targeted at college students on campuses throughout the U.S.

As a result, on April 22, 1970, 20 million Americans took to the streets and parks and publically rallied for a healthier and more sustainable environment. Thousands of colleges and universities organized protests against the deterioration of the environment, highlighting issues like oil spills, pollution caused by factories and power plants, raw sewage, toxic dumps, pesticides, freeways and the extinction of wildlife.
Earth Day in 1970 achieved a rare political event; it gained support from both Republicans and Democrats, rich and poor. The first Earth Day led to the creation of the United States Environmental Protection Agency and the passage of the Clean Air Act, Clean Water Act and the Endangered Species Act.

Even though Earth Day only comes once a year, it reminds us to be more conscientious about the environment and what we are doing to it. These eco-friendly practices should be applied throughout the year, not just on one day:

o    Plant a vegetable garden if you have a yard. Growing vegetables instead of grass uses water and energy more wisely. If you live in an apartment, plant vegetables in containers on your balcony, or a community plot.

o    Eat! Eat local, seasonal and organic food.  Even eating vegetarian for a day can help. Avoid processed food as much as possible. Processed foods mean someone else manufactured it. That takes energy.

o    Plant a tree or donate a tree.

How did you observe Earth Day on Sunday?

More than 40 million women are primary caregivers for an aging loved one, many times to the man they are married to.  Since caregiving is still viewed as the wife’s expected role, most accept it as their duty and a time to express love, settle financial and legal matters and sometimes, right past wrongs.  

However, women who are primary caregivers face far more unglamorous duties and disruptions in their work, social life, sleep habits, exercise routine, household management and financial situation. In addition to a loss of intimacy, the wife may be stuck with such unglamorous tasks as cleaning up bathroom accidents, servicing medical equipment and fulfilling challenging dietary needs.

As one expert put it, for some wives, caregiving is “a roller coaster ride from hell,” with each day bringing new challenges, demands and adjustments. What others see as a gift, the wife may be experiencing as “a dirty little secret,” Diana B. Denholm wrote in The Caregiving Wife’s Handbook, recently published by Hunter House. She also states that the challenge is especially difficult when the marriage was a rocky one to begin with. Husbands who were abusive when they were healthy can become tyrants when seriously or terminally ill, she learned from wives.

In her book, Dr. Denholm discusses coping strategies that she developed with her husband during his long illness. “The most important of these strategies is to adopt communication tools that avoid red flags, accusations and self-pity, and instead “create expectations, agreements and understandings, including some that may involve agreeing to disagree,” she said. She also provides a list of 50 dos and don’t to help make the task of caregiving easier.

Here is a sampling from that list:

•    Don’t let your husband take advantage of you or be abusive in any way.
•    Ask for help when you need it.
•    Don’t assume roles and jobs just because somebody thinks you should.
•    Recognize that he’s the one who is ill, not you, and that your journeys will be different.
•    Realize that sacrificing yourself completely will not make him well.
•    Speak up for yourself and take a hard line on safety issues.
•    See the humor in situations and try to laugh rather than criticize.
•    Learn relaxation techniques.
•    Give your husband a whistle, bell or call button to help him call you.
•    Take advantage of the time remaining and have fun with your husband however you can.
•    Have fun yourself, even if he can’t participate.
•    Stay active and social, and spend time with people who make you feel better.
•    Take care of yourself by eating well, exercising and arranging a way to get needed sleep.
•    Take breaks and trips to visit friends, offering your husband care alternatives during your absence.
•    Get help if you become depressed, feel excessively guilty or angry, or fear becoming abusive toward your husband.
•    Protect yourself physically. Don’t try to catch your husband if he’s falling. If you are injured, you won’t be able to care for him.

If you are the primary caregiver for a family member or other loved one and find that you are experiencing symptoms of depression, dissatisfaction, decreased energy or lower resistance to illness you may be experiencing what is known as “Caregiver Burnout”. It’s equally as important to protect your health and wellbeing so that you can provide the best care possible to the one you are looking after.

We are hosting a free, public webinar on caregiver burnout and how to protect your health on Tuesday, May 1st at 11am Pacific, 2pm Eastern. The webinar will be presented by Dr. Hoblyn, Professor at Stanford School of Medicine and chief medical officer of eTherapi.com. Space is limited, so reserve your spot here today!

New studies from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, have found some startling health concerns for individuals who are both above and below average in height.

1.    Cancer

The CDC’s study suggests taller women have an increased risk of ten different types of cancers, such as breast and skin cancer, while taller men have a higher risk of developing prostate cancer. According to British researchers who reviewed data from 47 studies with 100,000 women; for every 2-inch increase in height (above the 5 ft. 3 inch average), the risk of ovarian cancer rose 7 percent, according to a study in the PLoS Medicine, an open-access medical journal, providing an innovative and influential venue for research and comment on the major challenges to human health worldwide.

2.    Heart Disease

While taller individuals may have a higher risk of getting cancer, shorter people have a higher risk of heart disease. Recent reviews of 52 studies involving over 3 million men and women found shorter people have a 50 percent higher risk of having a deadly heart disease than taller people.
The American Journal of Epidemiology published a study in 2006 examining identical twins that died from coronary heart disease. The study found that identical twins tended to be the shorter co-twin, suggesting the height-heart disease link stems from environmental factors that affect height and heart disease risk rather than genetics.

3.    Stroke

Like heart disease, serious strokes that can result in fatalities are also more common among shorter people according to a 2002 study published in the journal Stroke.

An Israeli study of more than 10,000 men (364 of whom died from stroke) linked each 2-inch height increase with a 13 percent increase in fatal stroke risk. Men who were the shortest among their peers had a 54 percent higher risk of fatal stroke than men in the tallest percentile.

“Height might represent a strong indicator of nutritional status, especially in a study such as ours, which included many subjects who had lived as persecuted minorities in their childhood," the authors wrote. "It could also be associated with environmental conditions in childhood and adolescence."

4.    Alzheimer’s Disease

A study published in 2007 in the Journal of Alzheimer's Disease, stated that the risk of developing Alzheimer’s is  higher for shorter people.

The study, which compared 239 Alzheimer's patients with 341 healthy patients who served as control subjects, found that men who were taller than 5 feet 10 inches had a 59 percent lower risk of developing the disease than men who were shorter than 5 feet 6 inches.

5.    Diabetes

According to a 2002 study published in the journal Pediatrics, type 2 diabetes is primarily linked to weight while type 1 diabetes may be linked to height.

Regardless of the aforementioned findings correlating height and one’s risk of developing disease, the most important thing to remember is leading a healthy, balanced life. Healthy eating habits, exercise, genetics and environmental factors all play into one’s overall health and can offset illness and disease.  

"Whether you're tall or short, staying away from tobacco, being physically active, eating a balanced diet and maintaining a healthy are beneficial behaviors for everyone," he said. "And get the recommended cancer screening tests, regardless of height."

 

At Home Care Assistance we are big on seven Superfoods that include blueberries, dark chocolate, salmon (high in omega-3 fatty acids) green tea and more.  We are excited to share that we have discovered eight new Superfoods with cancer fighting properties that have similar health benefits and will help boost your energy level as well as make you look and feel young. 

1.  Jicama: This root vegetable has probiotic properties to boost healthy bacteria and aid in digestion. It is also high in Vitamin C which can help fight wrinkles.

2.  Chia: This tiny edible seed has a nutty taste and is an excellent source of fiber, calcium, iron and omega 3s.  These seeds are great for your bones and heart so sprinkle some on cereals, salads or soups for added nutrients.

3.  Kefir: The creamy texture makes this food product comparable to yogurt, but with less sugar and more protein.  Kefir has a tangy taste that makes it a great substitute for salad dressing.  A probiotic, it helps boost healthy bacteria in your body, keeping your immune system strong and helping to prevent colon cancer.

4.  Sprouts:  These are germinating seeds that can be eaten raw or cooked and can come from different beans like soybeans, alfalfa, or even vegetables like broccoli.  Broccoli sprouts contain about 50 times more of the anti-cancer agent, sulforaphane, than its fully mature stalks.

5.  Black Garlic: The fermentation process gives this garlic varietal a sweet, clove and caramel flavor. Black Garlic packs in nearly double the antioxidants compared to a regular raw bulb of garlic and has properties that can help lower an individual’s cholesterol.

6.  Nutritional Yeast: A single serving of this yeast has as much as nine grams of protein and is packed with Vitamin B to help keep energy levels high and stress levels low.  Nutritional Yeast can be used as a dairy free substitute for Parmesan cheese and be sprinkled popcorn, potatoes, or even pasta.

7.  Kelp: This powerful plant, despite its small size, is loaded with Vitamin K and calcium. Certain studies have shown that it can help decrease a women’s risk of developing breast cancer. In a powder form, Kelp can be added to soups or meatballs for added nutritional value.

8.  Barley: This grain is filled with niacin to help keep your skin and hair healthy. It also contains lignans, which can help fight cancer and keep your cholesterol levels under control. Barley is the perfect substitute   for oatmeal, pasta or rice.

Start incorporating these Superfoods into your diet today to live a longer, happier life!

According to a recent study by the University of California of San Francisco, reducing risk factors such as being overweight, smoking and low physical activity by 25 percent could prevent up to half a million cases of Alzheimer’s and other dementias in the United States.

To help keep your brain fit in the coming years and throughout the remainder of your life, implement the following techniques into your daily routine:  

1.    Exercise:  The best way to keep your brain young is through physical activity and exercise. Individuals who are active tend to maintain better cognitive memory. Higher exercise levels are also linked to reducing the risk of developing dementia up to 40%, according to neuroscientist at the University of Illinois.

2.    Weight train:  Lifting weights can have a greater impact on your brain health, especially for women. "Resistance training may increase the levels of growth factors in the brain such as IGF1, which nourish and protect nerve cells," according to the head of Aging, Mobility and Cognitive Neuroscience Laboratory.

3.    Learn new skills:  Stepping out of your comfort level and learning new things such as knitting or Tai Chi, for example, can grow new brain cells. When the brain is challenged, the number of brain cells increases along with the connection between those cells.

4.    Meditation:  Chronic stress floods your brain with cortisol, which leads to impaired memory. Meditation is a great way to stay focused and calm, thus reducing harmful stress hormones.

5.    Eat healthy:  Researchers at Columbia University have conducted studies that show eating a healthy Mediterranean diet rich in fish, vegetables, fruits, nuts and beans can reduce the risk of Alzheimer's by 34 to 48 percent. Further, studies have suggested that older people who eat a diet primarily of fruits and vegetables, especially leafy greens, may have a slower rate of cognitive decline and a lower risk for dementia than meat lovers.

6.    Keep it spicy:  Adding herbs and spices to your meals is easy and beneficial for your brain. The spices that have the highest amounts of antioxidants are: black pepper, cinnamon, oregano, basil, parsley, ginger and vanilla.

7.    Find purpose: Having a clear set of goals is important as we age. Purpose and direction have been shown to help older adults reduce their risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease.

8.    Have friends: Cultivate a close network of friends and relationships.  A support network may help to protect against dementia by providing emotional and mental stimulation, says Laura Fratiglioni, M.D., of Sweden's Karolinska Institute.

9.    Reduce risks: Diabetes can double the risk for Alzheimer's and other forms of dementia.

10. Check your vitamins:  Sometimes we don’t always get all of the nutrients we need from our foods, which is why it is important to take vitamin supplements to avoid being deficient in an area. Research from Rush University Medical Center says that adults at risk for vitamin B12 deficiency have smaller brains and scored lowest on tests that measured thinking, reasoning and memory.