distinctive living in your prime

A Special Supplement to

May 15, 2016

ilver
S

2 | Hickory Daily Record

How to

prepare
a Home for

elderly
residents

Silver
Upon reaching retirement age, new
retirees may face decisions regarding
their living arrangements. Some seniors
may opt to stay put, while others may
want to downsize their homes to save
money and relieve themselves of the
burdens of maintaining larger homes.
But those are not the only situations
seniors find themselves in. Some
seniors realize they can no longer care
for themselves without assistance.
In such instances, seniors may opt
for assisted living facilities or choose
to move in with a relative, such as a
grown son or daughter. While assisted
living facilities are designed to meet
the needs of the elderly, young men
and women welcoming seniors into
their homes may need to take on some
home improvement projects to ensure
their homes are as safe as possible for
elderly residents.
* Convert a room on the first floor into
a bedroom. While this may not apply
to all seniors, some men and women
struggle with stairs as they age, and
that can make it difficult for them
to fully participate in a household.
Homeowners with an extra room to
spare can convert a room on the first
floor of their homes into a bedroom
so seniors wont have to climb up and
down stairs throughout the day. That
ease of accessibility to the primary floor
of the house encourages seniors to be
active participants in a household. If
possible, choose an area that is close to
a first-floor bathroom.
Take steps to make bathrooms safer.
The National Institute on Aging says
that more than one in three seniors
over age 65 fall each year, and 80
percent of those falls take place in
the bathroom. Slippery tile floors can
make it difficult for seniors to navigate
bathrooms safely, and bathtubs and
shower stalls present additional
challenges. Install grab bars on

May 15, 2016

bathroom walls and next to toilets to
provide support. In addition, consider
installing a shower chair or bench and
removable shower nozzle in the shower
or tub so seniors can sit down while
they bathe and rinse without having
to stand up on slippery surfaces. Make
sure any mats around bathtubs and
sinks are nonskid to reduce the risk of
falls even further.
Install an extra phone line or two.
While kids and adults between the
ages of 18 and 50 may never use the
landlines in their homes, many seniors
still rely on traditional telephones as
their primary means of communicating
with the outside world. Install extra
landlines in your home, including in
seniors bedrooms, so they can more
readily access the phone should they
fall and need to call for emergency
help. Phones in seniors bedrooms may
also provide some additional privacy
to seniors who dont want to carry on
phone conversations in busy areas
of the home, such as the kitchen or
living room. Such lines may also reduce
feelings of isolation.
Prioritize accessibility when storing
items. When storing groceries, books,
magazines, or other items seniors are
likely to use, choose locations that are
accessible to seniors. Avoid storing
items on the top shelf of pantries,
bookcases or entertainment centers, as
seniors with limited mobility may not
be able to reach them.
Many seniors move in with their
adult children to make their golden
years safer and more enjoyable and
manageable. Such a change in living
arrangements may necessitate some
changes on the part of homeowners so
they can ensure their homes are safe for
seniors.

Metro Creative Connection

May 15, 2016

HickoryDailyRecord.com | 3

Silver

Protect
Your Joints
and

Prevent Pain
Joints play vital roles in the human
body, forming the connections
between bones and facilitating
movement. Damage to the joints
can be especially painful, and
that damage may result from
conditions such as osteoarthritis
or gout.

dividends, but many may not

know that a healthy diet can
help prevent joint pain. Green
vegetables such as spinach,
broccoli, kale and parsley are
high in calcium and can reduce
age-related bone loss while also
slowing cartilage destruction.

While not all joint pain is

debilitating, the discomfort of joint
pain is such that its wise for adults
to take steps to protect their joints
with the hope of preventing joint
pain down the road. Recognizing
that joint pain can negatively
affect quality of life, the Arthritis
Foundation offers the following
joint protection tips to men and
women.

Shed those extra pounds. If

you start including more healthy
vegetables in your diet, you might
just start to lose a little weight as
well. Such weight loss also can help
your joints, as the AF notes that
every extra pound a person gains
puts four times the stress on his or
her knees. The AF also notes that
research has shown that losing as
little as 11 pounds can reduce a
persons risk of osteoarthritis of the
knee by 50 percent.

Forgo fashion with regard to

footwear. When women choose
their footwear, fashion should not
be their top priority. According to
the Arthritis Foundation, threeinch heels stress the feet seven
times more than one-inch heels
and heels put additional stress on
knees, possibly increasing womens
risk for osteoarthritis. Though heels
may be fashionable, the risk of
developing joint pain is not worth
making the fashion statement.
Get some green in your diet. A
healthy diet pays numerous

Hit the pool. Swimming is a great

full-body workout and can be
especially helpful to the joints.
The buoyancy of water supports
the bodys weight, reducing stress
on the joints and minimizing pain
as a result. If possible, swimmers
already experiencing pain should
swim in heated pools, which can
help relieve pain. While you can
still benefit from swimming in
pools with colder temperatures,
cold water may not soothe the
joints like warm water can.

Take breaks at work. Many people

develop joint pain thanks to their
jobs. If you spend all day sitting at
a desk or standing on your feet, try
to find a greater balance between
the two. Joints can grow stiff from
sitting all day, while standing
throughout your work day can
stress the joints. Take a short break
every 30 minutes to stand up and

walk around if you spend most of

your day at a desk. If you stand a
lot at your job, stop to sit down for
a few minutes once every half hour.
Joint pain and aging do not
have to go hand in hand. More
information about joint paint is
available at www.arthritis.org.
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4 | Hickory Daily Record

Silver

May 15, 2016

Interesting
Ways
to

enjoy
travel
Research indicates that traveling
is at the top of the list of interests
motivating todays men and
women over the age of 50.

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Seniors are perhaps the most likely

demographic to indulge their love
of traveling. Retirement leaves lots
of time for recreation, and many
choose to spend that time on the
road. Travel also can be improve
adult longevity, says geriatricians
at the University of Arkansas.
Those in the travel industry
understand that men and
women over 50 comprise a large
percentage of their customers
and have catered many travel
packages toward this influential
demographic. The following is a
look at some of the more popular
travel opportunities for men and
women over 50.
Genealogical tourism: This is one
of the fastest-growing markets
in vacation travel. Genealogical
tourism involves individuals
traveling to areas of historical
significance for their families, such
as churches where past relatives
may have married and villages
where grandparents or cousins
once resided or were employed.
This can create a tangible link
to ones past and open up more
opportunities to learn the varied

genealogical history that has

shaped a family, and even ones
personal identity.
Extended vacations: Seniors may
have the capacity to devote more
time to travel and not be caged
in by strict time constraints. That
makes them eligible for extended
vacations. These can include longterm rentals in tropical locales,
several-week sightseeing cruises or
guided tours overseas that touch
on several different countries or
cities during the trip.
Off the beaten path: Adventurous
travelers may not be content
to stick to the resort lifestyle
or standard vacation options.
Active men and women over 50
are charting their own vacation
courses with bucket list-style
vacations that may be off the
beaten path. Travelers who have
always aspired to climb a mountain
or see a rain forest may be inclined
to realize these goals as they get
older. Nontraditional tours can
include living like indigenous
peoples or following the footsteps
of early explorers.

All-inclusive tours: All-inclusive

packages remain a popular
option for travelers of all ages.
These vacation packages charge
one price for accommodations,
entertainment, sightseeing, food,
and many other amenities. Allinclusive vacations remove some
of the headaches associated with
organizing various components of
travel so that a person can focus on
relaxation and having fun.
Singles meets: Single vacationers
over 50 may want to meet other
men or women in their age
bracket in the hopes of finding
romance. These vacations double
as relationship mixers and give
men and women the opportunity
to mingle with others in similar
situations without the pressure of
traditional dating.
Travel is a way to see the world,
meet new people and experience
various cultures. Seniors
increasingly embrace travel
because they have both the time
and the means to take vacations.

Metro Creative Connection

May 15, 2016

HickoryDailyRecord.com | 5

Silver

How to

Determine
if Downsizing
is for You
As men and women retire or
approach retirement age, many
opt to downsize their homes. Such
a decision can save older adults
substantial amounts of money
while also liberating them from the
hassle of maintaining large homes
they no longer need.
Downsizing to smaller homes or
apartments is a significant step,
one that homeowners should
give ample consideration before
making their final decisions. The
following are a handful of tips to
help homeowners determine if
downsizing to smaller homes is the
right move.
Get a grip on the real estate
market. Downsizing is not solely
about money, but its important
that homeowners consider
the real estate market before
putting their homes up for sale.
Speak with a local realtor or your
financial advisor about the current
state of your real estate market.
Downsizing can help homeowners
save money on utilities, taxes and
mortgage payments, but those
savings may be negated if you sell
your house in a buyers market
instead of a sellers market. If you
think the current market wont
get you the price you are hoping
for, delay your downsize until the
market rebounds.

Take inventory of whats in your

house. Empty nesters often find
that their homes are still filled
with their childrens possessions,
even long after those children
have entered adulthood and left
home. If the storage in your home
is dominated by items that belong
to your children and not you, then
downsizing might be right for you.
Tell your children you are thinking
of downsizing and invite them over
to pick through any items still in
your home. Once they have done
so and taken what they want, you
can host a yard sale, ultimately
donating or discarding what you
cannot sell. Once all of the items
are gone, you may realize that
moving into a smaller place is the
financially prudent decision.
Examine your own items as well.
Your childrens items are likely not
the only items taking up space in
your home. Take inventory of your
own possessions as well, making
note of items you can live without
and those you want to keep. If the
list of items you can live without
is extensive, then you probably
wont have a problem moving into
a smaller home. If you arent quite
ready to say goodbye to many of
your possessions, then you might
benefit from staying put for a little
while longer.

Consider your retirement lifestyle.

If you have already retired or on
the verge of retirement and plan
to spend lots of time traveling,
then downsizing to a smaller
home may free up money you can
spend on trips. And if you really
do see yourself as a silver-haired
jetsetter, then you likely wont
miss your current home because
you wont be home frequently
enough to enjoy it. If travel is not
high on your retirement to-do

list but you have a hobby, such as

crafting, restoring classic cars or
woodworking, that you hope to
turn into a second profession, then
you might benefit from staying put
and converting your existing space
into a workshop.
Many retirees downsize their
homes, but this decision requires
careful consideration of a variety
of factors.
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6 | Hickory Daily Record

Silver

May 15, 2016

Eating
right
can

Improve
Quality of

Life

Legend states that on April 2, 1513, Spanish

explorer Juan Ponce de Len was the first
European to discover modern-day Florida
when he traveled on a quest for the mythical
Fountain of Youth. While modern science has
proven that there is no mystical fountain or
body of water that can reverse or slow down
the aging process, there are many steps people
can take to age well and prolong their lives.

compounds in these three foods boast extra

life-extending benefits.

Eating the right foods is one way to age well.

According to Ralph Felder, M.D., Ph.D., coauthor
of The Bonus Years Diet, reversing the aging
process internally is more difficult than outward
cosmetic changes. But the right foods can
go a long way toward increasing both life
expectancy and quality of life. Those who
want to employ diet to increase their life
expectancy may want to start adding more of
the following foods to their breakfast, lunch
and dinner plates.

Fruits and vegetables: Produce is good for

the body because its low in calories and
high in fiber, vitamins and other nutrients.
Numerous studies have indicated that diets
plentiful in fruits and vegetables help people
maintain a healthy weight and protect against
cardiovascular disease.

Broccoli, grapes and salad: According to

Health magazine, researchers have found that

Berries: In addition to their abundance of

antioxidants, berries have other benefits.
A 2012 study from Harvard University found
that at least one serving of blueberries or two
servings of strawberries each week may reduce
the risk of cognitive decline in older adults.

Whole grains: Whole grains pack a lot of

nutrition into a low-calorie food. Whole grains
help protect against type 2 diabetes, and
researchers at the University of Texas Health
Sciences Center found study participants whose
diets included plenty of whole grains and

fruit cut their heart disease risk by almost half

compared to those whose diets favored meat
and fatty foods.
Red wine: A glass a day for women and no
more than two glasses daily for men can be
beneficial. Moderate consumption of red wine
has been shown to slow age-related declines
in cardiovascular function, according to the
American Heart Association.
Fiber: Increase your fiber intake for a longer
life. Research from The American Journal of
Clinical Nutrition finds that the more fiber
you include in your diet, the lower your
risk of coronary heart disease. The daily
recommendation is 25 to 35 grams.
While there may be no such thing as the
fountain of youth, a healthy diet can help men
and women prolong their lives.

Metro Creative Connection

May 15, 2016

HickoryDailyRecord.com | 7

Silver

Caring
for

grandchildren
In the not-so-distant past, it was quite common for
various generations of a single family to live under one
roof and for many different members of the family to
play a role in raising the children.
But that dynamic slowly changed as families spread
out geographically. However, when the economy
faltered and parents of young children realized they
needed help, many returned to the old way of doing
things. Grandparents stepped up to look after their
grandkids, and adults moved back home with their
aging parents. Some seniors needed to move in with
their children to make ends meet.

Continued on pg. 8

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8 | Hickory Daily Record

Silver

Continued from pg. 7

A study of data from the Rand Corporation
found that, of the four million children living
with their grandparents in the United States,
2.5 million live in three-generation households.
Nearly 1.5 million live in split-generation
households or ones in which grandparents are
raising their grandchildren. The proportion of
all grandchildren living in three-generation
households, 3.6 percent, has been steady in
recent years.
Research suggests that split-generation
households are usually formed when parents
are no longer able to take care of their children
because of physical or mental illness, substance
abuse, or economic problems. Three-generation
households, on the other hand, are generally
formed because of problems parents encounter
living independently, such as through
separation or divorce or due to unemployment
or economic need.

Caring for their grandchildren can elicit many

feelings in grandparents, from nervousness
to excitement about a fresh face around the
house. Raising grandkids can be overwhelming
for elderly men and women, but the following
are a few tips that can make the process easier.
Explore your feelings. When you acknowledge
your feelings, you are on the right path to
making things work and recognizing possible
obstacles.
Expect mixed feelings from others.
Grandchildren and your own children also may
be apprehensive about this new living situation.
Encourage everyone to share their thoughts
and come to a consensus on how things will be
done. Expect it to take some time to establish
a schedule, and dont be discouraged by any
initial behavioral problems.
Take care of yourself. Grandchildren,
particularly young ones, can have a lot of
energy and may require constant attention.

May 15, 2016

Caring for such lively youngsters can be
taxing on grandparents, who must make
their own health and nutrition a priority. Give
yourself some time for recreation and rest.
Have grandchildren help out where they can.
Dont feel you have to spend every moment
entertaining them.
Ask for help when needed. Reach out to
friends or community members if you are
feeling overwhelmed. There are a number
of resources available to you, and many
organizations, including AARP, have their own
tips for assisting three-generation households.
Multi-generational households are common
once again. Families who work together can
make the most of such living arrangements.

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May 15, 2016

Silver

HickoryDailyRecord.com | 9

10 | Hickory Daily Record

Silver

May 15, 2016

Diet and Exercise

Needs Change
as Men and Women Age
Maintaining a healthy weight is important at
any age. But avoiding being overweight or
obese can be particularly crucial for seniors,
considering many illnesses are tied to body
weight. Maintaining a healthy immune system
also can require eating a balanced, nutritionally
sound diet.
The Geriatric Research, Education, and Clinical
Center at Durham Medical Center in Virginia
says people need to change how they eat for
every decade they reach. Caloric intake should
be reduced because individuals are generally
moving around less, have less muscle and their
metabolic rates decline. People who
find that they are having trouble losing weight
in their 50s and older may be basing weightloss goals on calorie recommendations for
younger people.
One challenging thing about eating less overall
is supplementing with more nutrient-rich foods.
Older bodies still require similar amounts of
protein, vitamins and minerals as younger ones,
but older men and women must balance that
need with their need to consume less calories.

Consuming more fruits, vegetables and lean

protein sources, including beans, and choosing
whole grains over refined starchy foods can be
the key.
Watch what you drink, as well. Soft drinks and
other sugary beverages may be packed with
calories you dont need. Choose unsweetened
beverages and opt for water as much as
possible. Protect yourself against dehydration,
which can be harder to detect as you get older.
In addition to modifying food and beverage
choices and reducing their calorie intake,
seniors should continue to exercise. Healthy
eating paired with moderate exercise remains
one of the best combinations for healthy
weight loss or weight maintenance. The goal
is to consume fewer calories and expend more
energy. While cardiovascular exercises can
be a good way to get the heart pumping and
stimulate your metabolic rate, as you age you
should perform strength-training and weightbearing exercises as well. Muscle mass naturally
diminishes with age, and according to the Mayo
Clinic if you avoid strength exercises you can
eventually lose muscle and increase

the percentage of fat in your body. Strength

training also helps you develop stronger bones,
which can help prevent fractures. In addition, as
you gain muscle, your body will begin to burn
calories more efficiently, making your time in
and out of the gym more productive.
Apart from diet and exercise, aging adults
may need to consult with their doctors about
nutritional supplements. Your body may produce
less stomach acid as you get older, making it
more difficult to absorb vitamins from food,
including vitamin B12 and vitamin D. Aging
skin is less able to transform sunlight into the
vitamin, which can affect the bodys ability to
absorb calcium. Deficiencies in vitamins D and
B12 and calcium can result in a number of health
conditions. Routine blood work can help pinpoint
whether you are deficient in key nutrients.
The bodys nutritional and fitness needs change
as a person ages. Those uncertain about the
lifestyle changes they will need to make should
speak with their physicians.
Metro Creative Connection

Children of Aging Parents)

offers educational programs
of issues related to aging and
adult-child caregiving.
ACAP-Hickory meets the
second Tuesday of each month,
5:30-7:00 PM, in the

ACAP - Hickory

For more information,

visit
www.ACAPcommunity.org
or
call toll-free
1-877-599-ACAP
(1-877-599-2227)

ACAP-Hickory provides information, resources, support and community as we care for our aging parents and for ourselves.

HickoryDailyRecord.com | 11

Silver

PA

May 15, 2016

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Alfred E. Geissele, M.D. Matthew D. Hannibal, M.D.

Stephen J. Sladicka, M.D. James E. Stanislaw, M.D.

Justin B. Jones, MD

Mark A. Tiffany, M.D.

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12 | Hickory Daily Record

Silver

May 15, 2016

Women
and

osteoporosis
Osteoporosis is disease of the
bones that occurs when a person
loses too much bone, produces
too little bone or both and can
affect both men and women. But
while millions of men suffer from
osteoporosis, the vast majority of
people with this potentially painful
condition are women.
According to the National
Osteoporosis Foundation, roughly
80 percent of the 10 million
Americans with osteoporosis are
women. Osteoporosis Canada,

which notes that between 70

and 80 percent of osteoporotic
fractures in Canada occur in
women, reports that the loss
of estrogen production during
menopause production puts
women at greater risk for
osteoporosis than men, as
estrogen plays a vital role in
female bone health.
But age is not the only factor
that influences a womans risk
for developing osteoporosis.
Caucasian women are most at risk

Continued on pg. 13

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for osteoporosis, and the NOF estimates that

20 percent of Caucasian women age 50 and
older have the condition, and more than half
of Caucasian women age 50 and over have
low bone mass. That means that the bones of
more than 50 percent of Caucasian women
over age 50 are weakening, potentially
paving the way for osteoporosis in the future.
Asian American women are also at
considerable risk of developing osteoporosis,
which affects about the 20 percent of such
women age 50 and older. Low bone density
is a concern for Asian American women,
more than half of whom have the condition.
The outlook for African American women
is not as bleak, as just 5 percent of such
women age 50 and older have osteoporosis.
And while 35 percent of African American
women have low bone mass, recent research
indicates that few African American women,
even those who have risk factors for the
disease, are screened for osteoporosis.
Insisting on osteoporosis screening can help

African American women determine their

true risk for the disease.
While gender and aging are beyond
womens control, these are not the only
risk factors that increase the chances
women may develop low bone density or
experience fractures and falls down the road.
Osteoporosis Canada notes additional risk
factors include:
if either parent has had a
hip fracture
having had a prior fracture with
minimal trauma
long-term (more than three
months) use of glucocorticoid
therapy, such as prednisone
rheumatoid arthritis
current smoker
history of falls in the previous
12 months
vertebral fracture apparent
on x-ray

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high alcohol intake (three or more

drinks per day)
weight loss greater than 10
percent since age 25
Despite the abundance of risk factors, the
two most prominent of which are beyond
womens control, women are not helpless
against osteoporosis. Among the many
things women can do to protect their bones
is exercise regularly and eat a well-balanced
diet that includes enough calcium and
vitamin D as well as plenty of fruits and
vegetables. In addition, avoiding or quitting
smoking and limiting alcohol consumption
to no more than two to three drinks per
day can protect bones and make them
less vulnerable to breaks and the onset of
osteoporosis.
Women can learn more about osteoporosis
at www.nof.org and www.osteoporosis.ca.

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HickoryDailyRecord.com | 13

Silver

May 15, 2016

Barbara Lockwood, Audiologist,

MA, FAAA
Larry Bowman, Office Assistant

Indoor Track


on Staff

Conover Nursing &

Rehabilitation Center

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14 | Hickory Daily Record

Silver

did
you
know?

May 15, 2016

According to the Centers for Disease Control and

Prevention, research has shown that strengthening
exercises are safe and effective for men and women of
all ages, including seniors. The CDC also notes that men
and women with heart disease or arthritis may benefit
the most from exercise regimens that include lifting
weights several times per week. A strength-training
program at Tufts University enlisted older men and
women with moderate to severe knee osteoarthritis.
The program lasted 16 weeks, and by the end of those
16 weeks, participants reported that their pain had
decreased by an average of 43 percent while also
decreasing the disability caused by their conditions.
In addition to the benefits uncovered in the Tufts
program, strength training can benefit older men and
women by improving balance and flexibility, which can
decrease their likelihood of falling and the severity of
those falls if they do slip

Metro Creative Connection

Quality Coverage

from the most trusted health insurer in North Carolina1

Blue Cross and Blue Shield
of North Carolina

HICKORY STORE
1830 Startown Road
Hickory, NC 28602

828-855-9155

info@bluestorehickorync.com
www.bluestorehickorync.com

Call me for information on:

Individual Health Plans
Health Savings Accounts (HSA)
Medicare Supplement Insurance
Dental Plans for Individuals
Dental Plans for Seniors

1 FrederickPolls, LLC, April 2011. An independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. U2082l, 3/13

May 15, 2016

HickoryDailyRecord.com | 15

Silver

Keep your

Heart running

Strong
into your

Golden Years
Heart health should be a concern for people
of all ages, but especially so for men and
women over 50. Thats because, according to
the American Heart Association, even men and
women who are free of cardiovascular disease
at age 50 are at a significant lifetime risk of
developing the disease.
But heart disease does not have to be an
accepted byproduct of aging. For example,
a 2014 study published in the AHA journal
Circulation found that maintaining or increasing
physical activity after age 65 can improve the
hearts well-being and lower risk of heart attack.
In addition to increasing physical activity
as they age, older men and women who
understand heart disease and learn to
recognize its symptoms have a greater chance
of minimizing its affects and lowering their risk
of having a heart attack.

What are the symptoms of

heart disease?
Heart disease is a blanket term used to describe
a host of conditions, so symptoms vary
depending on each individual condition. The
following are some of the more widely known
conditions and their symptoms:
Hypertension: Also known as high blood
pressure, hypertension is a largely symptomless
form of heart disease. The AHA notes that the
idea that hypertension produces symptoms
such as difficulty sleeping, facial flushing,
nervousness, and sweating is a misconception.
Symptoms typically do not alert men and

women to the presence of hypertension,

highlighting the emphasis men and women
should place on routine visits to the doctors
office, where their blood pressure can be taken.
Heart attack: The symptoms of a heart attack
are different than the symptoms of heart
disease that may lead to heart attack. The
former can be found by visiting www.heart.org.
Signs that you may be heading toward a heart
attack include undue fatigue, palpitations (the
sensation that your heart is skipping a beat
or beating too rapidly), dyspnea (difficulty or
labored breathing), chest pain or discomfort
from increased activity.
Arrhythmia: Arrhythmia means your heartbeat
is irregular, and men and women often
mistakenly believe arrhythmia only afflicts
those who already have been diagnosed
with heart disease or have had a heart attack.
But arrhythmia can affect even those men
and women who have healthy hearts and no
history of cardiovascular disease. Symptoms
of arrhythmia can vary greatly, from a single
premature beat to a series of premature beats
that occur in rapid succession. Arrhythmia that
lasts long enough to affect heart function may
include symptoms such as rapid heartbeat,
fatigue, dizziness, lightheadedness, shortness of
breath, and chest pain.

How can I protect

my heart?
Heart healthy habits take some effort, but men
and women can protect their hearts regardless
of their ages.

Get sufficient exercise. At least 30 minutes of

exercise per day can protect against disease.
Quit smoking. Smoking increases your risk
for a host of ailments, including heart disease.
Quitting is a great way to start getting your
heart and other parts of your body back on
track.
Include heart-healthy foods in your diet. A
diet that is rich in fruits and vegetables and low
in cholesterol, salt and saturated fat promotes
heart health.
Dont drink alcohol to excess. Like smoking,
drinking alcohol to excess can lead to a host
of problems, such as high blood pressure,
arrhythmia and high cholesterol, each of which
increases your risk of heart disease.
Lose weight. Being overweight or obese is a
major risk factor for heart disease. If you have
already started to exercise daily and eat a more
heart-healthy diet, then youre on your way to
losing weight. Consult your physician if diet and
exercise dont seem to be helping you to shed
pounds.
Heart disease kills millions of people across the
globe each year, many of whom are over 50. But
men and women who learn about heart disease
and how to reduce their risk stand a far greater
chance of fighting the disease.

Metro Creative Connection

16 | Hickory Daily Record

Silver

May 15, 2016

Common Causes of

Poor
vision

Vision loss is a common condition, as the

World Health Organization notes that more
than 285 million people across the globe
suffer some type of visual impairment. Many
people can effectively counter their vision
problems with prescription lenses, but others
may have a more significant issue, such as low
vision.
The Kellogg Eye Center defines low vision as
a reduced level of vision that cannot be fully
corrected with conventional glasses. Those
with low vision have some useful sight and are
not considered completely blind. However,
low vision can interfere with performance
of daily activities, and some people with this
condition are classified as legally blind.
Symptoms of low vision include difficulty
recognizing objects at a distance or problems
with differentiating colors. Yet, not everyone
dealing with these symptoms has low vision.
Specialized testing can determine if a person
has low vision or another condition.
Many conditions can impact sight and
contribute to vision loss. Heres a look at some
of the more common ones.
Glaucoma: A person with glaucoma may
gradually lose peripheral vision. Early
symptoms, such as a subtle loss of contrast,
may be unnoticeable. Eventually, glaucoma
may cause tunnel vision, which occurs when a
person can only see through a small window.
Macular degeneration: Macular degeneration
is the leading cause of vision loss, affecting
more than 10 million people in the United
States alone, according to the American
Macular Degeneration Foundation. The AMDF
offers that macular degeneration is caused

by the deterioration of the retinas central

portion, known as the macula. The macula is
responsible for focusing central vision in the
eye, and it contributes to ones ability to read,
drive a car, recognize faces or colors and see
objects in fine detail.
Retinal detachment: An increase of floaters
or sudden flashes of light in vision may be
indicative of retinal detachment or a tear in
the retina. When caught promptly, a detached
retina may be repaired. However, if left
untreated and the detachment reaches the
macula in the center of the retina, vision loss
may be irreparable. The National Eye Institute
says those with extreme nearsightedness,
those who have had cataract surgery or those
with a family history of retinal detachment are
at a high risk.
Diabetic retinopathy: Blurring or patchy
vision loss can be a side effect of high blood
glucose levels. Not all people with diabetes
will develop vision problems, but it is common
enough to warrant attention.
Cataracts: According to The Mayo Clinic, a
cataract is a clouding of the normally clear
lens of the eye. Cataracts develop when aging
or injury changes the tissue that makes up the
eyes lenses. Clouded vision can make it more
difficult to read or drive. Over time, cataracts
may obscure vision so much that they require
surgical repair.
Routine eye examinations can bring potential
vision disturbances to light and facilitate
faster treatment. Eye doctors also can make
suggestions about lifestyle changes, including
the use optical devices to improve sight.
Metro Creative Connection

Silver

May 15, 2016

HickoryDailyRecord.com | 17

We Care Every Day, In Every Way

Senior Homecare By Angels

Experienced care for total peace of mind
Bathing Assistance
Dressing Assistance
Grooming
Medication Reminders
Errands
Shopping
Light Housekeeping
Meal Preparation
Friendly Companionship
Flexible Hourly Care
Respite Care for Families
Live-in Care

Let an Angel Help You Care for Your Loved One

In a perfect world, you would be able to take care of your aging parent in your home or theirs,
relying only on family to help you. But realistically caring for an aging or ill parent is a fulltime job that can take a toll on the caregiver. Thats where the Angels come in. Visiting Angels
is a national network of franchised non-medical senior homecare agencies providing senior
homecare to help older adults continue to live in their homes. These caring, experienced
caregivers provide up to 24- hour care in the comfort of your own home.
You can be confident that your caregiver is qualified and has excellent references. They hire only
experienced caregivers who pass a rigorous screening process. The company also emphasizes
the intangible traits of the caregiver, such as a caring personality. The staff at Visiting Angels
works with each family to develop an individualized program to manage the daily needs
of the client. They then match those needs to the best possible caregiver; caregivers are then
introduced to the family, who has the final say in the selection process.
Most Seniors prefer to remain in their home as long as possible. We want our clients to look
forward to a visit by their caregiver, says Elizabeth Gray, owner of the local Visiting Angels.
Thats why the client is in complete control from start to finish. After the caregiver has been
placed in your home, the company continues its personalized contact through telephone checkin and home visits to make sure you and your caregiver are a good match.
Although Visiting Angels are non-medical caregivers, they can provide a vital link in patient
care by communicating with the patients medical providers such as doctors, physical
therapists, social workers, etc. Although Visiting Angels do not dispense drugs, they can help
monitor whether the patient is taking their medication. This along with good meal preparation
and encouraging fluids is a key to good health. In addition to offering companionship, Visiting
Angels will also do light housekeeping, run errands, or do shopping.

www.VisitingAngels.com

18 | Hickory Daily Record

Silver

May 15, 2016

Making

new
friends
After a

move
or Other

life
event
Downsizing and other life changes
often find seniors leaving their
comfort zones to move to new
neighborhoods or regions of
the country. It can be difficult
to leave those comfort zones
behind, especially when it means
saying goodbye to close friends
or family members. Establishing
new social circles as a senior can be
challenging. But with a little effort
and the right attitude, seniors can
meet new people and enjoy the
excitement that comes with new
friendships.
Join a club. If you have a
particular hobby or interest,
rekindle it in your new location.
Find a local gardening club,
church-sponsored organization or
fitness center where you can meet
like-minded men and women. Ask

the real estate agent who helped

you relocate to make suggestions
on where to find community
information and read community
notices in the local newspaper.
Get a dog. Dogs make great
companions inside of the house
and also serve as an ice breaker
when you are outdoors. Take
plenty of walks and take advantage
of opportunities for conversation
when people come up to you to
inquire about your dog. Explain
your situation and you may make
some new friends along the way.
Volunteer your time. Many
people make new friends through
volunteering. Volunteer and youre
likely to meet people who share
the same interests as you. Sign up
with a favorite charity or volunteer

at nonprofit events and look for

familiar faces. Start talking to those
people you meet again and again.
Participate in church events.
Places of religious worship are
often cornerstones of a community,
and they frequently host different
events to get parishioners or
members together. Read the
bulletin and get involved in pot
lucks, retreats, movie nights, and
other church-sponsored events.
Work at a school. Schools also
serve as hubs of community
activity. Volunteer or work for a
local school and you will soon
find yourself immersed in your
communitys weekday hustle and
bustle. This is a great way to meet
people and learn more about your
new neighborhood in the process.

Host your own party. Go out

on a limb and plan a new to
the neighborhood party. Put
invitations in neighbors mailboxes
and invite everyone over for
snacks and cocktails. Remember,
neighbors may be just as nervous
about new faces as you are, and a
party is a great way to break the
ice.
Change can be hard for people
seniors starting out in new
communities. With some gumption
and a few strategies to get started,
anyone can expand their circle of
friends.

Metro Creative Connection

May 15, 2016

HickoryDailyRecord.com | 19

Silver

Parkinsons
disease:
Recognize early
onset symptoms

Parkinsons disease is a neurological movement

disorder. Classic motor symptoms, such as
tremor, rigidity and extreme slowness of
movements and reflexes, called bradykinesia,
are typically used to identify Parkinsons.
However, identification of other, more subtle
symptoms may help identify the disease years
before more obvious motor conditions present
themselves.
Since Parkinsons is a chronic and progressive
neurological disease, symptoms are often
mild at the onset, becoming more severe over
time. Initial symptoms may be so subtle that
theyre even difficult for specialists to detect,
according to the The Michael J. Fox Foundation
for Parkinsons Research. Symptoms also may be
different for some patients than others and may
progress at different paces.
Dopamine loss is a major contributor to the
onset of Parkinsons disease. Dopamine controls
movement and mood, so when dopamine
is affected, walking, talking and writing can
be impacted. Depression or anxiety may
accompany other symptoms.
The National Institutes of Health says
Parkinsons disease affects as many as 500,000
people in the United States. An early diagnosis
may help improve quality of life and delay the
onset of greater motor issues. Heres what to
look for and discuss with a doctor.

Micrographia and other handwriting issues

occur. Those with Parkinsons disease may start
experiencing changes in their handwriting.
Penmanship may look cramped, and letters
tend to be smaller than normal (micrographia).
Individuals may find it difficult to hold a pen
and write.
Tremors take place in a limb. Tremors usually
begin in the hands or fingers and may even
mimic a pill-rolling technique, which is a tremor
between the thumb and forefinger. Tremors
usually occur when the limb is at rest.
Pace or activities slow down. Parkinsons
disease may reduce ones ability to move and
may slow down movements. An early symptom
may be a noticeable slowing down in steps or
ability to react to something, like a ball being
thrown ones way. Some with Parkinsons may
drag their feet or shuffle as they walk or find it
difficult to get out of a chair.
Loss of automatic movements and functions
can occur. Difficulty with unconscious
movements, such as blinking, smiling or even
swinging arms, may occur when a person
has Parkinsons disease. Movements may be
uncoordinated and stiff. Increased salivation
and perspiration also may be indicators.
Poor balance and loss of posture may develop.
People with Parkinsons disease may hunch

over more and more and be unable to stand

up straight. Balance issues, such as greater
incidences of falls or being able to tip over more
easily, may occur.
Speech can change. Changes in speech can
begin, including hesitating before speaking,
slurring words or speaking in a monotone voice.
Others may notice a masked face. This
describes a vacant or fixed stare and lack of
facial animation.
Sleep issues may increase. Parkinsons disease
can affect sleeping patterns and behaviors.
People with Parkinsons may experience vivid
dreams and nightmares, as well as an inability
to stay asleep. Daytime drowsiness may also
occur.
Parkinsons disease is rare, and symptoms that
mimic those of Parkinsons may be caused by
other conditions. However, if you or someone
you know is experiencing repeated symptoms
of any of the ones described here, speak with
your general practitioner or a neurologist.

Metro Creative Connection

20 | Hickory Daily Record

Silver

May 15, 2016

OR

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And more time living.

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Spend less time recovering,

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828-397-3144
www.CarolinaRehabCenterBurke.com