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2011-01-26T12:16:00.000-08:00

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2011-01-26T11:31:00.000-08:00

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2011-01-26T11:29:00.000-08:00

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Make a Will

2010-11-05T13:07:00.000-07:00

When planning the execution of a legal document for the disbursement of assets after you die, your fee to consult a competent attorney, accountant, or other trusted professional will be money well spent. This article is intended to provide a broad overview of the subject so you can be more knowledgeable in preparing your own will, exploring other options, and better prepared if you decide to meet with professional advisors.
A will is a document that outlines the following:

What one wants to happen to their property when they die.

How they want it distributed.

Which persons they want to inherit the property.

Preparing a Legally Valid Will
People can avoid having their probate estate pass on to others via individual state statues. It provides for distribution of the estate in the case of no existing will. It can also cut down on the cost of litigation. Distribution of an estate in the absence of a will is very complex depending, in part, whether there are surviving relatives. Visit What is a will for more information!
To ensure that a will is legally valid, the person preparing the will must follow various formalities and requirements based on individual state laws. There four main criteria are:

Legal Capacity: In most states the age is 18 years of age.

Testamentary Capacity: This basically means that the person must understand that the document they are creating is a will. A person being heavily medicated or mentally disabled at the time they prepared the will can nullify the legality. They must also have an understanding of what property they own and are including in the will and understand who their heirs are.

Testamentary Intent: This means the person preparing the will intends for the document to be their will. For example, if someone writes a letter to a relative asking them to prepare a will, that letter would not meet this requirement because the letter itself was not intended to be a will, and were only instructions.

Specific Formalities: This refers to the laws of the state depending on the type of will, for example, handwritten, witnessed or verbal.

Getting Started on Making a Will
Make a list of the property you own and want included in your will. Certain types of property such as joint tenancy held with a person such as a spouse cannot be distributed to someone else in your will. You cannot include property that has been transferred to a living trust. Nor, can you include benefits from a life insurance policy, stocks and bonds or pensions that include a previously named beneficiary.
Name the person or persons you want to inherit your property. The will should include alternate beneficiaries in the event those chosen do not survive you.
Choose an Executor. A legal will must include a named person who will serve as an executor, one who will carry out the terms of the will.
Guardianship for minor children. Name an alternative adult you want to raise your children in the event the surviving parent dies or is unable to do so.
Select a person to manage your children’s property. Most parents do not leave money or property directly to their children. Instead, they leave everything to their spouse, with the understanding that the survivor will care for the children. In the will their children are named as alternate beneficiaries. In the case of a single parent, however, they leave money and property directly to their children. In either case, an adult should be named to manage whatever property the children may inherit, in case they receive it while they're still too young to manage it themselves.
Signing the will. Laws vary from state to state, but most wills require your signature to be witnessed by two people. “Self-providing affidavits” signed by you without witnesses require your signature to be notarized. Make sure to inform relatives or the person you named as your executor where your will is safely kept.
The above article was written by General Knowledge AKA http://www.mayaqa.com/

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How to Prepare a Living Trust vs. a Will

2010-11-05T11:00:00.000-07:00

When planning the execution of a legal document for the disbursement of assets after you die, your fee to consult a competent attorney, accountant, or other trusted professional will be money well spent. This article is only intended to provide a broad overview of the subject, so you can be more knowledgeable in exploring options, and better prepared to meet with professional advisors.

What is a Will from Mayaqa.com, a Will is a written document which leaves the estate of the person who signed the will to named persons or entities (beneficiaries, legatees, divisees) including portions or percentages of the estate, specific gifts, creation of trusts for management and future distribution of all or a portion of the estate (a testamentary trust). A will usually names an executor (and possibly substitute executors) to manage the estate, states the authority and obligations of the executor in the management and distribution of the estate, sometimes gives funeral and/or burial instructions, nominates guardians of minor children and spells out other terms. To be valid the will must be signed by the person who made it (testator), be dated and witnessed by two people (except in Vermont which requires three.) North Hollywood Hospice

Also defined in the legal dictionary on Law.com, a Living Trust is created by a declaration of trust executed by the trustor during his/her lifetime, as distinguished from a "testamentary trust," which is created by a will and only comes into force upon the death of the person who wrote the will.

Most commonly, it is a trust in which the trustor receives benefits from the profits of the trust during their lifetimes, followed by a distribution upon the death of the trustor, and the trust continues on for the benefit of others (such as the next generation) with profits distributed to them.

Some Advantages of a Living Trust over a Will.
Many estate planners swear by living trusts; their advantages over wills are many. The problem with a will is that it must be proved valid in probate court. To probate a will, you'll definitely need to hire an attorney and attorney's fees can run into thousands of dollars. There may be executor's commissions and other court costs.
California's probate fees -- set by law -- are about average among states. For an estate of $500,000 (by no means a small or uncommon estate where home prices start around $200,000), the cost of probate in terms of attorney's fees and executor's commissions would range around $22,300. This is a big chunk out of your children's inheritance.
Worse than the financial blow, probate can exact an emotional toll on the surviving family. Your heirs may have to wait several months and sometimes years to collect their inheritances, depending upon the efficiency of the executor, attorney and probate court. Delays of eighteen months to two years are not unusual. Granda Hills Hospice
Probate records are public records and are available to all kinds of salespeople, scrupulous or otherwise. Many a widow has been persuaded to make unwise or unsuitable investments under pressure from fast- talking hucksters.
Living Trusts, on the other hand, require no court proceedings; a successor trustee (who may also be a beneficiary) simply distributes the assets according to the trust's instructions and dissolves the trust. The process is much quicker, cheaper and more private than settling a will.
Few Disadvantages
According to most estate planners living trusts have few disadvantages. Most trust instruments are relatively simple to prepare, and you need to formally transfer the title of various assets to the trust. This requires some paperwork and you will need to contact your banks, brokers, insurance agents, etc. In most cases, they are familiar with living trusts and you should get expert cooperation from them. Once this paperwork is completed, a living trust will not affect the way in which you control or manage your various assets.

Remember, there are many complex issues involved that are not covered here that only a qualified professional can address. Individual state laws vary greatly on a multitude of specifics and have a significant bearing upon the issues and decisions you face.

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Alzheimer's Diease

2010-11-04T23:52:00.000-07:00

If you plan to live past 60, there’s something you need to know about Alzheimer ’s disease.
Every 70 seconds, someone will develop Alzheimer's disease. There is something you desperately need to know about the disease, that is, if you plan on living past the age of 60, because no one is immune. Today it is the seventh leading cause of death in the United States.
Our brains change as we age just as the rest of our organs do. Most of us notice some slowed thinking and occasional problems with remembering certain things. However, serious memory loss, confusion and other major changes in the way our minds work are not a normal part of aging. They may be a sign that brain cells are failing.
September 21 is World Alzheimer's Day, a day when the Alzheimer's Association joins with organizations and people around the globe to raise awareness about Alzheimer's and its impact on our families, communities and nations. Today, 35 million people worldwide are affected by Alzheimer's and related dementias, and this number is growing rapidly.
World Alzheimer's Day is an opportunity to raise donations and awareness about Alzheimer's disease and the need for more education, support and research. Take action by joining one of the many World Alzheimer's Day events. More information in Hospice Thousand Oaks!
Memory Walk 2010 is a unique experience. See the difference you can make as we walk to change the course of Alzheimer's together.
Memory Walk is the nation's largest event to raise awareness and funds for Alzheimer care, support and research. Since 1989, Memory Walk has raised more than $300 million for the cause.
All Memory Walk donations benefit the Alzheimer's Association, the leading voluntary health organization in Alzheimer care, support and research. The mission of the Alzheimer's Association is to eliminate Alzheimer's disease through the advancement of research; to provide and enhance care and support for all affected; and to reduce the risk of dementia through the promotion of brain health.
Alzheimer’s Breakthrough Ride. Researchers have taken to the road, cycling from San Francisco to Washington D.C., to collect signatures asking Congress to make Alzheimer's a national priority. This 66-day effort will end on World Alzheimer's Day at the steps of Capitol Hill, where the Alzheimer's Association and Breakthrough Riders will deliver tens of thousands of signatures to our elected officials.
What exactly is Alzheimer ’s disease?
The human brain is your most unique and powerful organ, yet a healthy one weighs only about three pounds. It has three main parts:

The Cerebrum fills up most of your skull. It is involved in remembering, problem solving, thinking, and feeling. It also controls movement.

The Cerebellum sits at the back of your head, under the cerebrum. It controls coordination and balance.

The Brain Stem sits beneath your cerebrum in front of your cerebellum. It connects the brain to the spinal cord and controls automatic functions such as breathing, digestion, heart rate and blood pressure.

Click on Hospice Simi Valley for more information!

The real work of your brain goes on in individual cells. An adult brain contains about 100 billion nerve cells, or neurons, with branches that connect at more than 100 trillion points. Scientists call this dense, branching network a "neuron forest." Signals traveling through the neuron forest form the basis of memories, thoughts, and feelings.
Neurons are the chief type of cell destroyed by Alzheimer's disease.
Signals that form memories and thoughts move through an individual nerve cell as a tiny electrical charge. Nerve cells connect to one another at synapses. When a charge reaches a synapse, it may trigger release of tiny bursts of chemicals called neurotransmitters. The neurotransmitters travel across the synapse, carrying signals to other cells. Scientists have identified dozens of neurotransmitters.
Alzheimer's disease disrupts both the way electrical charges travel within cells and the activity of neurotransmitters.
100 billion nerve cells! 100 trillion synapses! Dozens of neurotransmitters! This "strength in numbers" provides your brain's raw material. Over time, our experiences create patterns in signal type and strength. These patterns of activity explain how, at the cellular level, our brains code our thoughts, memories, skills and sense of who we are.
Alzheimer's disease leads to nerve cell death and tissue loss throughout the brain. Over time, the brain shrinks dramatically, affecting nearly all of its functions. Alzheimer’s gets worse over time, and is fatal. Visit alz.org to find a Memory Walk event in your area or locate another volunteer opportunity to help end the disease. Visit Hospice Ventura County for more information or help! Need Payday loans? Online Payday Loans and Direct Lender Information on protein Protein Powder Reviews

Top 10 Ways to Prepare For Retirement

2010-11-03T10:11:00.000-07:00

Today, only 43 percent of Americans have calculated how much they need to save for retirement. In 2005, of those who had 401(k) coverage available, 25 percent did not participate. Although today in 2010 because of the recession, many employers do not offer any type of benefits.

Since the average American spends 20 years in retirement, putting money away for retirement is a habit we can all live with. The US Department of Labor has put together a list with helpful ways to protect seniors as they approach retirement.

Know Your Retirement Needs

· Retirement is expensive. Experts estimate that you’ll need about 70 percent of your preretirement income – lower earners, 90 percent or more – to maintain your standard of living when you stop working. Take charge of your financial future.

Find Out About Your Social Security Benefits

· Social Security pays the average retiree about 40 percent of preretirement earnings. Call the Social Security Administration at 1.800.772.1213 for a free Social Security Statement and find out more about your benefits at www.socialsecurity.gov.

Learn About Your Employer's Pension Or Profit Sharing Plan

· If your employer offers a plan, check to see what your benefit is worth. Most employers will provide an individual benefit statement if you request one. Before you change jobs, find out what will happen to your pension. Learn what benefits you may have from previous employment. Find out if you will be entitled to benefits from your spouse’s plan.

Contribute To a Tax-Sheltered Savings Plan

· If your employer offers a tax-sheltered savings plan, such as a 401(k), sign up and contribute all you can. Your taxes will be lower, your company may kick in more, and automatic deductions make it easy. Over time, compound interest and tax deferrals make a big difference in the amount you will accumulate.

Ask Your Employer to Start a Plan

· If your employer doesn’t offer a retirement plan, suggest that it start one. Certain employers can set up simplified plans.

Consider Basic Investment Principles

· How you save can be as important as how much you save. Inflation and the type of investments you make play important roles in how much you will have saved at retirement. Know how your pension or savings plan is invested. Financial security and knowledge go hand in hand.

Put Money Into an Individual Retirement Account

· You can put up to $4,000 a year into an individual Retirement Account (IRA) and gain tax advantages.

· When you open an IRA, you have two options – a traditional IRA or the newer Both IRA. The tax treatment of your contributions and withdrawals will depend on which option you select. In addition, you should know that the after-tax value of your withdrawal will depend on inflation and the type of IRA you choose.

Don’t Touch Your Savings

· Do not dip into your retirement savings. You’ll lose principal and interest, and you may lose tax benefits. If you change jobs, roll over your savings directly into an IRA or you new employer’s retirement plan.

Start Now, Set Goals and Stick to Them

· Start early. The sooner you start saving, the more time your money has to grow. Put time on your side. Make retirement savings a high priority. Devise a plan, stick to it, and set goals for yourself. Remember, it’s never too early or too late to start saving. So start now, whatever your age!

Ask Questions

· These tips point you in the right direction. Nevertheless, you’ll need more information. Talk to your employer, your bank, your union, or a financial adviser. Ask questions and make sure the answers make sense to you. Get practical advice and act now.

Financial security doesn’t just happen. It takes planning and commitment and, yes, money, another good reason to get the best advice when searching for an assisted living option for yourself or an elderly love one. Visit General Health Questions for more questions and answers related to health! Need Payday loans? Online Payday Loans and Direct Lender Information on protein Protein Powder Reviews

Top 10 Ways to Prepare For Retirement

2010-11-03T10:09:00.001-07:00

And the Password is .... ”S T R E N G T H”

2010-11-02T23:11:00.000-07:00

"Life does not come equipped with an instruction manual, and neither does death. We had worked together on and off during almost eighteen years of marriage, but in our private life we were always very much a team. As well as lovers, we were each other's critic, editor, fan and friend. While we had had two long years to get used to the idea, when he died I was shattered. My first instinct was to crawl away somewhere to mourn in private, and to some extent, I suppose I did. But there were two other gentlemen in my life, my dogs, Timmy, a coal black miniature poodle, and Sooner, a Labrador golden retriever mix. They missed him, too, but were not about to let me just wither away." Hospice Thousand Oaks
The above quote was written twenty nine years ago by a woman who had just lost her husband of eighteen years. And, would you believe she’s still working today at age 88! She has a “password” because her husband was Allen Ludden, host of the 1960s popular game show Password, and she is Betty White. Together with many other positive qualities, I think one can guess Betty White’s “password” and there’s a good chance the word is “strength.”
Recent accolades include winning her eighth Emmy for being the oldest guest host of Saturday Night Live, and the star of this year’s talked about Snickers commercial on the Super Bowl broadcast where she played football.
One has to give credit to the actress, comedian and game show host who continues to be active, engaged in life and productive when, one might assume, she does not need the money. Lessons are to be learned from her courageous rebound from her husband’s battle with cancer and ultimate passing, and the obvious zest for life that keeps her going.
The late entertainment personality, Art Linkletter1, spoke about Betty caring for Allen Ludden during his illness: "No one really knew that it was Betty who cared for him. She described his ordeal, and her own, as a book in itself. 'You just put one foot in front of the other and live moment to moment.'" Hospice Ventura County
Betty White’s long career includes her television roles as Sue Ann Nivens on The Mary Tyler Moore Show and Rose Nylun on The Golden Girls. As of 2010[update], she stars as Elka Ostrovsky in the TV Land sitcom Hot in Cleveland. White has won six Primetime Emmy awards and one Daytime Emmy award and received 20 Emmy nominations over the course of her career, including being the first woman ever to receive an Emmy for game show hosting (for the short-lived Just Men!)
She made regular appearances on the game show Password, where she met her late husband, host Allen Ludden, and the Match Game and played recurring roles on Mama’s Family and Boston Legal, and The Bold and the Beautiful. She is also recognized for her affiliation with animal charities such as Actors and Others for Animals and the Morris Animal Foundation.
Perhaps her best performance of all is her real life role as a model for everyone out there who might think of age as a restriction. Keep it comin’, Betty! Hospice Simi Valley
1 Source: Art Linkletter. Old Age Is Not For Sissies: Choices for Senior Americans. Need Payday loans? Online Payday Loans and Direct Lender Information on protein Protein Powder Reviews

Senior Self Defense

2010-11-01T17:26:00.000-07:00

Imagine an upper cut to the throat, or a quick jab to the kidneys. A couple of these blows may be enough to bring down a professional boxer, or for an elderly person, ward off an unsuspecting attacker.
Exercise programs and classes gaining popularity in senior citizen centers, independent or assisted living environments, where residents are free to come and go as they please, are now offering up “self-defense tactics,” and there is frequently a waiting list.
‘Boxing 101 for Seniors?” Not quite, no longer used just to assist with walking, canes have become the weapon of choice for the vulnerable elderly.
Cane fighting isn’t a new concept either. Andrew Chase Cunningham wrote about using a cane as a weapon in 1912. Several cane fighting books have been published in Europe, and fighting with sticks, of course, is as old as fighting itself. Moorpark Hospice
Mark Shuey, now owner of Cane Masters in Incline Village, NV, is credited with the growing popularity of cane fighting. An expert at hapkido, Mr. Shuey started studying at an advanced level that utilizes sticks as weapons at the same time his elderly father started using a cane to get around. Mr. Shuey realized that the vulnerability of senior citizens could be neutralized by proper use of their walking aid. He now travels and teaches his "American Cane System" of self-defense and has formed the Cane Masters International Association.
Cane Fighting as part of an Exercise Program
Cane fighting classes for the elderly are considered to be a light form of exercise. Stretching and bending with the cane used as a piece of exercise equipment makes handling the cane for self-defense feel more natural. It is important for each individual to know his or her balance limitations so that swinging a cane doesn’t make them topple over.
When used for self-defense, being hit with a sturdy piece of wood like a cane will hurt. Being jabbed in the stomach with the tip of a cane isn’t fun either. The hooked end of the cane can snag an arm or even a neck, and guide it where the holder desires. A crack to the shin is more effective that a wild swing to the head of an attacker if the empowered senior is still standing and able to call for help or get a way.
While seniors shouldn’t expect to completely eliminate the presence of their assailant with this form of martial arts, learning the techniques of stick fighting allow the potential victim the confidence to deflect an attack and to escape. If nothing else, it will definitely attract the attention of and help from bystanders.
Canes can be carried everywhere and can quickly be used as a weapon in an attack. Learning the proper way to use them reinforces a feeling of empowerment.
Although these programs at senior centers, independent and assisted living facilities emphasize cane fighting and handling as a form of exercise and a mild form of self-defense for the elderly community, none encourage violence as a way of acting out frustrations. The concept makes this type of exercise program inappropriate for individuals with dementia, hostility or agression issues and those confined to a facility without the danger of intruders. Need Payday loans? Online Payday Loans and Direct Lender Information on protein Protein Powder Reviews

Seniors Who Don’t Give Up on Exercise, Reap Benefits

2010-10-29T09:30:00.001-07:00

I have an elderly parent turning 86 this year. She’s still in her own home with the help of a family member who assists with grocery shopping, bill paying, doctor’s appointments and a medication regimen.

After a couple of recent emergency room visits because of extreme dizziness, sudden bouts of disorientation and a rise in blood pressure, the doctor recommended the intervention of a social worker, weekly visits by a physical therapist, and a registered nurse who would check vitals.

At the same doctor’s appointment, it was also discovered that a severe urinary tract infection might have been the culprit responsible for the sudden dementia-like symptoms. After long-term antibiotic treatment for that condition, at-home appointments with a physical therapist who worked on exercises to increase strength and balance, and discussions with the RN and social worker to install bathroom grab bars and purchase a medical alert system, things improved slightly.

Problem is, my mother is having resistance issues with just about all of it. Not an uncommon reaction for an elderly person who is faced with the harsh reality they are no longer young, losing mobility, control, and independence.

The very things that have helped her condition improve, are the very things she denounces with comments after the last physical therapy appointment, such as, “I’m not going to feel 50 again no matter how much I exercise.” The family member who is assisting with all this pointed out that her balance seems to have improved a bit and her back and shoulders don’t seem to be hurting as much, but to no avail.

Caregivers or family members can point out a few additional, concrete reasons for convincing their senior that even a mild exercise program CAN and WILL help them in their everyday life.

Data from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention indicates, "About 28% to 34% of adults aged 65-74 and 35% to 44% of adults ages 75 or older are inactive, meaning they engage in no leisure-time physical activity."

Benefits of Exercise for the Elderly

Better quality of sleep. Those who perform regular exercise sleep more easily and deeply, poor sleep patterns, being a common complaint from most elderly people.

Greater social interaction. Joining a fitness class at a senior center is a great way of meeting new people. A 10-minute walk with a friend helps with stress and boredom.

Release of natural endorphins. Exercise helps release endorphins which make people feel more contented and happier.

Prevention of Alzheimer disease and dementia. Exercise improves brain functionality and helps combat diseases. It also assists with fighting forms of depression.

Weight loss. Regular activity for the elderly helps reduce excess weight, especially if done in conjunction with a healthy diet. Lack of exercise being a frequent contributor to high blood pressure and heart disease.

Assists joints. Building the muscles around certain joints is an important senior exercise. For example, building the muscles around the knee through leg extensions helps prevent joints being worn out, helps with walking, strength, and can help prevent falls.

Immunity to viruses and infections. The body is better equipped to fight off sickness so recovery time is reduced. Urinary tract infections being a common condition in the elderly that can cause confusion and disorientation.

The CDC Report also stated that "Only 13% of individuals between ages 65 and 74 reported engaging in physical activity for 20 minutes, 3 or more days per week, and only 6 percent of those 75 and older reported such exercise."

If we can convince our seniors that exercising regularly, either with in-home visits from a physical therapist, on their own, or as part of a regular program in an assisted living environment, may not make them feel 50 again, but will help with activities of daily life, we’ve won the battle.

<a href="http://www.tlchomehospice.com">Thousand Oak Hospice</a>

The Shrinking of the Primary Care Physician

2010-10-28T06:25:00.000-07:00

Primary care physicians are already in short supply in many parts of the country, and the passing of the landmark Health Care Reform bill that will bring them millions more newly insured patients in the next few years, promises even more of a strain. It is the primary care physician, who recommends their accommodation, and visits patients with Alzheimer’s, other forms of dementia and chronic diseases in assisted living and nursing care facilities.

The new law goes beyond offering coverage to the uninsured, with steps to improve the quality of care for the average person and help keep us well instead of today's seek-care-after-you're-sick culture. However, to take advantage, you will need a regular health provider.

Recently published reports predict a shortfall of roughly 40,000 primary care doctors over the next decade, a profession losing out to the better pay, better hours and higher profile of many other specialties. Provisions in the new law aim to start reversing that tide, from bonus payments for certain physicians to expanded community health centers that will pick up some of the slack.

The law offers incentives to encourage more people to enter medical professions, and a 10% Medicare pay boost for primary-care doctors.

Also at issue, is the need for affordable education for would-be primary care physicians. To cope with the growing shortage, federal officials are considering several proposals. One would increase affordable enrollment in medical schools and residency training programs. Another would encourage greater use of nurse practitioners and physician assistants. A third would expand the National Health Service Corps, which deploys doctors and nurses in rural areas and poor neighborhoods.

The U.S. has 352,908 primary-care doctors now, and the college association estimates that 45,000 more will be needed by 2020. However, the number of medical-school students entering family medicine fell more than a quarter between 2002 and 2007.

Senator Max Baucus, a Montana Democrat and chairperson of the Finance Committee, said, “Medicare payments were skewed against primary care doctors, the very ones needed to coordinate the care of older people with chronic conditions such as congestive heart failure, diabetes and Alzheimer’s disease.”

A number of new medical schools have opened around the country recently. As of last October, four new schools enrolled about 190 students, and 12 medical schools raised the enrollment of first-year students by a total of about 150 slots, according to the AAMC. Some 18,000 students entered U.S. medical schools in the fall of 2009, the AAMC says.

Medicare pays $9.1 billion a year to teaching hospitals, which goes toward resident salaries and direct teaching costs, as well as the higher operating costs associated with teaching hospitals, which tend to see the sickest and most costly patients.

Doctors' groups and medical schools had hoped that the new health-care law passed in March, would increase the number of funded residency slots, but such a provision did not make it into the final bill.

The residency is the minimum three-year period when medical-school graduates train in hospitals and clinics.

There are about 110,000 resident positions in the U.S., according to the AAMC. Teaching hospitals rely heavily on Medicare funding to pay for these slots. In 1997, Congress imposed a cap on funding for medical residencies, which hospitals say has increasingly hurt their ability to expand the number of positions.

One provision in the Health Care Reform bill attempts to address residencies. Since some residency slots go unfilled each year, the law will pool the funding for unused slots and redistribute it to other institutions, with the majority of these slots going to primary care or general-surgery residencies. The slot redistribution will create additional residencies, because previously unfilled positions will now be used, according to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.

It will probably take 10 years to even make a dent into the number of doctors that we need out there," said Atul Grover, the AAMC's chief advocacy officer.

Arthritis, Alzheimer’s and Mice:

2010-10-27T10:07:00.001-07:00

Unlikely trio provides critical information in understanding disease

BBC health reporter, Caroline Parkinson, recently reported on a study published in a Journal of Alzheimer’s Research that included test mice and a protein present in cases of rheumatoid arthritis and concluded the protein may have links to prevention of Alzheimer’s Disease.

The 2010 Alzheimer’s Disease Facts and Figures reports an estimated 5.3 million people in the United States have the disease that costs 172 billion dollars annually. The debilitating disease is the 7^th leading cause of death in the U.S. and a major illness of those requiring special care in assisted living and nursing home environments. There are however, approximately 10.9 million unpaid people serving as caregivers for those with the disease.

The immune system of people suffering from rheumatoid arthritis goes haywire, becomes over active and produces protein that may attack plaques in the brains of Alzheimer’s patients.

One such protein, GM-CSF was given to mice with memory loss and the mice fared better in the test results measuring memory and learning, and performed at a similar level to mice of the same age without the condition.

Even the healthy mice treated with GM-CSF performed slightly better than their untreated peers. Mice with Alzheimer's who were given the placebo continued to do poorly in the tests.

Researchers have suggested the protein may attract an influx of cells called microglia from the peripheral blood supply around the brain, which in turn attack the characteristic plaques that form in the brains of people with Alzheimer's.

Experts in the UK said the study was "an important first step" and further tests are needed to see if the drug works for people with Alzheimer's.

It has already been recognized that people with rheumatoid arthritis were less likely to develop Alzheimer's, but the protective link had been thought to be due to non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) taken by people with the condition. However tests showed this was not the case.

In another study at the University of South Florida, researchers genetically altered mice to have memory problems similar to those seen in Alzheimer's disease, which is a form of dementia.

They then treated that group and other healthy mice with the protein. Another set of mice, both healthy ones and those with Alzheimer's symptoms, were given a dummy (placebo) treatment.

At the end of the 20-day study, the Alzheimer's mice treated with GM-CSF fared substantially better on tests.

The brains of GM-CSF-treated Alzheimer's mice showed more than a 50% decrease in beta amyloid, the substance which forms Alzheimer's plaques.

An artificial version of GM-CSF, a drug called Leukine, is already approved by the US Food and Drug Administration and has been used to treat cancer patients who need to generate more immune cells.

Researchers have concluded that clinical tests on humans are needed to confirm their conclusions, but the drug’s track record for safety suggests those studies are on the horizon which could result in treatment for the huge number of people in nursing homes and assisted living facilities across the nation suffering from the disease.

America’s “Other” Drug Problem

2010-10-26T22:04:00.000-07:00

Medication non-compliance kills more senior citizens each year than accidents, influenza and pneumonia combined, and costs society over $175 billion annually. Hospitals, pharmacies, employers, pharmaceutical companies, managed care organizations and taxpayers all pay part of the costs.

According to a recent study, drug non-compliance, defined as forgetting to take medication, overuse of medication or altering current dosage schedules, is among the leading cause of death among senior citizens in America today.

Many seniors, particularly those taking four or more prescription drugs on a daily basis, have problems with medication compliance. Some of the most commonly cited reasons are:

· Fear or hesitancy of taking drugs

· Denial of the illness or need for certain medications

· Misunderstanding the instructions

· Belief that they've been cured when symptoms fade

· Forgetfulness

· Cost of prescriptions

In many cases, it’s a combination of several reasons, all of which can lead to troublesome side effects, ineffectiveness, drug overdose, and serious complications leading to hospitalization or even death.

If an elderly relative is having trouble with a complicated medication regiment, usually a family caregiver takes on the roll of organizing, compiling and managing the senior’s daily medication schedule.

The caregiver can utilize a daily planner, a pill organizer or an automated medications dispenser to help organize the schedule. Automated dispensers work well if the elderly person has trouble sticking to a regiment or tampers with the dosage, even if it has been well organized by a caregiver.

The design, method of delivery, and a variety of security and reminder features can vary greatly depending on the need. Some automated pill dispenser systems include a locked or tamper-proof, battery operated dispenser and come with a monitored docking station, AC adapter and phone cord that connects to the machine. If a dosage is missed, the monitor will remind the patient with beeps or a phone call to them, or a caregiver.

Some models are not cheap, but with documentation from a private physician, Medicare may assist with the cost in some cases and rental systems are also available for short term use.

A caregiver or the senior should keep an updated written Medication List that includes the patient’s name and date of birth, all medications, their dosage and times for ingestion. Keeping this list handy and in more than one location will be extremely helpful in case of a medical emergency or the addition of additional medications.

Pill organizers like this can really help seniors keep track of the pills they need to take and when they need to take them. They are also inexpensive and can be bought at many stores!

Fish Gazing: New video game or stress buster?

2010-10-26T21:53:00.000-07:00

Many of us have heard the benefits of animal-human bonding.
The use of pets such as dogs, cats, and birds to improve the quality of life has become a trend in nursing homes and assisted living facilities across the country.
But have you heard of fish gazing, and how it also has demonstrable medical benefits, including reduced depression and heart rate?
A study, Effects of Watching Aquariums on Elders' Stress 1) involved presentations of “fish videos” and viewing live aquariums to groups of elderly people with a median age of 75 years.

The fish aquarium was a landscaped ten-gallon tank stocked with nine fish, two black mollies, two red wag swordtails, two gold wag moons, two pineapple swordtails, and one catfish.

The fish videotape showed, almost exclusively in close-up shots, a variety of colorful tropical fish swimming in an aquarium. The audio portion of the videotape was enhanced by superimposing the sound of a stream trickling over rocks.

Evaluations from fish-gazing study participants revealed an overall sentiment that watching fish was a beneficial and enjoyable activity. Illustrative of this are such comments as “I was totally relaxed while watching the fish," and “I forgot about my problems while watching the fish." Moreover, at the conclusion of the study, a number of the study participants and their friends continued to observe the live aquarium on a daily basis.

The experience had impact on the participant’s physiological stress, a decrease in pulse rate, an increase in skin temperature, and a decrease in muscle tension.

Leisure and health-care professionals may find that providing opportunities for elderly clientele to view a stocked aquarium may help maintain or promote their psycho-physiological health. The use of a fish videotape instead of a live fish aquarium would make sense when the viewing audience doesn’t have access to or is unable to maintain a live aquarium.

1)By Mary M. DeSchriver1, and Carol Cutler Riddick2
Originally Published in Anthrozoos, Vol. 4, No. 1, 1990, pps. 44-48.
Fish images from searching 'fish gazing' on Google Images. Need Payday loans? Online Payday Loans and Direct Lender Information on protein Protein Powder Reviews

Massage goes a long way to relieve pain for residents in assisted living

2010-10-25T22:38:00.000-07:00

Have you ever noticed how a reassuring squeeze of your hand, a gentle tap on your shoulder or arm puts you at ease and calms your nerves?
Human touch has a comforting and encouraging effect and helps manage anxiety.
This is why you feel so good when you hug someone. Although in many cultures and situations, it would be awkward or inappropriate to hug a stranger; many countries including the Netherlands have created Free Hug campaigns. Other celebrations around the world such as National Cuddle Day are attempts aimed at highlighting the importance of human contact. Although these planned events may result in less than spontaneous gestures, they are acknowledgment that touch is important.
Human touch and comfort is especially important in healthcare settings. If you have ever had surgery, you no doubt remember how scared you were just prior to being wheeled into the operating room. A small gesture as simple as a couple of comforting words from a nurse and a gentle hand squeeze can do miracles for a patient’s nerves.Hospice Van-Nuys
A good massage can wash away the tensions of a long day. Some people may assume that the elderly do not have the same tensions as their younger counter parts, but that is not always the case. Senior citizens, especially those living alone may face a wide variety of mental and emotional issues ranging from loneliness, depression and isolation. Their bodies often carry the ill effects of a lifetime of work and stress.
As part of their regularly scheduled exercise, fitness and well being programs, many assisted living homes are now incorporating massages sessions for their residents.
Geriatric massage therapy is specifically designed for senior citizens. It typically includes a 30 minute to an hour long session in a spa, the senior’s home, or an assisted living or other elderly care residence. The geriatric massage therapist starts with helping the recipient passively stretch his or her shoulders, arms, legs, and feet. Soft massage strokes are then applied to various parts of the body, and the therapists are careful not to press too hard. The therapist often focuses on the back area with the goal of improving cardiovascular health and circulation.
When mobility is an issue, for example, the client is wheelchair bound, the massage therapist will adapt accordingly and give the treatment while their clients remains seated.
The immediate benefit of senior massage is decreasing the stiffness of the body and reducing inflammation. Like all massages, this one also helps with improving blood circulation and posture. Massage has many health related benefits and can be an effective preventive therapy when done on a regular basis. For those citizens who suffer from age related ailments like arthritis, diabetes or Parkinson, massage can improve the circulation of lymphatic fluid, providing some relief from these problems.
Geriatric massage practitioners will often spend a lot of time on the hands and feet of their clients, especially if the client does not walk or does not have full use of their hands. In cases such as these, a hand or foot massage can enhance body awareness, sensation and circulation in certain parts of an aging body. Gentle massage around the spine offers pain relief for females with osteoporosis. Light massage and elevation helps relieve pressure for seniors with poor circulation and limb swelling.
Massage also helps senior citizens with physical and emotional problems connect with other people. It helps them fight feelings of isolation, restlessness, and uselessness that many elderly people may experience. Any good massage therapist develops a strong emotional and physical bond with the receiver, and this can greatly benefit the elderly. This sort of physical activity provides older people with emotional and mental support that can help them live the sunsets of their lives with strength and dignity.
Camarillo Hospice Need Payday loans? Online Payday Loans and Direct Lender Information on protein Protein Powder Reviews

Good Bacteria, Bad Bacteria.

2010-10-25T10:46:00.000-07:00

What’s right for those with weakened immune systems?
Interest in probiotics in general has been growing. Americans are spending money on probiotic supplements and food, and the numbers have nearly tripled over the last decade.
The World Health Organization and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, defines probiotics as "live microorganisms, which, when administered in adequate amounts, confer a health benefit on the host." Microorganisms are tiny living organisms, such as bacteria, viruses, and yeasts that can be seen only under a microscope.
Probiotics are available in foods and dietary supplements such as capsules, tablets, and powders and in some other forms as well. Examples of foods containing probiotics are yogurt, fermented and unfermented milk, miso, tempeh, and some juices and soy beverages. In probiotic foods and supplements, the bacteria may have been present originally or added during preparation. Thousand Oaks Hospice

How are Probiotics used for health purposes?
There are several reasons why people are interested in probiotics for health purposes. As we age, our immune systems weaken, making us more vulnerable to illness. In addition, those with chronic conditions are more at risk for picking up “bad bacteria,” and becoming ill.

First, the world is full of microorganisms, including bacteria, and is present in people's bodies. Microorganisms are in and on the skin, in the stomach and intestines, and present in other body orifices.
Friendly bacteria are vital to proper development of the immune system, to protection against microorganisms that could cause disease, and to the digestion and absorption of food and nutrients.
Each person's mix of bacteria varies. Interactions between a person and the microorganisms in his or her body, and among the microorganisms themselves, can be crucial to the person's health and well being.
This bacterial "balancing act" can be thrown off in two major ways:
By antibiotics, when they kill friendly bacteria in the stomach or intestines along with unfriendly bacteria. Some people use probiotics in an effort to offset side effects from antibiotics such as gas, cramping, or diarrhea. Some people use probiotics to ease symptoms of lactose intolerance, a condition in which the stomach lacks the enzyme needed to digest significant amounts of the major sugar in milk.
"Unfriendly" microorganisms such as disease causing bacteria, yeasts, fungi, and parasites can also upset the balance. Researchers are exploring whether probiotics may halt these unfriendly agents in the first place and/or suppress their growth and activity in conditions like:
Infectious diarrhea; irritable bowel syndrome; inflammatory bowel disease such as ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease; tooth decay or periodontal disease; vaginal infections; stomach and respiratory infections and skin infections.
Another part of the interest in probiotics stems from the fact there are cells in the digestive tract connected with the immune system. One theory is that if you alter the microorganisms in a person's intestinal tract by introducing probiotic bacteria, you can affect the immune system's defenses.
Many baby boomers and their elderly parents are taking probiotics as a way of maintaining their current health, as well as a way to prevent illness.
For more information visit Simi Valley Hospice

Diagnosing Alzheimer's - Can doctors know for sure?

2010-10-24T13:54:00.000-07:00

With the exception of technological advances, the guidelines currently in place for diagnosing Alzheimer's disease have not changed to any degree since 1984 -- before that, only an autopsy could prove with certainty whether a person had Alzheimer's disease.

According to the staff at Mayo Clinic, doctors today can accurately diagnose 90 percent of Alzheimer's cases. The disease can only be diagnosed with complete accuracy during an autopsy, when microscopic examination of the brain reveals plaques and tangles.

Experts proposed new criteria for diagnosing Alzheimer's this week at the Alzheimer's Association International Conference on Alzheimer's Disease 2010. The experts suggest using biomarkers of the disease -- plaques in the brain and specific proteins -- to diagnose Alzheimer's. These biomarkers can be found with MRI scans, PET imaging and tests of cerebrospinal fluid. Specific results would better reflect the various stages of the disease, the scientists say. Hospice help at Thousand Oaks Hospice
To help distinguish Alzheimer's disease from other causes of memory loss, doctors typically rely on the following types of tests.

What to expect:

In addition to a physical exam, your doctor may also check your neurological health by testing your:
" Reflexes
" Muscle strength
" Muscle tone
" Senses of touch and sight
" Coordination
" Balance

During the appointment, your doctor might also conduct a brief mental status evaluation, which may assess:
" Memory
" Problem-solving abilities
" Attention spans
" Counting skills
" Language usage

Lab tests

Blood tests may be done to help doctors rule out other potential causes of the dementia, such as thyroid disorders or vitamin deficiencies.

Neuropsychological testing

Sometimes doctors undertake a more extensive assessment of thinking and memory skills. This type of testing, which can take several hours to complete, is especially helpful in trying to detect Alzheimer's and other dementias at an early stage.

Brain scans

By looking at images of the brain, doctors may be able to pinpoint any visible abnormalities - such as clots, bleeding or tumors - that may be causing signs and symptoms. Positron emission tomography (PET) can reveal areas of the brain that may be less active and the density of amyloid plaques.

" Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). An MRI machine uses radio waves and a strong magnetic field to produce detailed images of your brain. Patients lie on a narrow table that slides into the tube-shaped MRI machine, which makes loud banging noises during scans. The entire procedure can take an hour or more. MRIs are painless, but some people feel claustrophobic in the machine.

" Computerized tomography (CT). For a CT scan, patients lie on a narrow table that slides into a small chamber. X-rays pass through your body from various angles, and a computer uses this information to create cross-sectional images, or slices, of your brain. The test is painless and takes about 20 minutes. North Hollywood Hospice can help with these tests!

" Positron emission tomography (PET). During a PET scan, patients are injected with a low-level radioactive material, which binds to chemicals that travel to the brain. You lie on a table while an overhead scanner tracks the radioactive material. This helps show which parts of your brain are not functioning properly. The test is painless and can be particularly useful in distinguishing between different types of dementia.

Caring for patients with dementia or Alzheimer's disease is a complex and consuming task.

If you're searching for a facility to place someone you love suffering from these debilitating diseases, Assisted living marketing services are provided by 800Seniors.com, a leading referral system in the assisted living industry. We provide the perfect match between seniors searching for a facility and assisted living facilities nationwide and take the confusion and hassle out of the search. For more information, call 1-800-768-8221 or visit Hospice Northridge.

Leaving for a new home in assisted living

2010-10-22T10:42:00.000-07:00

Leaving home or familiar surroundings, whether off to school, on vacation or moving into a new home can be a stressful or exciting time depending on the circumstances. Many times, it’s both combined with a lot of other emotions.
Many senior citizens are rethinking their retirement years by opting out of staying in their long time family home with all the responsibilities involved. Many times as they age, they also find that they are unable to keep up with the chores and daily activities by remaining there. Simi Valley Hospice
The choice to move into an independent or assisted living community undoubtedly brings with it, feelings of uncertainty and the melancholy of missing familiar friends and family whose faces will be replaced by strangers.
In the beginning, as the regular routines are replaced with new social and practical activities, homesickness -- the longing ache for the familiar can set in.
Homesickness is nothing new. It is mentioned in the Bible's Old Testament book of Exodus and Homer's "Odyssey," and happens to just about anyone away from home. Athletes and actors who are frequently away from home for long periods have expressed these sentiments.
Even so, only lately has there emerged a clearer sense of what homesickness is: distinct adjustment disorder with identifiable symptoms.
In a paper cowritten by Chris Thurber and Edward Walton published in Pediatrics, the journal of the American Academy of Pediatrics, homesickness is defined as "distress and functional impairment caused by an actual or anticipated separation from home and attachment objects such as family."
Those who suffer from the condition feel some form of anxiety, sadness and nervousness, and most distinctly, obsessive preoccupation with thoughts of home, Thurber said.
Yet despite the way it is coined, homesickness is not necessarily about home. And neither is it exactly an illness, experts said.
Instead, it stems from our instinctive need for love, protection and security -- feelings and qualities usually associated with home, said Josh Klapow, a clinical psychologist and associate professor at the University of Alabama's School of Public Health. When these qualities aren't present in a new environment, we begin to long for them -- and hence home.
"You're not literally just missing your house. You're missing what's normal, what is routine, the larger sense of social space, because those are the things that help us survive," Klapow said.
Klapow offered an alternative way of viewing homesickness: It is merely an emotion that comes in waves. "Very few emotions stay with you all the time, they come and they go," he said. But when it strikes, both children and adults often are caught off guard by it, he added.
"They think something's terribly wrong. Nevertheless, it is normal and adaptive to feel homesick for some period of time. It's just your emotions and mind telling you you're out of your element."
The staff at assisted living are hyper vigilant for signs of depression and anxiety, especially in new residents because they are aware of the emotional byproducts of making such a big change. Hospice Granda Hills
New residents attend orientation sessions and faculty and staff help them adjust to their new surroundings and introduce them to new activities, new friends and opportunities. The staff encourages outside friends and family members to visit their newly relocated relative to help them ease into their new environment.
Not surprisingly, in a short period of time, many new assisted living residents are so involved in the activities and pleasures of their new surroundings they begin to wonder what they were homesick for.
The reduction in responsibilities attached to staying in and maintaining a residence of their own is often a huge relief.
Recognizing that they have as much freedom as they choose, together with peace of mind knowing that help is available if they need it, makes the freshman residents begin to experience that same old feeling of familiarity that feels like, well, ”home.” Moorpark Hospice

Assisted Living Information: Assisted living caretakers observe residents for s...

2010-10-21T19:15:00.000-07:00

Assisted Living Information: Assisted living caretakers observe residents for s...: "Each year approximately 500,000 people in the United States die from heart attacks.

Assisted living caretakers observe residents for seven signs of heart disease

2010-10-21T19:14:00.000-07:00

Each year approximately 500,000 people in the United States die from heart attacks.
Another 500,000 undergo coronary artery bypass surgery or balloon angioplasty for advanced heart disease. Early recognition and treatment of heart disease is vital to prevent some of these events.

In the case of heart attack, it could save thousands of lives each year. In other types of heart disease, early intervention is likely to be more effective than treatment begun after the disease has advanced. For hospice hhelp, visit Hospice North Hollywood

There are seven classic symptoms of heart disease, which, when recognized by simple observation, combined with an individual’s age and family history of heart disease, can lead to an accurate and early diagnosis.

Not all people with heart disease will experience symptoms, and in some cases, symptoms that are suggestive of heart disease will be due to another cause.

The caregivers in assisted living communities are educated to be vigilant in observing their residents and report any symptoms that might indicate heart disease. They know that certain symptoms need immediate, emergency attention or examination by a physician.

Shortness of Breath (Dyspnea)

It is normal for an individual to feel short of breath after heavy exertion such as running or walking up a flight of stairs. It is abnormal to experience shortness of breath after walking a few steps or while at rest. When shortness of breath is inappropriate to the activity, it may be considered a symptom of heart disease.

The abrupt onset of dyspnea is often due to heart failure, whereas chronic shortness of breath is more likely to be a symptom of other diseases such a chronic lung disease or emphysema.

Chest Pain

Pain in the chest is the second most common symptom of heart disease and may be due to angina, a heart attack, dissection of the aorta, or an inflammation of the lining of the heart or other heart problems.

Chest pain may originate from a variety of other structures in the chest cavity, including the aorta, the pulmonary arteries, the pleura (the lining of the lungs), the esophagus, or even the stomach. Other superficial causes of chest pain may be a pulled muscle in the chest wall, strained cartilage, irritated joints, or pinched nerves in the thoracic spine. Hospice Northridge is a great source of information to help with patients.

Chest pain may also occur when organs below the chest cavity become irritated or diseased, such as a gallbladder that is blocked by stones, an ulcerated stomach, or an inflamed pancreas.

Although chest pain may have many different causes, people who experience it should always let their physician decide whether it is related to heart disease.

Any steady, squeezing pain in the center of the chest that lasts for more than two minutes may be a symptom of heart disease and should not be ignored. Some people who have died from heart attacks might have been saved had they not delayed seeking treatment because they misinterpreted the pain or believed it would go away.

Palpitations

Ordinarily, people are unaware of their heartbeat, and for good reason. The heart of an average person beats about 500,000 times per week.

Palpitation is the awareness of one’s heartbeat and is often quite disturbing when it occurs. Physicians say it is one of the symptoms most likely to bring a patient to the office for an evaluation of heart disease.

Palpitations are different from the expected pounding one feels after exercise or heavy exertion.

The most common form of palpitation is not due to heart disease, but may simply be a heightened awareness of the heartbeat because of anxiety or tension. Palpitations are often experienced during a panic attack along with symptoms of tingling and shortness of breath caused by hyperventilation.

Syncope (Fainting Spells)

Fainting or sudden unconsciousness usually results after the brain has been deprived of oxygen and blood for about ten seconds. Syncope can be caused by any number of conditions that result in the deprivation of oxygen and blood from the brain. Having a nurse specializing in hospice care can really benefit patients. Hospice Sherman Oaks can benefit patients

The general causes of fainting include cardiac problems, diseases of the brain, and a variety of abnormalities of the arteries and veins that secondarily cause inadequate blood flow to the brain.

Syncope is considered a potentially serious symptom, although most of the time it has a benign cause or related to another condition other than heart disease.

Edema

Edema is the swelling or puffiness of tissue around the ankles, legs, eyes, chest wall, or abdominal wall. The swelling is due to retention of water or lymph fluid in the cells of the tissue. Technically, edema is classified as a sign, rather than a symptom, because it is physically observable.

Edema is a common sign of heart disease. The site of edema serves as a signal for several different problems with the heart. If the muscle of the right side of the heart is weakened and the pumping quality is diminished, edema may occur in the abdomen or legs as pressure builds behind the right heart.

Swelling that occurs in the ankles in the evening after standing during the day may indicate that an individual is retaining salt and water, which maybe the result of right sided heart failure.

Swelling may also be the result of gravity in people who are sedentary. Lack of exercise results in blood being retained in the lower legs and not returning to the heart. Individuals with varicose veins and other abnormalities in the veins of the lower extremities may develop ankle edema as well.

Cyanosis

Cyanosis is the bluish discoloration of the skin and mucous membranes. It is caused by too little oxygen carrying hemoglobin in the blood that flows through the capillaries. The discoloration usually is most apparent in the fingernails and around the lips. Like edema, cyanosis is more a sign of heart disease than it is a symptom.

Central cyanosis generally occurs when the venous and arterial blood are mixed together in the heart.

Peripheral cyanosis is the type commonly caused by exposure to cold temperatures. This occurs when the body attempts to conserve heat for vital organ functions by constricting the capillaries of the skin and slowing the blood flow.

The two types of cyanosis are generally differentiated by observation. People with peripheral cyanosis display the bluish discoloration only on skin surfaces, primarily the fingers, cheeks, nose, and outer areas of the lips. The color returns when the areas are warmed.

Those with central cyanosis also display discoloration around the eyes and inside the oral cavity, including the tongue.

In addition to congenital defects that cause central cyanosis, it can also be the result of severe heart disease and cardiogenic shock caused by the heart’s failure to pump adequately.

Fatigue

While fatigue is a common complaint of patients with heart disease, it is also a very elusive symptom that may be caused by many diseases, including depression.

Cardiac related fatigue will be of recent onset. The individual will begin the day with a relatively normal energy level, and then become increasingly tired through the day to the point of exhaustion. This is because the heart muscle is weakened and lost its ability to pump enough blood and oxygen for the body to function.

Weakness or heaviness of the legs is associated with diminished pumping ability of the heart. Individuals with such symptoms tend to eat poorly and may develop malnutrition.

Heart disease patients may also experience fatigue because of their medications. Around 10 percent of people on medication to lower blood pressure experience some fatigue.

Other physical causes of fatigue include anemia and most major chronic diseases, including hypothyroidism, diabetes mellitus, and lung disease.

People who feel tired when they awaken and remain tired throughout the day with little change are more likely to have a psychological disorder than heart disease. Fatigue is a major and common symptom of undiagnosed depression.
For more information, visit Simi Valley Hospice!

Assisted Living Information: Forming rich bonds of love and friendship in assis...

2010-10-20T13:47:00.001-07:00

Assisted Living Information: Forming rich bonds of love and friendship in assis...: "“I’m believing when I walk down that aisle and he sees me in the dress, the Lord will restore his eyesight,” Ruth Franz told The Middletown,..."

Assisted Living Information: To gray or not to gray: that is the question (or, ...

2010-10-20T13:47:00.000-07:00

Assisted Living Information: To gray or not to gray: that is the question (or, ...: "Legend has it that Marie Antoinette's hair turned white the night before she was guillotined. Presumably, the stress of impending decapitati..."

To gray or not to gray: that is the question (or, graying gracefully in assisted living) ?

2010-10-20T13:46:00.000-07:00

Legend has it that Marie Antoinette's hair turned white the night before she was guillotined. Presumably, the stress of impending decapitation caused her locks to lose color within hours. Extremely unlikely, scientists say, but stress may play a role in a more gradual graying process.
Science tells us the reason hair turns gray is because of the loss of melanin, which is the pigment in our hair and skin that gives it its color. Melanin is produced by cells that are called melanocytes. These melanocytes eventually die and so the production of melanin is stopped.
When the melanocytes stop producing these pigments, we sprout a transparent hair, which appears as gray due to the color of the dead cells that comprise the strand. Check it out Hospice Simi Valley
When the melanin disappears completely, the hair is white. It is not known exactly how hair loses its pigment.
It is suspected that going gray is "genetically outlined,” meaning that if your parents or grandparents had gray hair, and they got it around a certain age bracket, it is likely that you will also “go gray.”
Independent, assisted living and even some nursing homes offer beauty salon services for their residents, even if they decide to keep their gray hair natural. Providing personal services such as a shave, a haircut and style or even a color treatment gives residents the chance to look and feel their best.
Going gray, and keeping it that way, is becoming more common than ever. Even celebrities are not hiding their silver hair anymore. Stars like Helen Mirren and Blythe Danner have made gray look gorgeous and they proudly walk the red carpet showing off their natural hair color.

Many people may have heard this before, but going gray can actually add to your appeal. Most women would conclude that George Clooney looks quite debonair with his graying locks. The trick to graying gracefully is to find your best hairstyle and use key products to enhance and maintain the look.
Scientists say there are several medical conditions characterized by graying of the hair. A B-12 deficiency, a thyroid imbalance, and anemia can all cause premature gray hair. And if you needed yet another reason to quit smoking, there is new evidence that smokers are four times more likely to go gray at a young age.
The common belief that psychological shock or trauma can turn hair gray overnight is cause for a fair amount of controversy. While some people claim such an occurrence, many scientists question the actual time frame involved.
Stress hormones may affect the survival and/or activity of melanocytes, but no clear link has been found between stress and gray hair. Stress and lifestyle give you variation of plus or minus five to 10 years.
Researchers at the University of Bradford in the United Kingdom published the results of a study in the Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology’s online journal and concluded that build up of hydrogen peroxide in hair follicles contributes to hair turning gray.
Hydrogen peroxide is produced naturally in the human body and interferes with melanin, the pigment that colors our hair and skin.
The body also produces the enzyme catalase, which breaks down hydrogen peroxide into water and oxygen. As we age, catalase production trails off, leaving nothing to transform the hydrogen peroxide into chemicals the body can release.
So what happened to Marie Antoinette? There are at least three possible explanations:
She may have suffered from sudden onset of a very rare autoimmune disease alopecia areata, which attacks pigmented hairs, causing them to fall out, leaving the white, non pigmented strands behind.
Alternatively, the stress of the situation could have generated a swarm of free radicals in her hair follicles, which traveled along the hair shafts, destroying pigment and creating a bleaching effect.
On the other hand, maybe she just stopped wearing her wig, revealing she had gray hair all along.
Trivia: At the height of the French Revolution, Louis XVI was deposed and the royal family was imprisoned. Nine months after her husband's execution, Marie Antoinette was tried, convicted of treason and executed by guillotine on 16 October 1793.
Hospice Camarillo

Forming rich bonds of love and friendship in assisted living

2010-10-20T13:33:00.000-07:00

“I’m believing when I walk down that aisle and he sees me in the dress, the Lord will restore his eyesight,” Ruth Franz told The Middletown, CT Press. Hospice North Hollywood
Ruth Franz is a first time bride at the age of 85. She recently married her long time friend and former business partner, Henry Jones. Both Ms. Franz and her new husband have been retired for many years and recently reunited since the passing of Henry’s former wife.
People who find love in their later years are frequently brought together by shared experiences at a time in their lives when they truly have the time and wisdom to appreciate it.
Although not everyone who chooses to spend their later years in independent or assisted living residences is fortunate enough to find their “soul mate,” some do. Assisted living environments encourage social interaction where residents can share lifetimes of stories filled with happiness, sorrow and life’s rich pageant, which in any context, forms strong bonds.
Ms. Franz’s new groom, Henry, says, “I love her dearly because of the way she thinks. We’re singing off the same sheet and that’s all you could want in life. She’s the most wonderful woman in the world, and she’s beautiful – I’ve always thought she was beautiful.”
Henry was hoping to be careful about shouting, “Hallelujah!” when he saw his bride of 85 on their wedding day.
Poets, novelists and songwriters have described “love” in countless ways, but at the level of biology, love is all about chemicals.
When you catch sight of your beloved and your heart starts racing, that's because of an adrenaline rush, said Dr. Reginald Ho, a cardiac electro physiologist and associate professor of medicine at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
The brain sends signals to the adrenal gland, which secretes hormones such as adrenaline, epinephrine and norepinephrine. They flow through the blood and cause the heart to beat faster and stronger, Ho said.
It’s likely the stress hormone, norepinephrine, that governs attention and responding actions, makes you feel weak in the knees, said Helen Fisher, professor at Rutgers University and author of the book "Why Him? Why Her? Finding Real Love by Understanding Your Personality Type."
Fisher's research team did brain imaging of people who said they were "madly in love" and found activity in the area of the brain that produces the neurotransmitter dopamine. Dopamine and norepinephrine are closely related.
"What dopamine does is it gives you that focused attention, the craving, the euphoria, the energy and the motivation, in this case the motivation to win life's greatest prize," she said.
At the level of emotional happiness, finding love, whether it is the romantic type or friendship makes people feel good.
In the case of Henry Jones, it seems shouting “Hallelujah” at the top of lungs on his wedding day might be considered mandatory!
Visit Hospice Granda Hills for more information!