Things You Should Know About Senior Arthritis

 Arthritis is the leading cause of disability amongst adults in the United States. The condition is more common in elderly people over the age of 65. To elaborate on the term “arthritis,” it basically describes a disease that leads to painful inflammation and stiffness of the joints. In total, there are over 100 types of arthritis, each having its own symptoms, causes and treatments. However, this blog aims to discuss the most common kinds of arthritis for older adults- osteoarthritis (OA), gout, and rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

Osteoarthritis (OA) - Symptoms include pain or aching, stiffness, swelling of joints, and reduced flexibility. Medications can help relieve your pain. The option of surgery to replace joints is also there, only if the damage by OA is severe.

Gout- Symptoms include severe pain, swelling, redness, and heat. Men who are obese with health conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes, poor kidney function are more at risk to experience this kind of arthritis. Cure mainly includes changing one’s diet and physical activity with medications.

Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) – Symptoms include weight loss and fatigue, pain and stiffness in more than one joint, swelling in more than one joint, and fever. This kind mostly occurs in women who are over the age of 60. The risk factors include obesity and smoking (exposure to smokers). The disease is mainly managed with medications, and by working on diet, exercise, and sleep.

Best exercises for older adults with arthritis:

Do whatever exercise gives you happiness, however, it is best to discuss your exercise plan with your doctor if you have a chronic condition like arthritis. Exercises like swimming, yoga, resistance band workouts, and walking are some of the best bets, which, with time, can significantly reduce pain and increase flexibility and strength.

The condition affects one and all, from seniors to children, teenagers, and young adults. If left untreated, the condition can interfere with one’s usual day-to-day activities. This highlights the importance of consulting a doctor the moment you notice arthritis symptoms to prevent the condition from worsening.

In order to treat arthritis effectively, the first step is proper diagnosis as there are so many types; it’s best to consult with a rheumatologist to find out if you have arthritis, and if so, what kind, and work out a treatment plan to follow; although arthritis isn’t curable, healthy lifestyle habits including exercising regularly, avoiding smoking, reducing the stress in your life, and getting adequate sleep can help you better cope with the symptoms of the condition; last, but not the least consult your doctor in order to find the safest and most effective treatment.

If you have a loved one dealing with arthritis and is in need of home health care services, Charlotte NC, get in touch with Aroga Home Care Services and see how we’ve changed the world of living with assistance. We match home care professionals with clients that need care.

For more details check out: https://www.arogahomecare.com/

Keep Alzheimer’s At Bay By Including These Foods In Your Diet

 Time and again we’ve heard that diet plays a huge role in maintaining our physical health. For example, consuming fast or junk food in excess can increase our bad LDL cholesterol, lead to diseases like diabetes and heart disease, and generally make us feel lethargic. It’s not just our physical health, diet & nutrition and our brain & neurological health as well are closely connected. Eating unhealthy foods can lead to an increased risk of certain neurological disorders, such as Alzheimer’s disease. At the same time, there are certain foods eating which might actually reduce these risks and keep the brain healthy. This blog aims to discuss those super foods for your brain health.

Studies have linked eating certain foods or following a certain eating pattern like the Mediterranean diet with a reduced risk of dementia. A Mediterranean diet includes fish, olive oil, avocados, vegetables, fruits, whole grains, beans and red wine in moderation (while laying emphasis on limiting your intake of red meat, processed products and baked goods) - all brain-healthy stuff. Eating healthily, maintaining a healthy weight, and exercising regularly are integral to preventing Alzheimer’s in yourself and your loved ones.

Here are the top foods to prevent Alzheimer’s and stay healthy as you age:

Leafy greens- Leafy greens including kale, collard greens, spinach, and Swiss chard contain high concentrations of essential vitamins, minerals, and nutrients that can help manage stress and reduce depression, while also boosting cognition. They’re a great source of B vitamins, folate, and iron that have been linked to a reduced risk of developing Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia.

Berries- All types of berries including raspberries, blueberries, blackberries, and cherries are great sources of powerful antioxidants that can help maintain good brain health and even improve cognition. Besides antioxidants, berries are also packed with a wealth of vitamins that your body requires to keep neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s at bay.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids- Olive oil, flax seeds, nuts, china seeds, fattier fish, like salmon and trout, are high in brain-boosting omega-3 fatty acids. Studies have proven the efficacy of omega-3s in fighting and preventing dementia. Omega-3s also improve overall brain health, reduce inflammation and reduce the risk of heart disease.

Other valuable foods include

1.   Cinnamon

2.   Turmeric

3.   Beans

4.   Nuts

5.   Cruciferous vegetables (broccoli, cauliflower and Brussels sprouts)

6.   Whole grains (quinoa, oats, brown rice, barley, whole grain bread, whole grain cereals, whole grain pasta)

Remember eating healthy and exercising regularly is an integral part of elder care, Charlotte. It’s advisable that you learn more about things that can increase your or your loved one’s risk of developing Alzheimer’s and do what you can to lower that risk.

For more details check out: https://www.arogahomecare.com/