MorningStar

The last several years have brought probiotics and prebiotics into the spotlight. However, it can be confusing as to what the difference is between the two and the role they play in our bodies. Experts say both are important to our health; probiotics are beneficial bacteria, while prebiotics are food for these bacteria. In other words, “Probiotics are live bacteria found in certain foods or supplements and can provide numerous health benefits. Prebiotics are substances from types of carbs (mostly fiber) that humans can’t digest. The beneficial bacteria in your gut eat this fiber.” The Harvard Medical School explains that our large intestine has 100 trillion good bacteria essential to our health called microbiome. These good microbes help maintain healthy bowel function. Each person has their own unique microbiome from birth and we add to the good microbes by the food we consume. However, a diet high in sugar and fat can negatively affect gut health by encouraging the growth of bad bact...

Physical therapy is used to help people regain physical function and movement from conditions that affect muscles, ligaments, tendons, or bones. Your healthcare provider may refer you to a Physical Therapist (PT) when pain medications are no longer working and you still feel pain; or if you have had surgery and need help with healing. A PT creates a personalized treatment plan for a patient that is designed to reduce pain as well as manage an injury, surgery or chronic illness. The plan utilizes exercises and manual therapy that speeds up healing and recovery which allows the patient to regain function and an improved quality of life. Like visiting any doctor, it is helpful for you as the patient to think about how your condition affects your daily life and what you hope to get out of your physical therapy sessions before your first appointment. Experts say being prepared not only helps you get more benefit from therapy but can assist your therapist in establishing a treatment plan bas...

While many hospital stays are planned, older adults are more likely to require an unexpected trip to the hospital. When you have the luxury of time, it is easy to get prepared with the necessary information a parent needs when admitted to the hospital. It can be a different story if the trip is sudden. Medical experts say to ensure a loved one gets the proper care, it is important to see to it that the hospital has a complete medical history. Notes and documents can be completed and gathered now then updated as health changes occur. For starters, the hospital will want a “next of kin” contact for the patient so decide beforehand who that will be. Now go through the list of medications your parents take and make sure they are all together in one location. In the event of a medical emergency, you will be able to bring all their medications with you to ensure the hospital knows the most up-to-date medications and dosages. Another thing to gather information on regards your parents’ pre-...

Vonetta Dotson, PhD, chief of neuropsychology at Brigham & Women’s Hospital, author of Keep Your Wits About You: The Science of Brain Maintenance as You Age and founder and CEO of CerebroFit Integrated Brain Health, says, “engaging in hobbies is one of the best ways to keep your brain healthy,” A hobby like painting or drawing, playing an instrument or doing crosswords puzzle can help strengthen our brain’s ability to adapt and build new connections. Moreover, as one of the pillars of healthy aging is to manage stress, hobbies are good at that. People can relax, feel happier, and as studies show, reduce stress hormones such as cortisol, which contribute to anxiety and perhaps even cognitive decline. A pleasurable hobby releases brain chemicals such as dopamine and serotonin that are linked to feelings of happiness and well-being. Retirement is a great time to learn new hobbies as well. Margaret Rice, PhD, professor in the departments of neurosurgery and neuroscience at the NYU Gro...

The Harvard Health Publishing journal reported on a study focused on the effectiveness of music therapy. The study found listening to music, singing and other forms of music therapy “can create significant improvements in mental health and smaller improvements in physical health–related quality of life.” Researchers sum it up by saying music offers a positive impact on the psychological quality of life; and is an easy way to raise spirits and help us feel better. So if we feel music makes us happier and more relaxed, it is not our imagination. AARP quotes Laurie Keough, a clinical associate professor of music therapy at Nazareth College in Rochester, New York, who explains, “Music is processed all throughout the brain;” which is why it is applicable in so many different situations. Music therapy is an established form of therapy with a lot of evidence of the benefits. These include improving health care goals like decreasing anxiety, improving mood and decreasing pain perception amo...

According to AARP there are things family members can do to help a loved one live their best life with coronary heart disease. They quote Vinoy Prasad, M.D., director of interventional cardiology and cardiac rehabilitation at Loma Linda University International Heart Institute in California, who explains after a crisis like a heart attack, “People who have a lot of support from their family actually recover better, they recover faster, and they do better long term.” Coronary artery diseases include atherosclerosis, which doctors say is a buildup of plaque in the arteries and is the most common cause of heart disease. Plaque builds up in the arteries over years, and as the condition progresses, it can result in a complete blockage and produce a blood clot. High cholesterol, smoking, obesity, diabetes and family history are linked to the disease. Other less common causes of coronary disease include non-obstructive coronary artery disease that damages artery linings and restricts blood f...

At MorningStar at Mountain Shadows, we value seniors and are honored to make their lives a little easier with assisted living and memory care Colorado Springs’ seniors and their families can count on. As one of the distinguishing hallmarks of MorningStar, we believe humility and kindness are key to healthy relationships—including with our team members, residents and their families. The guiding principles we use to dispense services are embodied in Radiance, which is much more than a customer service program. Rather it is a mindset of service excellence we use to build a culture of high character, and is taught to all MorningStar team members. MorningStar’s mission is founded on the principles to honor God in our business practices and relationships, value all seniors as gifted and contributing individuals, and invest generously in our team’s ability to serve well. While we believe senior care is reason enough to be inspired and motivated; at MorningStar, we are committed to doing more....

Looking to sell your home but do not want to invest in pricey remodeling? For many seniors, their house is already paid off and they are just looking for an easy sale. The following inexpensive upgrades can add value to help update a home. Realtors bring an experienced eye to knowing how to make an older home an easier sale without spending thousands and offer ideas on affordable projects (typically under $500) that yield results and are easy-to-do. One of the first suggestions is to paint the front door a nice accent color to the exterior. The job only requires a small amount of paint and some time. Also, you may get away without painting the entire exterior of the home by touching up areas that are peeling or looking particularly old. Most of us have heard the word “curb appeal” and realtors say it really does matter. Abbey Drummond of Windermere Real Estate in Salt Lake City, Utah, explains prospective buyers can be put off by the look of the home even before they go inside. She say...

If a loved one is living with Alzheimer’s disease or another form of dementia, at some point, you may require professional help. The number one concern at a memory care community is to ensure the safety of the person as many of the disease’s symptoms place the person more at risk for accidents and other mishaps. Forgetfulness and confusion are some of the most recognizable signs of Alzheimer’s disease and can cause problems like forgetting to turn off a stove, getting lost in familiar areas or wandering. Other common issues in the early stages of the disease include vision/spatial issues and impaired reasoning and judgment, problem solving and difficulty in completing everyday tasks. Retirement communities are equipped to provide a safe, stable residential environment for seniors with memory impairment as well as providing meaningful activities to keep the person engaged. At most communities, the staff receive extensive training and information regarding the disease to better treat a...

When a couple’s health experiences are different, and one is healthier than the other, that person may assume the role of caregiver. As time evolves, the needs of the chronically ill spouse may become more complex and require daily care. This can be difficult for the healthier spouse, and even impact his/her own health and well-being. To ensure both parties have an opportunity for the best quality of life; a senior living community offering assisted living services may be the answer. While leaving a family home and transitioning to community life is a big change, the transition is easier for the person with a spouse or partner by their side. Marissa Kirby, NHA, CHC, CHPC, and vice president of compliance at NEWGEN HEALTH, LLC, explains, “In many cases, particularly when a couple has been married for many years, the ability to live together can make or break their decision on whether or not to move to an assisted living facility.” Many retirement communities like MorningStar of Wheat Ri...

We know balance exercises protect older adults’ safety and stability by preventing falls as well as helping maintain independence. The Harvard Medical School explains keeping arm strength should also be a goal for seniors. The fact is as early as our mid-thirties, arm strength and overall muscles start to decline and continue to do so around one percent each year thereafter. Once we reach our sixties, experts say arm strength is declining by as much as 3 percent each year, and not only reduces our range of motion but increases our risk for injuries. Functional strength improves quality of life, and having a strong upper body is important. Maintaining and/or building up arm strength benefits our bones and balance as well as prevents falls. Experts point to two important muscles that control our arm movements: biceps, the muscles located on the upper arm; and triceps, the muscles at the back of the upper arm. Both sets of muscles help us lift, carry and push. Improving arm strength is ea...

It is no secret that aging brings with it changes many of us experience including not being as sharp as we were when younger. Many seniors say they find it more difficult to multitask, have trouble recalling names and finding the right word. Some complain about a decline in their ability to concentrate, absorb, process, and remember new information. On the positive side, the National Institute on Aging (NIA) says studies have found various strengths of seniors such as having a wider vocabulary and a greater depth of understanding of the meaning of words than younger adults. Moreover, most are capable of learning new skills (it may take longer), and forming new memories. Another advantage older adults have over their younger counterparts is a wealth of life experience and accumulated knowledge. However, researchers are trying to figure out why some seniors stay cognitively healthy longer than others, and if our lifestyle habits protect our brains as we age. For now evidence shows certai...

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 it 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 don’t 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-diagnose.” Dr. Danielle K. Miller, DNP, MSN, BSN, RN, Founder of The Pivot Nurse, Inc., explains this can cause a bias with the doctor and potentially waste time going down the wrong path. Instead, be ready to tell the doctor about your symptoms, wh...

Often families are caught unaware when an aging parent has a fall or another event that immediately indicates they need more assistance in their daily life. You many feel like a neglectful son or daughter for not noticing the changes happening before your eyes, but many seniors routinely deny they need help as they fear losing their independence. Experts cite several common signs that may indicate a parent needs more assistance, including changes in the way they live. For instance, if your mom was always a good housekeeper, and now her home is looking un-kept, or your dad who always took pride in his appearance, now looks as if he is not bathing regularly. Significant weight loss may also mean a senior is not eating well and/or having trouble preparing meals. Watch for signs your parent is having trouble walking or appears unsteady and is having difficulty getting up from a seated position. Other changes are signs of confusion or uncertainty performing familiar tasks. A dangerous ...

Experts report “at least half of those over age 65 say they are more forgetful than they were when they were younger, experiencing ‘senior moments’ of things like where they put things or recalling somebody’s name.” While several studies show as many as 40 percent of seniors suffer from some level of memory loss, this doesn’t necessarily mean Alzheimer’s disease or another form of dementia. Doctors say we need to remember Alzheimer’s is not a normal part of aging, and there are some characteristics which separate age-related memory loss from dementia. One example is forgetting how to program your remote control or operate a piece of machinery after not doing it for a while. They stress this is common and typically not a cause for concern but forgetting how to get home or perform routine tasks may be a sign of a bigger problem. Another symptom of Alzheimer’s or other memory loss diseases is forgetting what an object is used for or what it is. Someone with Alzheimer’s can forget they wea...

The Medical News Today published an article from Gut Microbes Reports, which suggests “that not only did the Mediterranean diet change gut microbiota and improve serum lipid levels; it also improved memory and cognition.” The study reported a link between improved memory and learning after “participants” followed a Mediterranean diet, which emphasizes plants, whole grains and healthy fats. The 20 week study’s participants were 10-week-old rats who half were fed a traditional Western diet and the other half a Mediterranean diet. Researchers say at the end of the study, rats fed a Mediterranean diet had better cognitive flexibility and improved aspects of spatial reference and working memory. The improvements correlated with a healthier gut microbiota. Scott Kaiser, MD, a board-certified geriatrician at Providence Saint John’s Health Center in Santa Monica, CA, who was not involved in this study, told Medical News Today: “A growing body of evidence clearly supports a strong correlation...

If you or a loved one is experiencing troubling memory problems, it is important to see your healthcare provider. While there is no cure for Alzheimer’s or other dementia-related diseases, there are steps you can take to mitigate or delay the onset of the disease. The Alzheimer’s Association explains, “Physicians and other medical professionals are a central part of the care team of a person living with dementia. Along with other members — which may include family, friends or others — they work to provide support throughout the course of the disease.” Therefore, one of the best ways to ensure optimal care is to honestly communicate with your physician. To establish a good relationship with the doctor, a person or family member should take some time to prepare for the visit. Helpful tips from the Alzheimer’s Association include: Document any changes in your health, including your mood, memory and behaviors. Make a note of any changes you’ve noticed since your last appointment. Create a...

It seems as if every day the market offers more and more tech devices, gadgets and mobility aids designed to keep older adults moving and give them as independent a lifestyle as possible. Mobility aids include everything from canes and walkers to fall prevention items, wheelchairs, personal scooters, powered wheelchairs, transfer devices and more. The range of products is huge as in the example of walkers. While there are two basic types, standard or rolling (sometimes called rollators); the selection is varied and includes many options and add-ons such as seats and storage baskets. Technology devices include a variety of products like health monitoring systems and cognitive aids to keep seniors safer and more connected. Today’s SOS alerts systems and fall detectors enable seniors to get help when and where they need it. Amplification devices make it easier to hear the TV, and phones are designed to be easy to use and see. Electronic medication reminders help seniors stay on track wi...

As we age, our knees take a beating. We use them to walk, stand and climb stairs, and they are used when we get up from a sitting or lying position. When our knees hurt, everyday tasks are harder to do. Chronic knee pain is often a form of arthritis that occurs when the cushioning cartilage protecting the knee joints starts to wear down. As more cartilage wears away, the space between the bones narrows resulting in bone rubbing against bone. Knee arthritis is a deteriorating condition, and in addition to pain, can cause deformities such as knock knees or bowlegs. Experts explain there are three forms of arthritis that affect the knee. The first is a degenerative joint disease called osteoarthritis; another is the autoimmune disease known as rheumatoid arthritis; and finally post-traumatic knee arthritis that happens with a history of injury or trauma. Factors increasing your risk for knee arthritis include the wear and tear that comes from age, being overweight, heredity, gender, and...

Amino acids are the building blocks of protein and are critical for good health. They provide our energy and maintain healthy skin and hair, build muscles, and boost our immune system among others. The body needs twenty amino acids, of which; nine are called essential amino acids and are not manufactured in our bodies but provided through diet. These are histidine, isoleucine, leucine, lysine, methionine, phenylalanine, threonine, tryptophan, and valine. Foods that contain all of the essential amino acids are known as complete proteins and are found in a variety of foods including red meat, chicken, fish, eggs, milk, yogurt, cheese, tofu, quinoa, chia seeds and buckwheat. Experts explain animal proteins are the most easily absorbed and used by the body. Foods that contain some of the essential amino acids are referred to as incomplete proteins and include things like nuts, seeds and beans, some grains, and fruits and vegetables. If you do not eat animal foods, you should eat a large va...