Senior Health Archives

Mature Health & Fitness

Wednesday, October 13th, 2010 at 6:01 pm  
Comments (17)

senior health and fitness

You may not be interested in running a marathon or diving into the crazy world of extreme sports, but that certainly doesn’t mean that as an older adult, exercise is no longer important. In fact, to keep yourself limber and mobile so that you can maintain the lifestyle that works for you, exercise is even more important to the older generation.

As we age, it’s easy to let our physical health and fitness slide but this is right when you need it the most. A visit to one of the many available cardiac hospitals will show you the devastating effects that an inactive lifestyle can have on a mature body.

Besides the obvious stiffness and loss of flexibility that can make everyday activities difficult, extra weight, immobility and poor diet can put a massive amount of strain on the essential organs that have already put in a lifetime of work. The more fit and active a senior can be the less stress is put on organs such as your heart and lungs, as well as the overall health of your entire circulatory system.

One of the easiest and most enjoyable way to stay fit in your senior years is through non weight bearing exercises such as water treadmills, aquatic therapy or water aerobics. The natural buoyancy of water allows for a greater range of movement without the jarring and often damaging impact of the non-aquatic versions. Aquatic therapy also has the benefits of natural resistance, making it a method of exercise that doesn’t even feel like exercise.

A routine including something as gentle as swimming slow and regular laps or the steady rhythm of a water treadmill a few times a week can offer substantially increased circulation and mobility to seniors, which will also improve your overall health and quality of life.

Retiring from the workforce doesn’t mean that you can retire from fitness. Keeping yourself active and maintaining a healthy weight means that you will have the tools to celebrate those golden years to the fullest. You’ve earned your retirement so make sure that you can enjoy it.

Tags: cardiac hospitals, health and fitness, mature body, Physical exercise, Health Medical Pharma

High Blood Pressure May Predict Dementia

Sunday, August 15th, 2010 at 11:02 pm  
Comments (43)

A recent study published in the journal Archives of Neurology found that may predict dementia in older adults who have impaired executive function – difficulty organizing thoughts and making decisions – but not for those with memory problems.

The study included 990 dementia-free participants, average age 83, who were followed for five years. During that time, dementia developed in 59.5 percent of those with and in 64.2 percent of those without . Similar rates were seen in participants with memory dysfunction alone and with both memory and executive dysfunction.

However, among those with executive dysfunction alone, the rate of dementia development was 57.7 percent among those with high blood pressure compared to 28 percent for those without high blood pressure, which is also called hypertension.

“We show herein that the presence of hypertension predicts progression to dementia in a subgroup of about one-third of subjects with cognitive impairment, no dementia,” wrote the researchers at the University of Western Ontario in Canada. “Control of hypertension in this population could decrease by one-half the projected 50-percent five-year rate of progression to dementia.”

The study author noted, the findings may prove important for elderly people with cognitive impairment but no dementia.

View the here

Tags: Neurobiological brain disorder, canada control, making decisions, high blood pressure, cognitive impairment

Statin Drugs May Lower CoQ10

Tuesday, August 10th, 2010 at 3:20 pm  
Comments (47)

Statin drugs, or HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors, are a class of drugs used to lower cholesterol.

Statins work by inhibiting the enzyme HMG-CoA reductase, the enzyme that determines the rate of cholesterol formation.

Some research suggests that statin drugs may interfere with the body’s production of Co q10, a substance produced naturally in the body and found in every cell. Co q10 has a key role in the mitochondria, the part of a cell that produces energy.

Statins have been found to decrease Co q10 production as a side effect of their action. A Columbia University study in found that 30 days of statin therapy (80 mg/day) decreased Co q10 levels by half. Another study by researchers at Kanazawa University in Japan found that smaller doses of statin drugs can reduce Co q10. After 8 weeks of 10 mg a day statin therapy, Co q10 levels decreased by 40 percent.Some researchers suggest that this side effect may counteract any benefits of taking statins.

For example, in an article published in the journal Biofactors, cardiologist and researcher Dr. Peter Langsjoen says, “The depletion of the essential nutrient Co q10 by the increasingly popular cholesterol lowering drugs, HMG CoA reductase inhibitors (statins), has grown from a level of concern to one of alarm.”

“With ever higher statin potencies and dosages and with a steadily shrinking target LDL cholesterol, the prevalence and severity of Co q10 deficiency is increasingly noticeable.”

However, research on whether Co q10 supplements are beneficial in people taking statins is still inconclusive. Co q10 is not routinely recommended in combination with statin therapy.

People particularly vulnerable to statin induced Co q10 deficiency are: over 50 years of age, have a history of diabetes, have or are at risk for heart failure or cardiomyopathy. Co q10 supplements are usually orange colored tablets or capsules, found in drug stores and . It is one of the more expensive nutritional supplements. In Japan, Co q10 is one of the top three best-selling nutritional supplements.

Sources

Langsjoen PH, Langsjoen AM. The clinical use of HMG CoA-reductase inhibitors and the associated depletion of coenzyme Q10. A review of animal and human publications. Biofactors. 2003;18(1-4):101-11.

Mabuchi H, Higashikata T, Kawashiri M, Katsuda S, Mizuno M, Nohara A, Inazu A, Koizumi J, Kobayashi J. Reduction of serum ubiquinol-10 and ubiquinone-10 levels by atorvastatin in hypercholesterolemic patients. Journal of Atheroscler Thromb. 2005;12(2):111-9.

Rosenfeldt F, Hilton D, Pepe S, Krum H. Systematic review of effect of coenzyme Q10 in physical exercise, hypertension, and heart failure. Biofactors. 2003;18(1-4):91-100.

Silver MA, Langsjoen PH, Szabo S, Patil H, Zelinger A. Effect of atorvastatin on left ventricular function and ability of coenzyme q10 to reverse that dysfunction. American Journal of Cardiology. 2004;94(10):1306-10.

Weant KA, Smith KM. The role of coenzyme Q10 in heart failure. Ann Pharmacother. 2005;39(9):1522-6.



Tags: Peter Langsjoen, Langsjoen AM, HMG-CoA reductase, cardiologist and researcher, Low-density lipoprotein

Food & Aging – Eating Right is The Key

Monday, July 19th, 2010 at 8:36 pm  
Comments (44)
Eating Right & Aging

Eating Right is At The Very Heart of Healthy Aging

Eating Right and Aging

As you age, food choices become important daily decisions that may affect the quality of the rest of your life. Seniors need fewer calories, and everything you eat should be based on weight gain and the nutrients that can maintain or boost your immune system and keep you healthy. Too much added weight and not enough vitamins and minerals can cause untold health problems.

Choose your foods to make sure you’re getting enough of the following vitamins and minerals:

· B-Vitamins – Seniors need to be sure they eat lots of foods with B-vitamins. Vitamin-B12 isn’t found in plants, but you can get it in your diet if you eat fortified breakfast cereals. Tuna, lean beef, chicken and eggs also provide vitamin-B12, but if you don’t eat enough of these foods, be sure to take a supplement.

Vitamin-B6 is also an important vitamin for seniors. B6 vitamins can be found in foods that provide protein such as pork, fish and chicken. Again, fortified cereals can be a great source of vitamin B-6. Bananas, spinach, wheat germ and bran are among other sources for vitamin B6.

· Vitamin-A – Cantaloupe, carrots, Brussels sprouts, peppers and most colorful plant products are rich in beta-carotene, which provides vitamin-A. Fish liver oil, eggs and fortified milk are also abundant in vitamin-A. If you don’t think you’re getting enough vitamin-A in your diet, talk to your doctor before taking a supplement as it can form toxic levels in your body.

· Folic Acid – A synthetic form of folate, folic acid can be found in foods such as fortified cereal, enriched breads and some grains. Foods containing folate are bananas, asparagus, turnip greens, spinach wheat germ and orange juice.

· Riboflavin – Milk, yogurt, eggs and whole grains are rich in riboflavin. Milk should be purchased in cardboard cartons rather than glass or plastic containers because it loses much of the vitamin from exposure to light. Other food sources high in riboflavin are asparagus, turkey, almonds and chicken thighs.

Some other vitamins that should be included in the foods seniors should be eating are vitamins C, D and E and choline. Eating a diet that’s balanced with these vitamins and minerals is best, but if it’s difficult for you to eat a balanced diet on a regular basis, talk to your doctor about supplements.

As you age, it’s important to fill up with foods that contain vitamins and minerals that will help us to maintain a healthy immune system and provide you with the best caloric intake rather than foods rich in sugar, fat and not much else. Eating right can help us age gracefully and live longer.



Tags: fish liver oil, fortified cereal, cardboard cartons, food sources, Dietary supplements

Tips For Maintaining Joint Health

Thursday, January 21st, 2010 at 5:37 am  
Comments (66)

Arthritis is a draining condition for many folks. Tons of new people are diagnosed as having this abominable condition each year. Arthritis is published as the redness of a joint, but it can definitely appear more unsettling than that. It may cause searing agony that leaves the body feeling pathetic for days.

As people age, arthritis has a bias to develop from the extended every day uses of the body. Being overweight, having bad posture, and significant injuries can all speed the development of this condition.

Arthritis could cause the cartilage to break down and thin. The rubbing of the bones causes redness and swelling. While this discomfort can irregularly be relieved through rest, the patient can also often experience agony that appears never-ending.

Exercise, though, can help with arthritis by buttressing the muscles close to the joint which provides help in cutting joint stress. While exercise is necessary for everybody, it’s a necessity for those with arthritis. Although it is perhaps not a great idea to take a role in the most serious types of exercise with arthritis, exercise isn’t out of the question.

For those without arthritis, exercise can help forestall this hideous sickness. There are some exercises that will help maintain joint health. Cycling is extraordinarily helpful to most joints, and it can be done by people of each age. Stretching is another exercise related activity that may help with joints. Stretching each day can add adaptability.

Step climbing can brace the lower body joints. One of the finest things about step climbing is the undeniable fact that steps are everywhere and free to climb. Swimming is a superb way to warm up your joints. Water aerobics is even better. This is one of the finest possible exercises for folk who are experiencing joint agony, as the water cushions the movement and causes no discomfort. Exercise isn’t the only real way to brace joints.

There are a number of other everyday things you can do to help your joints. You can start by making certain you are at your ultimate body weight. Obesity or being some pounds chubby causes undue wear on your joints. Stress in the joints only leads to pain in the future years.

You need to also watch your posture. Appropriate body posture can protect the joints from nonessential stress. When you have to lift or carry something heavy, use your legs.

this could help take the pain away from your littlest joints and muscles. Be certain to build in rest periods. Too much activity at any particular time isn’t good for your fragile joints and muscles. Focus on what your body has to claim. If you’re feeling knackered, rest. If you’re injuring, stop what you do. Ignoring your body can only lead to overuse and injury.

Staying in one place for extended periods causes your muscles to shorten and stiffen. Move around as frequently as possible. Begin gently and build steadily. You want time to adapt to new activities.

If you want to take part in a deadly activity, wear safety kit. Knee pads while you are roller-blading can help in reducing damage in a fall.

If a job is too large for you, be sure to ask for help. Carrying too much weight or reaching too high causes further stress to your joints. There are numerous health additions that guarantee to help with joint health. While not all are the miracles they claim to be, few cause any side-effects. Glucosamine and chondroitin are used to build cartilage. Taking it as a supplement is supposed to help your joints heal.

It can take at least two 4 months before it can become effective. Complications , though, can include increased insulin levels, so diabetics must avoid it altogether. Omega three trans acids reduce joint issues. They can be discovered in fish and flax seed oil. However , it can have interactions with medicines, so talk to your GP first.

SAM, which is S-adenosyl-methionine, can be used to build other coenzymes like dopamine or glucosamine. It both reconstructs and protects joints, but it changes the properties of any psychoactive medicine you might be on, including uppers. As usual, check with your doctor before you take anything he’s not prescribed.

Learn all about the list of high fiber foods so you can make important changes that will benefit your family.Learn vegetables nutrition facts.

Tags: Warming up, being overweight, arthritis exercise, hideous sickness, undeniable fact

SEO Powered By SEOPressor

Fitness Through Fasting Blog is Stephen Fry proof thanks to caching by WP Super Cache