Foods You Don’t Need to Wash before You Eat

If you have concerns about food safety, and many of us do, it can be confusing on what foods needs to be washed before eaten. The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) weighs in on the issue regarding foods that do not need to be washed at home, and in some cases, may be detrimental to do so.

With all of the media attention regarding bird flu, some people wonder if we should be washing our store-bought eggs. According to the USDA, we should not wash eggs from the grocery store as commercial eggs are already washed. Experts explain,” Bloom," the natural coating on just-laid eggs that helps prevent bacteria from permeating the shell, is removed by the commercial washing process. It is replaced by a light coating of edible mineral oil, which restores protection for long-term home storage of eggs.” If fact they warn that washing eggs at home could increase the risk of cross-contamination, especially if the shell becomes cracked.

Another common food we buy is pre-washed salad mixes. Again, the USDA says it is not necessary to wash pre-washed or ready-to-eat produce as they are safe to eat as packaged. If you do decide to wash it, they warn about cross-contamination and to take care to avoid unclean surfaces or utensils that have come into contact with raw meat, poultry or seafood, or their juices. A tip for washing fresh fruits and vegetables is to hold them under running tap water to remove any dirt. For veggies or fruits with a firm skin, scrub with a clean brush. Avoid using detergent soaps or commercial produce washes.

Most canned foods do not need to be washed. However, when using canned beans; follow the recipe recommendation in terms of rinsing. Rinsing rice before cooking can help reduce rice’s arsenic content as well as remove the surface starch for a lighter, fluffier rice. If you are cooking risottos, paella or rice pudding, skip the rinsing step as you want the extra surface starch to remain on the rice. Quinoa from the supermarket is typically already rinsed and dried before packaged. Check the label to see if it says pre-rinsed or if it recommends rinsing.

At the MorningStar of Arvada senior living community, our goal is to make retirement carefree for our residents. We manage all of the maintenance inside and out, and offer an array of services, amenities and programs to enrich your life. Reflections Neighborhood provides memory care. Arvada, CO families have come to count on. Contact us to learn more about the area’s top independent living and assisted living to set up a personalized tour to experience our gorgeous retirement communities firsthand.

 

No Matter Your Age, It is Important to Keep Protecting Our Skin

May is dedicated as Skin Cancer Awareness Month with the goal of raising awareness on the importance of early detection and prevention of skin cancer. The annual campaign emphasizes the need for regular skin checks, using sun protection measures, and seeking professional medical care when needed. To show support and promote preventive screenings, people can wear a black ribbon.

Doctors say regardless of one's age, it is important to use an SPF every day. Resources for getting some of the best information about skin cancer and its prevention include the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) and the Skin Cancer Foundation. The AAD says skin cancer is the most common cancer in the US, and affects one in five Americans during their lifetime. It is important to remember skin cancer also affects patients with darker skin tones, who unfortunately are often diagnosed in the later stages, making it more difficult to treat.

Along with wearing sunscreen, other things we can do every day to prevent skin cancer is to avoid indoor tanning, perform regular skin self-exams, wear sun-protective clothing including a wide-brim hat, and to seek shade. Avoid the sun during peak hours (10am to 4pm) when the sun is the strongest and UV radiation is the most intense. Doctors say to use sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher, and to be sure to reapply it every few hours especially when swimming. Moreover good sunblocks do not have to be expensive. Some experts recommend using physical(mineral) sunblocks with titanium dioxide or zinc oxide rather than chemical blocks as they create a wall between you and the sun.

At MorningStar of Arvada, our senior living community offers a range of options from independent living and assisted living. For residents’ enjoyment, we have a full calendar of programs and activities designed to inspire, connect and entertain. Suites are available in spacious studios and one- and two-bedroom configurations. For a loved one with Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia, we provide the most trusted memory care Arvada, CO offers. MorningStar of Arvada’s distinct Reflections Neighborhood provides experienced, holistic memory care designed around the individualized needs of each resident within 29 suites. Visit our website to learn more about our beautiful retirement communities and to set up a personalized tour to see for yourself the area’s finest senior living.

Tips to Staying Cool in Summer

The National Institute on Aging (NIA) offers important information for seniors during hot weather. They warn chronic health problems such as cardiovascular, lung, or kidney diseases put seniors at a higher risk for harm during extreme hot temperatures. Additionally other issues associated with aging makes it harder for the body to cool itself and include normal changes in the skin as well as certain drugs commonly taken by older people such as diuretics, sedatives, and some heart and high blood pressure medications. Moreover, seniors who are obese, overweight or underweight may find they have lower tolerance for hot temperatures.

Experts explain being overheated for a period of time or exposed too long to the sun can cause serious health issues. One of those problems is heat syncope, which can result in sudden dizziness or faintness and occurs when you are active in hot weather. The condition may be more likely to occur to those who take a heart medication called a beta blocker or are not acclimated to hot weather. The remedy includes getting into a cool place, putting your legs up and drinking water.

Heat cramps, a painful tightening or spasms of muscles in the stomach, arms, or legs, are another heat-related problem. Experts say drink water and get yourself into a cool environment. Another problem common to older people is heat edema, which causes swelling in the ankles and legs. The remedy is to put your legs up, hydrate and cool down. If things don’t improve, contact your healthcare provider. Overheating can also cause heat exhaustion and lead to heat stroke, which can be deadly.

The NIA says stay safe by planning ahead for hot days. Check the weather regularly for forecasts and factor in humidity levels. Drink plenty of liquids, such as water, fruit or vegetable juices, or drinks that contain electrolytes (avoid caffeine and alcohol) and avoid going out during the heat of the day. If you do have to go out during the heat of the day, wear a hat and other protective clothing, and sunglasses.

MorningStar of Beaverton is a contemporary retirement communities offering a full range of options including independent living, assisted living and memory care. Our community provides comfort, companionship, security and predictable budgeting. Beautiful private suites, senior care services and lots of amenities make for carefree retirement years. Our distinct Reflections Neighborhood provides all-inclusive memory care that helps elevate and celebrate life. Visit our website to learn more about the area’s top senior living and schedule a personalized tour to experience our community’s ambiance firsthand.

 

Another New Study Proves How Important Sleep is to Our Health

In recent years researchers have focused on the many benefits of a good night’s sleep. Now a new study appearing on the Medical News Today website, reports even three nights in a row of poor sleep can adversely affect our health. The study from Uppsala University examined how lack of sleep affects the body, with a focus on heart health. Their findings concluded that biomarkers associated with inflammation and heart health increased after just three nights of little sleep.

Cheng-Han Chen, MD, a board-certified interventional cardiologist and medical director of the Structural Heart Program at Memorial Care Saddleback Medical Center, said the results are not surprising as poor sleep can negatively impact numerous health factors. In addition to cardiovascular health, he explains it can negatively impact endocrine and immune functioning.

With an abundance of research regarding the importance of sleep, what can people who have problems getting to sleep or sleeping through the night do to improve sleep patterns? Suggestions include adopting better sleep habits like reducing nicotine and caffeine along with limiting blue light devices several hours before bedtime, adopting routine bedtimes, and keeping the room dark.

Using a sleep tracker may also help you to understand your sleeping behavior and detect trends in your sleep cycle; and if appropriate, the data can be shared with your doctor. Sleep trackers generally use an instrument called an accelerometer to track movement and an algorithm interprets the data to provide an overview of a person’s sleep patterns. Some devices also include a heart rate monitor. A 2018 study suggests that sleep trackers can accurately track total sleep time and time spent in bed. However, while not as effective as sleep studies in detecting when people wake up, researchers say “sleep trackers are a valid way for people to track their sleeping habits and note that these devices may become more accurate as technology advances.”

The devices can also help identify possible health issues such as sleep apnea, lung disease, heart disease and diabetes. It is important to note sleep disturbances can play a role in the onset or exacerbation of various mental health conditions like anxiety, depression and bipolar disorder. Talk to your healthcare provider about ongoing sleep problems.

MorningStar of Beaverton is one of the most desirable independent living and retirement communities in the Beaverton area. Our spacious suites are designed with residents’ comfort and privacy in mind and come in a selection of studios, and one-and two-bedroom floorplans. For those with Alzheimer’s and other types of dementia, our distinct Reflections Neighborhood offers 38 memory care suites. Assisted living has never looked so good, contact us to set up a tour to see for yourself the finest senior living families have come to trust.

 

Things to “Not Do” at Your Next Doctor Appointment

The actual time spent with our doctor during an appointment is short. Statistics show the average time a doctor spends with a patient during a visit is around 18 minutes, but does vary depending on the specialty and nature of the patient’s needs.

With that kind of timeline, a patient can optimize their visit by following some tips from experts on what not to do. The first is to not go to the appointment unprepared. Rather think about what information you want to impart to the doctor beforehand, and write it down so you don’t forget. Include a written list of all your medications and dosage as well as allergies, medical diagnoses, past procedures and surgeries, and any relevant family history.

It is also a mistake to come in with a “self-diagnosis.” Dr. Danielle K. Miller, DNP, MSN, BSN, RN, Founder of The Pivot Nurse, Inc., explains this can cause a bias with the doctor spending time going down the wrong path. Instead, be ready to tell the doctor about your symptoms, when they started, their frequency and how or if they have changed. Describe any patterns you may have noticed.

Another thing to not do is to downplay symptoms that have brought you to the doctor. This can cause a delay in medical tests, delayed treatment, or missed early signs of a condition such as heart disease, infection, or neurological issues.

Experts say do not wait until the end of your appointment to mention the reason you came in. Dr. Miller reminds patients to remember they know their bodies’ and are the best advocate for explaining what seems to be off. Lastly, one of the big mistakes patients make is to leave the office without understanding the doctor’s orders. One example is not being clear on the next step such as assuming your doctor will schedule an x-ray or blood test and instead expecting you need to set it up. One way to ensure you have a clear idea of the next step is to repeat it back to the doctor before you leave.

At MorningStar of Beaverton, we proudly provide senior living designed to enhance quality of life for carefree retirement. Our 66 independent living and assisted living suites are available in a choice of floorplans and configurations with some as large as 974 square-feet. Resort-style amenities, hospitality and senior care services, and an array of wellness programs and activities offer comfort and entertainment. For seniors with Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related diseases, we provide all-inclusive memory care with 38 suites. Visit our website to set up an in-person tour of our amazing retirement communities.


Source: realsimple.com/things-you-should-never-do-at-doctor-visits-11740553

MorningStar at Golden Ridge Offers Experienced Memory Care

Getting a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s or another dementia-related disease is difficult for the person and their family. All of one’s carefully laid plans are cast aside as their future takes a much different path. MorningStar at Golden Ridge, assisted living, wants families to know we are here to help.

We are a senior living community offering memory care in Peoria, a suburb northwest of Phoenix, convenient to medical facilities, shopping, and other services. MorningStar has 35+ communities across eleven states, where we have worked hard to become dementia care specialists.MorningStar’s extensive experience in memory care has allowed us to gain a deep understanding of the disease, and we consider it our privilege to serve those with memory loss. We recognize that the person’s essence remains and we are committed to finding ways to connect with and nurture that essence.

We also consider residents’ family members to be part of our MorningStar family as we walk alongside the memory-impaired on this unexpected journey. Our unique approach to memory care is called Lavender Sky, which is how we thoughtfully enter, embrace and explore the entirely different and isolating world of memory loss.

Before the resident joins our community, we take the time to get to know them through interviews with their family members to learn about their history, vocation, talents and preferences. We then use this knowledge to help us design an individualized care plan that takes all of this into consideration.

Every aspect of our memory care is designed to address the needs of our residents including 24/7 compassionate Care Mangers, wellness programs and activities that will stimulate and calm as needed. In addition, our Reflections Neighborhood provides daily health monitoring, assistance with meals prepared by our Executive Chef, scheduled outings and special events.

Our memory care suites accommodate a resident’s own furniture and mementos so they are sure to feel right at home. For residents’ safety, suites are equipped with handicapped-accessible bathrooms and emergency call systems. Please contact us or visit our website to learn more about MorningStar and our community in Peoria, Arizona.

MorningStar is guided by a culture rooted in our mission of honoring God, valuing seniors, and investing in our team, which allows us to deliver services with warmth, sincerity and depth of purpose. We have built a reputation for creating homes filled with an atmosphere of love and community. Contact us for more information about the finest senior living in Peoria, Arizona.

Maintain Flexibility Through Stretching Exercises

Health professionals say it is important to incorporate stretching exercises into your routine, especially the older we get as our flexibility naturally decreases. As joints become stiff, and tendons and ligaments tighten up, we become more susceptible to injuries as well as chronic pain and poor posture. In fact, studies show men’s flexibility drops sharply at around 70 years of age.

Stretching exercises are easy to learn, relatively easy to do, and should not take more than five to ten minutes. Urvashi Chogle, a physical therapist at Harvard-affiliated Spaulding Rehabilitation Network, says the shoulders, hips, knees, and spine lose the most flexibility. He explains, "This makes many everyday movements more difficult, such as reaching overhead, squatting, twisting, and bending over."

Of course before you begin any new stretching exercises, you need to consult with your healthcare provider. He or she may have suggestions on how to safely get started or direct you to your local community senior center or other organizations for classes. Additionally, the Internet has a lot of information on how seniors can improve their flexibility with stretching exercises done in a chair, standing up, or if you can, on the floor. Regardless of your level of fitness, these exercises should help improve your range of motion, flexibility and joint stiffness.

At MorningStar at Golden Ridge, memory care we offer two-bedroom Casitas for independent living along with assisted living suites in a range of floor plans including studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom configurations. Amenities include chef-inspired meals, restaurant-style dining, fitness centers, bistro bar, theater/chapel, swimming pool, life enrichment area and more. In addition, we offer a range of wellness programs and activities designed to promote a healthy, engaged lifestyle. For more information about outstanding senior living in Peoria, AZ, please visit our website.

MorningStar takes tremendous pride in the reputation we have earned for excellence and authenticity since our inception in 2003. We believe the human capacity to grow, to learn and to contribute is ageless; and we act upon that truth daily, as we care for, inspire, and love the residents under our roof. Contact us to learn more about the finest independent and assisted living in Peoria, Arizona.

Source: health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/a-plan-for-easy-stretching

MorningStar at Golden Ridge Offers Casitas for Independent Living

If you are looking for independent living in the Phoenix area, we encourage you to consider MorningStar Senior Living at Golden Ridge in Peoria. Offering stress-free living and a refreshing change of lifestyle, Golden Ridge has it all. With 38 Casitas for independent living, we provide seniors with carefree, comfortable retirement years.

Independent living provides seniors with a range of benefits including predictable monthly budgeting, activities and programming, and tasty meals they no longer need to cook as well as built-in companionship. Also, we take care of all the maintenance, both inside and out, and offer housekeeping, which allows our residents plenty of time to pursue their interests.

The Casitas, structured as quadraplexes, are tucked in their own private neighborhood on our campus with a clubhouse, fitness center and saline swimming pool and hot tub. Two floor plans are offered; both have two bedrooms and an attached garage. The Casitas offer a contemporary design with premium upgrades such as high-quality stainless-steel appliances and quartz countertops. And in case you were wondering, MorningStar is pet friendly!


In addition, Casita residents can take full advantage of all the amenities and programs offered in our nearby assisted living building with its beautifully appointed, warm and inviting common areas. A look at our monthly calendar shows a full range of activities including exercise classes, crafts, games of all sorts, lectures, movies and social gatherings such as happy hours. When you visit our website, be sure to look at our Virtual Tour and Interior Showcase for a community map, list of amenities, floor plans and photos.

Also, with priority access to MorningStar’s nearby assisted living and memory care suites, you have the security of knowing additional care is right next door if you should ever need it. If all this sounds good to you, please contact us or visit our website for more information.

MorningStar has considered it a privilege and responsibility to “cast a new light” on senior living, inspired and empowered by our unique mission: to honor, to value, to invest. Our passionate commitment to serving seniors has proudly earned us a reputation for satisfaction that is second to none. Please contact us to learn more about the finest independent and assisted living in Peoria, Arizona.

Assisted Living Enhances Independence with Care and Support

For many families, assisted living is a new concept and they don’t know if it would meet their loved one’s needs. While services may depend on where you live, there are similarities regardless of your zip code. The first thing families should understand is assisted living is not skilled nursing care but rather intended for seniors who require a “helping hand” with daily care activities. Seniors need to understand assisted living does not take away their independence but rather enhances it.

Assisted living offers an environment to safely age in place while receiving an array of senior care services, companionship and programs to improve quality of life. Communities typically are maintenance-free and provide meals and scheduled transportation to medical appointments or trips to area shopping and restaurants.

Another big benefit to assisted living is the resident no longer feels like a burden to their family. Now when a son or daughter comes for a visit, it is just that. There isn’t a list of chores to do or the need to help with personal care or meal prep but time can be spent enjoying one another.

When you are searching for assisted living, one of the services listed should include help with the ADLs (activities of daily living). ADLs include things like medication management, bathing, dressing, grooming, transference (help getting in and out of bed to wheelchair, walker etc.) As an incoming resident, your loved one’s level of care will be based on the ADLs to create a Personalized Care Plan.

At MorningStar at Golden Ridge, our assisted living residents enjoy a lifestyle of comfort, wellness and community with luxury amenities, hospitality and care services, wellness programs and activities. Amenities include a bistro, fitness center, theater/chapel, salon, library and relaxing outdoor areas. Please contact us or visit our website for more information about our community, inquire about availability and to schedule a tour.

MorningStar at Golden Ridge’s foundation is based on the mission to honor God, value seniors and invest in our staff to create a unique senior living experience. Set in a warm, loving atmosphere with beautiful surroundings and luxury amenities, we provide the finest independent living, assisted living and memory care in Peoria, Arizona. Contact us or visit our website to learn more.

Seniors Say the Number One Benefit of Pet Ownership is Unconditional Love

Study after study reports elderly people who are pet owners, say they are the better for it. According to a Forbes magazine article, the number one benefit pets provide older adults with is “unconditional love.” A whopping 83% of surveyed participants agree, and another 73% said their pet makes them feel loved. The good feelings pets give to seniors were even high in those who live with others.

Other surveys of seniors found pets gave them a sense of purpose. Others said they derived joy just from interacting with a pet even if they didn’t own it. Some seniors expressed that they enjoy having a pet visit their home or interacting with one while visiting family or friends.

In terms of what animals were most popular, dogs were a somewhat higher choice than cats; but some seniors had both. Experts say most people other than someone with very limited mobility can become dog owners. However, before you make a commitment to a dog; it makes sense to research breeds that do not require a lot of exercise. To this end, it might be better to adopt an older dog rather than try to raise a puppy. Smaller dogs are generally considered easier and there are several breeds known to be low-maintenance, easy to train and only require a daily walk.

By their nature and their needs, cats are typically much easier than dogs. They are wonderful companions and don’t need to be walked. If you dislike the idea of pet hair around the house, opt for a short-haired cat. Most cats are pretty independent, can live inside, and are quieter than dogs. Generally they only need to interact with their owners twenty or thirty minutes a day. Other pets suitable for seniors are birds, reptiles and fish.

Sometimes being a pet owner is one of the things that make older adults reluctant to move to a senior living community. At MorningStar at Golden Ridge, we know seniors do not want to leave behind their furry friend so we welcome pets.

MorningStar assisted living provides residents with a comfortable, inviting home where they can age in place. Our services, amenities and wellness programs are all geared toward accomplishing this. Residents also receive the often-overlooked benefit of community living, built-in companionship. Please contact our team to inquire about availability, pricing or to set up a tour.

MorningStar takes tremendous pride in the reputation we have earned for excellence and authenticity since our inception in 2003. We believe the human capacity to grow, to learn and to contribute is ageless; and we act upon that truth daily, as we care for, inspire, and love the residents under our roof. Contact us to learn more about the finest independent living in Peoria, Arizona.

The Impact of Alzheimer's Disease on Family Members

The Alzheimer’s Association explains Alzheimer’s is a disease that not only affects the individual but robs family members of their loved one. As the disease progresses, it takes away more and more of the person and the family begins to mourn the loss. While grief has different phases including denial, anger, guilt, sadness and acceptance in no particular order; universally shared by most families is unease about what the future holds and what to expect next.

Hope is a powerful human emotion so denying the disease is a coping mechanism for some as they try to convince themselves their loved one will get better or not reach the level of devastation experienced by many suffering from the disease. Others may refuse to recognize the changed behavior and make excuses for it.

Spouses and significant others may experience anger as they feel abandoned by the person and frustrated at their inability to do anything about it. They may also feel resentment and overwhelmed by caregiving duties but experts say it is important to be honest with yourself. Recognize you need more support and ask for it.

Other feelings of grief include guilt. A person may worry they have not done enough or are not visiting often enough. While unrealistic, spouses may feel guilty they are still able to enjoy life while their wife or husband is no longer able. If a caregiver is not getting enough support, they may even experience thoughts about wishing the person would die or go away. The Alzheimer’s Association says it is important to get the help and support you need and to accept your feelings and remember grief is part of the journey.

At MorningStar at Golden Ridge, senior living, we understand the devastation families feel when they get a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease. We know the path going forward is unplanned for, and we consider it our privilege – our calling to walk alongside the memory-impaired and their family on their unexpected journey. MorningStar offers experienced, compassionate care for those in the early onset of Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related diseases right through to the most advanced stages.

The Reflections Neighborhood at MorningStar is unique from many other senior living communities as it is specifically designed to cater to the specialized needs of those suffering from memory impairment. We provide our tender residents a safe, comforting physical environment, trained caregivers, daily health monitoring, meaningful activities, wellness programs, community meals and more. Please contact us or visit our website for more information about our trusted assisted living in Peoria, Arizona.

MorningStar is guided by a culture rooted in our mission of honoring God, valuing seniors, and investing in our team, which allows us to deliver services with warmth, sincerity and depth of purpose. We have built a reputation for creating homes filled with an atmosphere of love and community. Please contact us to learn more about the finest senior living in Peoria, Arizona.

Salt Substitutes May Lower Stroke Risk

The Centers of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that 795,000 people experience a stroke annually, and someone dies of a stroke nearly every 3 minutes. Furthermore, almost one in four strokes is from individuals who have already had a stroke. With numbers this high, it makes stroke prevention and mitigating the harm to patients and their families critical.

The journal, JAMA Cardiology, published the results of a study linking replacing regular salt with a potassium-enriched salt. They explained the substitute could be a low-cost, safe, and effective stroke intervention. The study found a significant 14% reduction in recurrent stroke rates and a 21% decrease in stroke-related deaths for persons using a salt substitute as compared to regular table salt. Backing up these results, the World Health Organization (WHO) says there is evidence to support the role of salt substitutes in promoting vascular health.

Potassium-enriched salts are a combination of sodium salt and potassium salt. However, experts say to talk to your doctor about certain medications and those with kidney disease or reduced kidney function need to be careful with potassium intake and should not use potassium-enriched salt substitutes.

If you want to reduce your salt intake altogether, you can season your food with herbs and spices. Especially flavorful are herbs like oregano, rosemary, thyme, chives and basil or spices such as cinnamon, turmeric and ginger. Also, look for foods listed as “no salt” or low-sodium options. Cooking at home using fresh, whole foods is healthier as it lets you control the amount of sodium; and is much better than eating highly processed foods. Other ways to reduce your risk of stroke is to watch your weight, exercise and avoid smoking and excess alcohol consumption.

At MorningStar at Golden Ridge, we offer nutritious meals created by our Executive Chef using mainly fresh foods and served all day in our full-service dining room. Residents have the opportunity to self-manage dietary restrictions with choices of low sodium, sugar free, no sugar added, vegetarian, low fat, gluten free and dairy free options. Our beautiful community has two-bedroom Casitas for independent living along with assisted living suites in a variety of floor plans. In addition, our distinct Reflections Neighborhood provides holistic, compassionate care for those living with memory impairment diseases. Contact us or visit our website for more information.

MorningStar has considered it a privilege and responsibility to “cast a new light” on senior living, inspired and empowered by our unique mission: to honor, to value, to invest. Our passionate commitment to serving seniors has proudly earned us a reputation for satisfaction that is second to none. Please contact us to learn more about the finest independent and assisted living in Peoria, Arizona.

Source: medicalnewstoday.com/articles/potassium-enriched-salt-substitutes-tied-to-lower-stroke-related-risks?