Many Seniors with Hypertension

50% of senior citizens may have hypertension
Hypertension is commonly known as high blood pressure.

Blood pressure is the force generated as the heart pumps blood in the blood vessels.

The two values measured by the sphygmomanometer or blood pressure apparatus are the systolic and diastolic blood pressures which represent heart’s contraction and relaxation, respectively.

Hypertension is defined as a condition where sustained systolic blood pressure is greater than or equal to 140 millimeter mercury (mmHg) and/or the diastolic blood pressure is greater than or equal to 90 millimeter mercury (mmHg) by the Joint National Committee on Detection and Treatment of High Blood Pressure.

Based on the results of the 7th National Nutrition Survey conducted by the Food and Nutrition Research Institute of the Department of Science and Technology in 2008, hypertension was found to be common among the elderly, affecting about 5 in every 10.

Most elderly with elevated high blood pressure have the so called “isolated” hypertension, a common form of hypertension among elderly.

Isolated hypertension is defined as systolic BP above 140 mmHg and diastolic BP below 90 mmHg, where there is a significant increase of collagen deposition and cross-linking, degeneration of elastin fibers, atherosclerotic changes, and age-related endothelial dysfunction, according to the Merck Manual of Geriatrics in 2005.

Isolated hypertension was evident among those 60 years and older in the recent FNRI-DOST survey, wherein the systolic BP increased rapidly while there was a declined in the diastolic BP towards that age group.

The FNRI-DOST survey further revealed that elderly people were 12 times more at-risk of developing hypertension compared to younger individuals based on the study led by Duante in 2001.

Comparing the prevalence of hypertension from 2003 to 2008, there was an increase in the proportion of elderly 60- 69 years identified with hypertension from 45.8 percent in 2003 to 48.9 percent in 2008. The prevalence of hypertension among the 70 years and over elderly adults decreased from 56.0 percent in 2003 to 53.5 percent in 2008.

Meanwhile, the 2003 NNS considered previous medical diagnosis of hypertension by a doctor or a nurse or whether the subjects were taking anti-hypertensive medications or not during the time of survey. This is because subjects may have normal BP measurements when they are taking anti-hypertensive drugs.

The results showed that hypertension was prevalent among elderly women 60 years and older than elderly male counterparts, affecting about 57 percent and 50 percent respectively.

The report implies that elderly people need proper care and attention in as much as prevention is important to curtail the development of chronic degenerative diseases later in life.*

For more information contact Senior Solutions at (954) 456-8984 or toll free at 1-800-213-3524

Jane Fonda Back Again with Senior Exercise Videos

Jane Fonda's new workout for the elderly

Tuesday, 14 September , 2010, 13:34

Veteran actress and fitness expert Jane Fonda has released two new exercise videos aimed at elderly people.

Both the videos - Walk Out and Fit and Strong will be released in November, and promise to help seniors lose weight and build strength through low impact exercise, reports dailymail.co.uk.

"I'm very excited to be back in the fitness business. I know from experience and from my research how critical it is for seniors to be physically active. Even if they've never exercised in their lives, now is the time and my programs are a good, safe way to do it," said Fonda.

The 72-year-old is herself hale and hearty all thanks to a healthy lifestyle.

"If I don't stay active my body stops functioning. I'm careful about how I eat. I stay active. I walk a lot. I have good genes - and money," she said.


For more information contact Senior Solutions at (954) 456-8984 or toll free at 1-800-213-3524

Wii Bowling for Seniors is Exercise

BRIGANTINE-- With both matching shirts and their game faces on The "Hot Pins" are here to win. "We've got a good team of players, a lot of good players," said bowler Ruth Martin.

The two teams of four senior citizens were all business as they grabbed their controllers and took aim in a Nintendo Wii bowling competition at the Brigantine Civic Center.

"We think we're doing really well and they take it very seriously. We did a whole bunch of practice weeks to start," said Linda Nace, Senior Site Manager. It's all to prepare for a contest sponsored by the National Senior League. However, before the team could compete they said they had some learning to do.

"We seem to know which buttons to push now which we didn't know in the beginning," said Nace. Part of the preparation, before taking to the virtual lanes, was to create their own Nintendo Wii characters.

"They made mine up. I have little blonde hair and a little face," said bowler Laura Bauder. It looks like a lot of fun but it's all-apart of a competition with 300 sites competing in 24 states. This team even has a coach.

"I keep track of the scores, strikes, spares during the competition. I had to help them learn the game," said coach, and high school freshman, Joe DiBuonaventura.

Once a week the team's coach will keep scores and submit them online. The competition is in its third week and runs for close to 2 months. While the "Hot Pins" say competition heats up, it's actually all just about staying active. "Its exercise, you're moving your arms," said Bauder.

They say there is no "I" in this team, and support every bowler. "One doesn't do good the next time they do better," Bauder. The "Hot Pins" maybe on a hot streak they say they are also having some fun.

"We have a great time yeah. Especially when we make a strike, everybody dances," said Bauder. "They're all thinking they are getting a banquet at the end and I am sure we'll set something up," said Nace.

The teams at the Brigantine Civic Center are the only Atlantic County contestants. They're playing competitors from as far away as Florida and California. The top teams from each conference will advance to the Open Bowl playoffs.

For more information contact Senior Solutions at (954) 456-8984 or toll free at 1-800-213-3524

Company Announces Parkinson's Breakthrough

Rexahn Pharmaceuticals.Rexahn’s goal is to be a world-class biopharmaceutical company developing and delivering novel cures for cancer and disorders of the central nervous system (CNS) to patients worldwide. Leveraging a powerful, multi-faceted discovery engine consisting of small signaling molecule discovery, computational modeling and nanotechnology-based drug targeting and delivery, we believe that we are well on our way to achieving our goal.
CLICK HERE FOR FULL ANLAYSIS OF REXAHN PHARMACEUTICALS
Tuesday, September 21, 2010

Rexahn says study shows neuroprotective effects of clavulanic acid, main ingredient in Seradaxin drug

Clinical stage pharma company Rexahn Pharmaceuticals (NYSE Amex: RNN) said Tuesday that a published Drug Development Research article indicates that clavulanic acid, the active ingredient of the company's lead central nervous system drug Seradaxin, protects neurons from brain damage associated with neurodegnerative disease.

In the study, rodents that were exposed to different neurotoxins, were administered with clavulanic acid, which protected neurons in the hippocampus and dopaminergic regions of the brain that are critical in Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease, respectively.

"The exciting neuronal protective properties of clavulanic acid make it a highly promising treatment for neuronal cell death diseases like Parkinson's and Alzheimer's," said Rexahn CEO Chang Ahn.

Parkinson's disease afflicts five million people worldwide, and with the aging of the baby boom generation, that population is expected to double by 2030.

According to the Alzheimer's Association, by 2050, the number of Americans aged 65 and older with Alzheimer's is projected to reach between 11 million and 16 million, unless medical breakthroughs can prevent or more effectively treat the disease.

Currently, Alzheimer's and Parkinson's therapies only provide symptomatic relief.

"Clavulanic acid has breakthrough potential of shielding the brain cell survival mechanisms, rather than fighting one-by-one the multitude of triggers that can activate the cell death mechanisms common in Alzheimer's and Parkinson's," added Ahn.

Alzheimer's has at least five major triggers, while Parkinson's has three major dysfunctioning mechanisms. Rather than intercepting and fighting each trigger, clavulanic acid has shown to broadly protect brain cell mechanisms.

Rexahn develops and commercializes therapeutics for cancer, CNS disorders, sexual dysfunction and other unmet medical needs. The company currently has three drug candidates in Phase II clinical trials, including Archexin, Serdaxin, and Zoraxel.

The company rallied more than 3% Tuesday morning, to trade at $1.24 on NYSE Amex Exchange.

THIS IS NOT A RECOMMENDATION TO BUY OR SELL THIS STOCK !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

For more information contact Senior Solutions at (954) 456-8984 or toll free at 1-800-213-3524

Don't Eat These 7 Unhealthy Pizzas

Worst Pizzas in America
By David Zinczenko

Sep 20, 2010

Eat This, Not That
by David Zinczenko

When pizza was first invented, back in some long forgotten Italian village, it was a nearly perfect slice of nutrition: A thin crust of carbohydrates for energy, slathered with tomato sauce for vitamins and minerals, and topped with calcium-rich, protein-boosting mozzarella. It was like a food pyramid in pie form!

So what happened? How did this healthy Italian invention acquire a reputation for being so terribly unhealthy? Well, to start, American food manufacturers got their greedy little hands on it. As we began researching the Eat This, Not That! book series, we discovered marketers were up to all sorts of mischief that has made it easier for Americans to gain weight—doing creepy things like loading the top up with fatty meats, infusing the crust with hidden cheeses, and otherwise turning the healthy pizza pie into a Big Mac with crust. Mama Mia!

It’s too bad, too, because pizza is a staple of American life. During last year’s Super Bowl, Papa Johns sold more pies than there are people in Delaware. And it’s only the third-biggest pizza chain (Papa Johns, not Delaware). So if you want the best of both worlds—the health benefits of the Italian style and the football-rooting fun of the American way of life, then you need to know which pizzas should be showing up at your door at halftime—and which should get called for a 15-pound penalty. (And for more of the best health, fitness, nutrition and weight-loss tips that will improve your life instantly, make sure you follow me here on Twitter.)


#7: Worst Supermarket Pizza
DiGiorno For One Traditional Crust Supreme Pizza
790 calories
36 g fat (14 g saturated fat, 3 g trans fats)
1,460 mg sodium

No, it’s not delivery, but it is dangerous. This is how DiGiorno handles the personal pie: with 60 percent of your day’s sodium, 70 percent of your saturated fat, and more trans fat than you should consume in an entire day. If your heart had a voice box, it would be screaming in outrage.

Eat This Instead!
Stouffer’s French Bread Deluxe Pizza (1 pizza)
430 calories
21 g fat (7 g saturated)
820 mg sodium


#6: Worst Multi-National Pizza
California Pizza Kitchen Tostada Pizza with Grilled Steak (1/2 pie)
840 calories
16 g saturated fat
1,649 mg sodium


With a caloric heft like this, you’d expect this Tex-Mex pie to be massively portioned. It’s not. The big fatty price tag draws not from size, but from the combo effect of tortilla chips and ranch dressing. Switch to the equally interesting Four Seasons Pizza, which carries artichoke hearts, salami, mushroom, tomatoes, onions, and two cheeses, and you drop nearly 400 calories per half-pie serving.

Eat This Instead!
Thin Crust Four Seasons Pizza
480 calories
9 g saturated fat
1,567 mg sodium

Bonus Tip: Take a look at the weapons of mass inflation being whipped up in the labs of the mad fast-food scientists: The 20 Scariest New Restaurant Foods! Be afraid—be very afraid!


#5: Worst Single Slice
Sbarro Stuffed Pepperoni Pizza
960 calories
42 g fat
3,200 mg sodium

Sbarro serves up elephantine slices, so you should know better than to order one that essentially consists of two of those slices folded one atop another. In this one wedge of pizza, Sbarro manages to pack in nearly as many calories as you’d find in four pepperoni slices from Pizza Hut! You want to survive the Sbarro super-slice challenge? Stick to a regular pie, nix the pepperoni and sausage, and limit yourself to one slice.

Eat This Instead!
Fresh Tomato Pizza
450 calories
14 g fat
1,040 mg sodium

Bonus Tip: Sure, pizza has the potential to inflate, but it’s certainly not the only food to cause widespread weight gain. Case in point: The 15 Worst Burgers in America. You'll also learn which burgers to eat instead, so you can enjoy your favorite foods and still lose weight—without ever dieting.


#4: Worst Specialty Crust Pizza
Pizza Hut Stuffed Crust Meat Lover’s Pizza (2 slices, 14” pie)
960 calories
52 g fat (24 g saturated, 1 g trans)
2,780 mg sodium

Around the perimeter of this pie is what essentially amounts to a hula-hoop ring of cheese. Gross, right? But it's not just cheese. Also inside that ring: two types of sausage, ham, beef, and bacon. The impact of all those salt-cured meats is more than a day’s worth of sodium in each two-slice serving—oh, and as much saturated fat as a dozen Extra Crispy Drumsticks from KFC! Here’s a simple mnemonic device: Stuffed pizza = stuffed potbelly. Stick to thin crust and lean meats and you’ll live to eat well another day.

Eat This Instead!
2 Slices Thin ‘N Crispy Ham & Pineapple Pizza (2 slices, 12'' pie)
360 calories
12 g fat (6 g saturated)
1,080 mg sodium

Bonus Tip: To see more proof of how wayward beverages can utterly destroy your diet, check out the 20 Worst Drinks in America. Many of these disastrous drinks contain more than a day's worth of calories, sugar, and fat!


#3: Worst Flatbread
Cosi Chicken Gorgonzola with Fig Flatbread with Traditional Crust
1,073 calories
41 g fat (9 g saturated)
1,057 mg sodium

At first blush, flatbread seems like a healthy version of pizza—especially when it comes adorned with fanciful toppings like Gorgonzola and figs. But let this be a lesson: Just because it’s fancy doesn’t mean it’s healthy. Cosi’s traditional crust is essentially the same carpet of bread you might find underneath a circular pie. The rules of pizza selection apply to flatbreads as well: Lean toppings, light cheese, and thin crust.

Eat This Instead!
Margherita Flatbread with Thin Crust
451 calories
26 g fat (13 g saturated)
328 mg sodium


#2: Worst Thin Crust Pizza
Domino’s Brooklyn Style ExtravaganZZa Feast Pizza (2 slices 16” pie)
1,180 calories
60 g fat (27 g saturated)
3,420 mg sodium

To be fair, Domino’s Brooklyn Style isn’t promoted as thin crust, but it was created with fold-ability in mind. That requires slices that are soft, thin, and—in Domino’s case—massive. The typical Domino’s pie comes sliced into eighths, but order the Brooklyn-inspired pie and you’ll get only six slices. What happened to the other two slices? They were absorbed—along with their calories, fat, and sodium—into the other slices. Your better option is to build your own pie on a legitimate thin crust. Top that pie chicken and chorizo and you cut out 730 calories. Do that a couple times a week and you’ll cut close to two pounds of flab per month.

Eat This Instead!
Thin Crust Grilled Chicken and Chorizo (2 slices, 14” pie)
450 calories
20 g fat (7 g saturated)
1,030 mg sodium

Bonus Tip: Eating healthy on the go is far easier than it sounds. Check out these 9 Ways to Lose Weight Eating Fast-Food for body slimming tips that don’t cost a minute of your time.


#1: Worst Pizza in America
Uno Chicago Grill Chicago Classic Deep Dish Pizza (Individual)
2,310 calories
162 g fat (54 g saturated fat)
4,920 mg sodium

Wait, wait, wait. This is a one-person pizza? Yup. All 2,310 calories are destined for one soon-to-be expanding belly. This pie has been a perennial pick for us over the past three years, and the reason is simple: No other personal pizza in the country even begins to approach these numbers. It breaks every single caloric recommendation on the books, and it does it under the guise of a must-have “classic” dish. With the country being plagued by obesity, Uno should have the decency to banish—or significantly improve—this dish.

Eat This Instead!
Cheese and Tomato Thin Crust Pizza (Individual)
840 calories
33 g fat (15 g saturated fat)
1,770 mg sodium

For more information contact Senior Solutions at (954) 456-8984 or toll free at 1-800-213-3524

Throw Out Old Medications

Monday, September 20, 2010

If your household is like most in America, you could be unwittingly contributing to accidental poisonings, drug overdoses, and drug abuse, simply by keeping unused, outdated, or expired pharmaceuticals in your medicine cabinet.

That’s why the New Jersey Poison Information & Education System (NJPIES) recommends regular medicine cabinet cleanouts. The changes of season, and the times of year when you reset your clocks, also are good times to clean out your medicine cabinet, according to NJPIES

For more information contact Senior Solutions at (954) 456-8984 or toll free at 1-800-213-3524

Medical Records: What Are My Rights?

WHAT ARE MY RIGHTS REGARDING MY MEDICAL RECORDS?
HOW DO I GET MY MEDICAL RECORDS FROM FORMER DOCTORS?


Question: I used to go to a doctor in Colorado, but then I moved to California and went to
another doctor. I signed a release for the California doctor to obtain records from the one in Colorado. Later on, I had to go to yet another doctor, who asked me for all pertinent past records. To get the ball in motion, I sent a certified letter to the California doctor and asked for the records she had obtained from the Colorado doctor. She sent a certified letter back saying that she was prohibited by law from giving me these records and that I had to go directly to the Colorado doctor to obtain them. I do not want her to keep these records, and I need them for my new physician. Is it true that the law forbids her from turning my own medical records over to me or a new doctor of my choice?


Answer: Legally, you have a right to a copy of your medical records. But it is also true that you will have to go back to the original doctor that you saw for many types of medical records. Your new doc should have no problem getting records from both of the old docs with nothing more than your signed consent form. But all evaluations and test results must come from the original source, and you, the former patient, must ask for them directly. Another person can procure those records for you only if you have given him or her a medical power of attorney. You shouldn't be charged more than a nominal fee for staff time and copying, and you should receive the information within the week.
For more information contact Senior Solutions at (954) 456-8984 or toll free at 1-800-213-3524

What is Elder Law?

By George Dickerman

Elder Law involves the legal issues that result as a consequence of the aging process. This is a rather narrow field and can be a little confusing to some senior citizens.

Many seniors have legal problems that are similar to people in their thirties and forties; for example, wrongful termination (employment), bankruptcy, or real estate disputes. Sometimes a potential client calls an elder law attorney to obtain, for example, family law advice regarding a possible divorce. That lawyer explains that family law and divorce issues do not fall under the category of elder law. Elder law pertains to persons who, generally, are 65 years of age or older. Nearly always, the client responds by saying: "But I'm over 65 years old".

Elder law generally involves the following types of legal matters:

Elder financial abuse. Taking advantage of another person's weaker state of mind and wrongfully obtaining their money and property through undue influence, coercion and manipulation. A civil lawsuit is usually filed to recover the property fraudulently taken.

Elder physical neglect. Most often, this concerns nursing homes that fail to properly care for their elderly patients. It can also be caused by in-home caregivers or anyone who has the primary responsibility of caring for an elder.

Estate Planning. This involves the creation of trusts, wills and powers of attorney for financial matters and healthcare decision making. Although these tools should also be utilized by younger people, they are most often created for elder adults at a time when they seek to get their financial affairs in order.

Probate. The probate process enables a decedent's estate to be distributed to loved ones after death. With the proper use of trusts and wills, the probate process may not be necessary. However, if no prior estate planning was accomplished, then it may be necessary to utilize the probate court in order to complete the distribution of assets.

Conservatorships. When proper estate planning documents have not been put into place (for example, powers of attorney), then it may be necessary to establish a conservatorship over the elder's person and/or estate. Court intervention is sought to grant someone the authority to make necessary healthcare and financial decisions for the incapacitated elder.

Medicaid Planning. This area refers to the laws and regulations in most states that determine the guidelines to qualify an elder to receive government benefits to pay the high cost of long term care in a skilled nursing facility. This is a complicated area of law with the goal of having the state pay the monthly nursing home bills and, at the same time, allowing the elder and their spouse to keep as much of their assets as possible so they can pass them on to their loved ones.

For more information contact Senior Solutions at (954) 456-8984 or toll free at 1-800-213-3524

SEX and the Senior

Sexuality Later in Life
Provided By: The Caring Space

Senior citizens experience many changes as they grow older which may affect their sex life. Women may find sex more enjoyable after menopause has occurred or if they have undergone a hysterectomy because there is less risk of pregnancy. Some women may worry about being desirable to a sexual partner as they age. They may feel less feminine, thus resulting in less enjoyable sex.

While women may feel differently about sex depending on their attitudes about their bodies and aging, they will inevitably experience physical changes. The vagina shortens and narrows with aging, and less vaginal lubrication is produced which could also influence how pleasurable a sexual encounter is for an older woman.

Men also experience higher susceptibility to impotence which is the loss of the ability to have or keep an erection hard enough for sexual intercourse. Men who also have heart disease, high blood pressure, or diabetes may experience impotence as a result of medications used to treat these conditions. Some men may find it harder to get an erection, have as hard or large of an erection as they used to, or ejaculate as much as they used to.

Common Challenges

Although aging and illness can affect the ability to have sex, there are methods of maintaining a satisfying sex life, regardless. The following are some common challenges to sex that some senior citizens experience and some tips to overcome them:

Arthritis. Sometimes joint pain can make physical activity like sex uncomfortable. However, your doctor can recommend joint replacement surgery or other medications that can alleviate this pain. You can try to exercise, get a good amount of rest, take warm baths, or avoid strenuous positions in sexual activity to avoid arthritis pain.

Chronic pain. Some people experience recurring pain due to bone and muscle conditions, shingles, poor blood circulation, and blood vessel problems. This can make moving around in general quite painful. If you tell your doctor, he can recommend treatment options available to reduce this pain and improve ability for physical activity including sexual intercourse.

Diabetes. Although some men do not experience any sexual problems, diabetes can cause impotence at times. Physicians can prescribe medications that can help this.

Heart disease. Damaged blood vessels or high blood pressure in men can lead to difficulties with getting or maintaining an erection. Some people are more afraid that sex can induce a heart attack; however, this effect is rare. After experiencing a heart attack, most people can start having sex once they are deemed stable and their physician agrees that that level of physical activity is not too dangerous for that patient.

Incontinence. People who have bladder control problems may be embarrassed or anxious about participating in sex due to the increased pressure on the abdomen that can occur. This condition can be treated by your physician.

Stroke. This can lead to problems in men getting erections or other problems due to paralysis caused by stroke. Sex does not usually induce strokes in people who have had them.

Hysterectomy. While the removal of the uterus in women does not affect the ability to have sex, some people may find the mental implications more of a problem. Women who experience less enjoyment from sex or men who feel that their sexual partner is less feminine after this surgery may be helped with counseling.

Mastectomy. Women whose breasts have been removed are still capable of sexual response, but they may feel less desirable or enjoy sex less as a result. It can be helpful to talk to other women who have also experienced this type of surgery or seek medical advice for breast reconstruction. Some men also may experience lower sex drive from hormone therapy after being diagnosed with breast cancer.

Prostatectomy. While the removal of the prostate for medical reasons may cause impotence or incontinence, some surgical procedures allow nerves leading to the penis to be spared, making an erection possible after recovery. Men can discuss options with their doctor before surgery in order to continue having a satisfying sex life afterwards.

Medications. Blood pressure medications, antihistamines, antidepressants, tranquilizers, appetite suppressants, diabetes drugs, and ulcer medications can lead to impotence in men or make it hard to ejaculate. Some women experience a decrease in sexual desire. Talk to your doctor about options to reduce these side effects.

Alcohol. Alcohol abuse can reduce sexual performance in both men and women.

Maintaining a Healthy Sex Life

Practicing safe sex is important for all ages. Women can still become pregnant until menopause occurs (when she has not got her period for 12 months). Also, senior citizens are still susceptible to STDs like syphilis, gonorrhea, Chlamydial infection, genital herpes, hepatitis B, genital warts, and trichomaniasis.

Senior citizens are still at risk for HIV, the virus that can eventually lead to AIDS. People with more than one sexual partner or people who have unprotected sex are more at risk for contracting HIV. Wearing a condom during sex can prevent transmission of HIV and other STDs.

Sexual intercourse involves both physical and emotional health. Senior citizens who are anxious about how their age affects their sex life either because of physical ability or attractiveness can experience sexual dysfunction that is a result of this stress and worrying. Being open about these concerns, talking to your sexual partner, or seeking professional help with a counselor are all good ways of avoiding dissatisfying sex due to these stressors.

Older sexual partners can engage in multiple activities to keep an active and healthy sex life. It is important to make each other a high priority and be attentive to the other’s needs and feelings about changes that are occurring in their bodies. Couples may explore different kinds of positions, take more time to induce arousal, or try having sex in the morning when energy is maximized. Some senior citizens who are widowed, divorced, or have ill partners may find masturbation an effective way to elongate sexual activity as they age.

Women may find it harder to maintain sexual activity as they age because they usually live longer than men. Although female senior citizens outnumber men, they can try different activities that will help them meet more people like mall walking, enrolling in adult education programs at a community college, or attending senior citizen centers.

Older women usually experience something called dyspareunia or painful sexual intercourse due to lack of vaginal lubrication. Physicians can treat this fairly easily by recommending a lubricant or prescribing estrogen supplements that will help with this issue.

Older men can experience impotence, for which they can take a pill called sildenafil that can help with this. They may also try vacuum device, self-injection of drugs that can induce erection, or penile implants.

Senior citizens should try to live healthier lifestyles in order to have a more enjoyable sex life. Doing things like exercise, eating well, drinking plenty of water, and avoiding smoking and alcohol can help maintain a pleasurable sex life. Asking for help from a physician and remembering that sex can be a positive, enjoyable facet of life for people of all ages is of the utmost importance.



For more information contact Senior Solutions at (954) 456-8984 or toll free at 1-800-213-3524

Get The Alzheimer's Caregiver Notebook

No two people experience Alzheimer’s disease in the same way. As a result, there's no one approach to caregiving. Your responsibilities can range from making financial decisions, managing changes in behavior, to helping a loved one get dressed in the morning.
Handling these duties is hard work.

But by learning caregiving skills, you can make sure that your loved one feels supported and is living a full life. You can also ensure that you are taking steps to preserve your own well-being.
Caregiver NotebookThe Alzheimer's Association Caregiver Notebook contains information and resources to help manage the challenges of caring for an individual with Alzheimer's.

Order your copy today.

In this section:
Daily Care - activities, communication, eating, bathing and more.
Behaviors - agitation, repetition, hallucinations, sundowning and other behaviors.
Safety Issues - home safety, medication safety, driving and wandering.
Coping - strategies for caregiver stress, changing relationships, grief and loss, and getting respite.
Caregiver Stress Check - take the quiz and get personalized resources.

For more information contact Senior Solutions at (954) 456-8984 or toll free at 1-800-213-3524

What Is A Coronary Calcium Scan??

What Is a Coronary Calcium Scan?
A coronary calcium scan is a test that can help show whether you have coronary heart disease (CHD), also called coronary artery disease. CHD is the most common type of heart disease in both men and women.

In CHD, a substance called plaque (plak) builds up inside your coronary arteries. These arteries supply your heart muscle with oxygen-rich blood. Plaque is made up of fat, cholesterol, calcium, and other substances found in the blood.

Plaque narrows your coronary arteries and reduces blood flow to your heart muscle. It also makes it more likely that blood clots will form in your coronary arteries. Blood clots can partly or completely block blood flow to part of your heart muscle. This can cause chest pain or discomfort called angina (an-JI-nuh or AN-juh-nuh) or a heart attack.

CHD also can lead to heart failure or arrhythmias (ah-RITH-me-ahs). Heart failure is a condition in which your heart can't pump enough blood to meet your body's needs. Arrhythmias are problems with the rate or rhythm of your heartbeat.

Overview
A coronary calcium scan looks for specks of calcium (called calcifications) in the walls of the coronary arteries. Calcifications are an early sign of CHD. The test can show whether you're at increased risk for a heart attack or other heart problems before other signs and symptoms occur.

Two machines can show calcium in the coronary arteries—electron beam computed tomography (EBCT) and multidetector computed tomography (MDCT). Both use an x-ray machine to make detailed pictures of your heart. Doctors study the pictures to see whether you're at risk for heart problems in the next 2 to 10 years.

A coronary calcium scan is simple and easy for the patient, who lies quietly in the scanner machine for about 10 minutes. The scanner takes pictures of the heart that show whether the coronary arteries have calcifications.

Coronary Calcium Scan

Figure A shows the position of the heart in the body and the location and angle of the coronary calcium scan image. Figure B is the coronary calcium scan image, which shows calcification in a coronary artery.

Outlook
A coronary calcium scan is most useful for people who are at moderate risk for a heart attack. You or your doctor can calculate your 10-year risk using the Risk Assessment Tool from the National Cholesterol Education Program.

People who are at moderate risk have a 10–20 percent chance of having a heart attack within the next 10 years. The coronary calcium scan may help doctors decide who within this group needs treatment.

For more information contact Senior Solutions at (954) 456-8984 or toll free at 1-800-213-3524

Heart Attack Symptoms Are Different for Women

By Mayo Clinic staff

Typical heart attack symptoms:

Symptom Description

Chest discomfort or pain This discomfort or pain can feel like a tight ache, pressure, fullness or squeezing in the center of your chest lasting more than a few minutes. This discomfort may come and go.

Upper body pain Pain or discomfort may spread beyond your chest to your shoulders, arms, back, neck, teeth or jaw. You may have upper body pain with no chest discomfort.

Stomach pain Pain may extend downward into your abdominal area and may feel like heartburn.

Shortness of breath You may pant for breath or try to take in deep breaths. This often occurs before you develop chest discomfort.

Anxiety You may feel a sense of doom or feel as if you're having a panic attack for no apparent reason.

Lightheadedness You may feel dizzy or feel like you might pass out.

Sweating You may suddenly break into a sweat with cold, clammy skin.

Nausea and vomiting You may feel sick to your stomach or vomit.

Heart attack symptoms vary widely. For instance, you may have only minor chest pain while someone else has excruciating pain.

One thing applies to everyone, though: If you suspect you're having a heart attack, call for emergency medical help immediately. Don't waste time trying to diagnose heart attack symptoms yourself.

Additional heart attack symptoms in women:

Women may have all, none, many or a few of the typical heart attack symptoms. For women, the most common heart attack symptom is still some type of pain, pressure or discomfort in the chest. But women are more likely than are men to also have heart attack symptoms without chest pain, such as:

■Neck, jaw, shoulder, upper back or abdominal discomfort
■Shortness of breath
■Nausea or vomiting
■Abdominal pain or "heartburn"
■Sweating
■Lightheadedness or dizziness
■Unusual or unexplained fatigue

Heart attack symptoms demand emergency help
Most heart attacks begin with much more subtle symptoms — with only mild pain or discomfort. And your symptoms may come and go. Don't be tempted to downplay your symptoms or brush them off as indigestion or anxiety.

Getting heart attack treatment quickly improves your chance of survival and minimizes damage to your heart. Don't "tough out" these symptoms for more than five minutes. Call 911 or other emergency medical services for help. If you don't have access to emergency medical services, have someone drive you to the nearest hospital. Drive yourself only as a last resort, if there are absolutely no other options.


For more information contact Senior Solutions at (954) 456-8984 or toll free at 1-800-213-3524

Alzheimer's Disease: 10 Warning Signs

10 warning signs of Alzheimer's:

Memory loss that disrupts daily life

One of the most common signs of Alzheimer's is memory loss, especially forgetting recently learned information. Others include forgetting important dates or events; asking for the same information over and over; relying on memory aides (e.g., reminder notes or electronic devices) or family members for things they used to handle on their own.
What's a typical age-related change? Sometimes forgetting names or appointments, but remembering them later.

Challenges in planning or solving problems

Some people may experience changes in their ability to develop and follow a plan or work with numbers. They may have trouble following a familiar recipe or keeping track of monthly bills. They may have difficulty concentrating and take much longer to do things than they did before.
What's a typical age-related change? Making occasional errors when balancing a checkbook.

Difficulty completing familiar tasks at home, at work or at leisure

People with Alzheimer's often find it hard to complete daily tasks. Sometimes, people may have trouble driving to a familiar location, managing a budget at work or remembering the rules of a favorite game.
What's a typical age-related change? Occasionally needing help to use the settings on a microwave or to record a television show.

Confusion with time or place

People with Alzheimer's can lose track of dates, seasons and the passage of time. They may have trouble understanding something if it is not happening immediately. Sometimes they may forget where they are or how they got there.
What's a typical age-related change? Getting confused about the day of the week but figuring it out later.

Trouble understanding visual images and spatial relationships

For some people, having vision problems is a sign of Alzheimer's. They may have difficulty reading, judging distance and determining color or contrast. In terms of perception, they may pass a mirror and think someone else is in the room. They may not realize they are the person in the mirror.
What's a typical age-related change? Vision changes related to cataracts.

New problems with words in speaking or writing

People with Alzheimer's may have trouble following or joining a conversation. They may stop in the middle of a conversation and have no idea how to continue or they may repeat themselves. They may struggle with vocabulary, have problems finding the right word or call things by the wrong name (e.g., calling a "watch" a "hand-clock").
What's a typical age-related change? Sometimes having trouble finding the right word.

Misplacing things and losing the ability to retrace steps

A person with Alzheimer's disease may put things in unusual places. They may lose things and be unable to go back over their steps to find them again. Sometimes, they may accuse others of stealing. This may occur more frequently over time.
What's a typical age-related change? Misplacing things from time to time, such as a pair of glasses or the remote control.

Decreased or poor judgment

People with Alzheimer's may experience changes in judgment or decision-making. For example, they may use poor judgment when dealing with money, giving large amounts to telemarketers. They may pay less attention to grooming or keeping themselves clean.
What's a typical age-related change? Making a bad decision once in a while.

Withdrawal from work or social activities

A person with Alzheimer's may start to remove themselves from hobbies, social activities, work projects or sports. They may have trouble keeping up with a favorite sports team or remembering how to complete a favorite hobby. They may also avoid being social because of the changes they have experienced.
What's a typical age-related change? Sometimes feeling weary of work, family and social obligations.

Changes in mood and personality

The mood and personalities of people with Alzheimer's can change. They can become confused, suspicious, depressed, fearful or anxious. They may be easily upset at home, at work, with friends or in places where they are out of their comfort zone.
What's a typical age-related change? Developing very specific ways of doing things and becoming irritable when a routine is disrupted.

For more information contact Senior Solutions at (954) 456-8984 or toll free at 1-800-213-3524

Senior Humor - 4 Risque Stories

An old hillbilly farmer had a wife who nagged him unmercifully. From morning 'til night she was always complaining about something. The only time he got any relief was when he was out plowing with his old mule. He plowed a lot. One day, when he was out plowing, his wife brought him lunch in the field. He drove the old mule into the shade, sat down on a stump, and began to eat his lunch. Immediately, his wife began nagging him again. Complain, nag, complain, nag - it just went on and on. All of a sudden, the old mule lashed out with both hind feet, caught her smack in the back of the head. Killed her dead on the spot.
At the funeral several days later, the minister noticed something rather odd. When a woman mourner would approach the old farmer, he would listen for a minute, then nod his head in agreement; but when a man mourner approached him, he would listen for a minute, then shake his head in disagreement. This was so consistent, the minister decided to ask the old farmer about it. So after the funeral, the minister spoke to the old farmer, and asked him why he nodded his head and agreed with the women, but always shook his head and disagreed with all the men. The old farmer said, 'Well, the women would come up and say something about how nice my wife looked, or how pretty her dress was, so I'd nod my head in agreement.' And what about the men?' the minister asked. 'They wanted to know if the mule was for sale."

An elderly couple Margaret and Bert, moved to Texas. Bert always wanted a pair of authentic cowboy boots, so, seeing some on sale, he bought them and wore them home. Walking proudly, he sauntered into the kitchen and said to his wife, 'Notice anything different about me?' Margaret looked him over. 'Nope.' Frustrated, Bert stormed off into the bathroom, undressed and walked back into the kitchen completely naked except for the boots. Again he asked Margaret, a little louder this time, 'Notice anything different NOW?' Margaret looked up and exclaimed, 'Bert, what's different? It's hanging down today, it was hanging down yesterday, it'll be hanging down again tomorrow!' Furious, Bert yelled, 'AND DO YOU KNOW WHY IT'S HANGING DOWN, MARGARET?' 'Nope', she replied.. 'IT'S HANGING DOWN, BECAUSE IT'S LOOKING AT MY NEW BOOTS!!!!' Without changing her expression, Margaret replied, 'Shoulda bought a hat, Bert.

An elderly Italian man who lived on the outskirts of Rimini, Italy, went to the local church for confession. When the priest slid open the panel in the confessional, the man said: "Father... During World War II, a beautiful Jewish woman from our neighborhood knocked urgently on my door and asked me to hide her from the Nazis. So I hid her in my attic." The priest replied: "That was a wonderful thing you did, and you have no need to confess that." "There is more to tell, Father.. She started to repay me with sexual favors. This happened several times a week, and sometimes twice on Sundays." The priest said, "That was a long time ago and by doing what you did, you placed the two of you in great danger, but two people under those circumstances can easily succumb to the weakness of the flesh. However, if you are truly sorry for your actions, you are indeed forgiven." "Thank you, Father. That's a great load off my mind. I do have one more question." "And what is that?" asked the priest. "Should I tell her the war is over?"

Old man sitting on his front porch in Louisiana watching the sunrise sees the neighbors' kid walk by carrying something big under his arm. He yells out, 'Hey boy, whatcha got there?' The boy yells back, 'Roll of chicken wire.' The old man says, 'What you gonna do with that?' The boy says, 'Catch some chickens.' The old man yells, 'You dang fool, you can't catch chickens with chicken wire!' The boy just laughs and keeps walking. That evening at sunset the boy comes walking by and to the old man's surprise, he is dragging behind him the chicken wire with about 30 chickens caught in it. At the same time the next morning, the old man is out watching the sunrise and he sees the boy walk by carrying something kind of round in his hand. The old man yells out, 'Hey boy, whatcha got there?' The boy yells back, 'Roll of duck tape.' The old man says, 'What you gonna do with that?' The boy says back, 'Catch me some ducks.' The old man yells back, 'You dang fool, you can't catch ducks with duck tape!' The boy just laughs and keeps walking. That night, around sunset, the boy walks by coming home and to the old man's amazement, he is trailing behind him the unrolled roll of duck tape with about 35 ducks caught in it At the same time the next morning, the old man sees the boy walking by carrying what looks like a long reed with something fuzzy on the end. The old man says, 'Hey boy, whatcha got there?' The boy says, 'It's a pussy willow.' The old man says, 'Hold on, I'll get my hat.'

For more information contact Senior Solutions at (954) 456-8984 or toll free at 1-800-213-3524

Symptoms of Parkinson's Disease

The diagnosis of PD depends upon the presence of one or more of the four most common motor symptoms of the disease, which are: resting tremor, bradykinesia, rigidity and postural instability.

In addition, there are other secondary and nonmotor symptoms that affect many people and are increasingly recognized by doctors as important to treating Parkinson’s.

Each person with Parkinson's will experience these symptoms differently. For example, many people experience tremor as their primary symptom, while others may not have tremors, but may have problems with balance. Also, for some people the disease progresses quickly, and in others it does not.

Find out more by reading detailed descriptions of Parkinson's symptoms below. If your questions are not answered consider Asking the Expert your question about PD.

Primary Motor Symptoms
Secondary Motor Symptoms
Nonmotor Symptoms
Coping with Symptoms
Primary Motor Symptoms

Resting Tremor: About 70 percent of people with Parkinson’s experience a slight tremor in the early stage of the disease - either in the hand or foot on one side of the body, or less commonly in the jaw or face. The tremor appears as a "beating" or oscillating movement. Because the Parkinson's tremor usually appears when a person's muscles are relaxed, it is called "resting tremor." This means that the affected body part trembles when it is not doing work, and it usually subsides when a person begins an action. The tremor often spreads to the other side of the body as the disease progresses, but remains most apparent on the original side of occurrence.
Bradykinesia (Slow Movement): Bradykinesia is the phenomenon of a person experiencing slow movements. In addition to slow movements, a person with bradykinesia will probably also have incomplete movement, difficulty initiating movements and sudden stopping of ongoing movement. People who have bradykinesia may walk with short, shuffling steps (this is called festination). Bradykinesia and rigidity can occur in the facial muscles, reducing a person's range of facial expressions and resulting in a "mask-like" appearance.
Rigidity: Rigidity, also called increased muscle tone, means stiffness or inflexibility of the muscles. Muscles normally stretch when they move, and then relax when they are at rest. In rigidity, the muscle tone of an affected limb is always stiff and does not relax, sometimes resulting in a decreased range of motion. For example, a person who has rigidity may not be able to swing his or her arms when walking because the muscles are too tight. Rigidity can cause pain and cramping.
Postural Instability (Impaired Balance and Coordination): People with Parkinson's disease often experience instability when standing or impaired balance and coordination. These symptoms, combined with other symptoms such as bradykinesia, increase the chance of falling. People with balance problems may have difficulty making turns or abrupt movements. They may go through periods of "freezing," which is when a person feels stuck to the ground and finds it difficult to start walking. The slowness and incompleteness of movement can also affect speaking and swallowing.
Secondary Motor Symptoms

The secondary motor symptoms include those below, but not all people with Parkinson’s will experience all of these.

Stooped posture, a tendency to lean forward
Dystonia
Fatigue
Impaired fine motor dexterity and motor coordination
Impaired gross motor coordination
Poverty of movement (decreased arm swing)
Akathisia
Speech problems, such as softness of voice or slurred speech caused by lack of muscle control (See fact sheet, The Science and Practice of Speaking Loud)
Loss of facial expression, or "masking"
Micrographia (small, cramped handwriting)
Difficulty swallowing
Sexual dysfunction
Cramping (See Q&A booklet, page 32)
Drooling (See Q&A booklet, page 22)
Nonmotor Symptoms

Nonmotor symptoms of Parkinson’s, such as sleep problems and depression, can be, for many people, as troublesome as the primary movement symptoms of the disease.

The following is a list of nonmotor symptoms of Parkinson's disease. To read more about nonmotor symptoms, read our fact sheet, PD: More than a Movement Disorder or check the Living with PD section of the website to learn more about living well with different aspects of PD.

Pain
Dementia or confusion (See two fact sheets, Not Just a Movement Disorder: Cognitive Changes in PD and Coping with Dementia: Advice for Caregivers)
Sleep disturbances (See Q&A booklet, page 27)
Constipation (See Q&A booklet, page 28)
Skin problems
Depression
Fear or anxiety
Memory difficulties and slowed thinking (See fact sheet, Not Just a Movement Disorder: Cognitive Changes in PD)
Urinary problems (See Q&A booklet, page 29)
Fatigue and aching
Loss of energy
Compulsive behavior (See fact sheet, Gambling, Sex and...Parkinson's Disease?)
Coping with Nonmotor Symptoms

More Questions?
Do you have more questions about the symptoms of PD? Ask the experts your questions directly using our online form, or call the helpline at (800) 457-6676.

For more information contact Senior Solutions at (954) 456-8984 or toll free at 1-800-213-3524

SARDINES ARE THE BEST FOOD

My dad’s family is from Norway and for as long as I can remember we’ve been eating fish balls, fish puddings, pickled fish, fish in a tube and fish in a can. Most people thought it was a little weird.

But these days, I’m feeling less like an outcast when I bust open a can of fish, especially sardines. I know a lot of you have strong feelings about sardines, but want to know why I love them?

Sardines (Pacific, wild-caught) are one of the healthiest foods we can consume, according to the health and environmental experts we interviewed for “Sea Change” in our latest issue of EatingWell magazine. These days so many of us are trying to get more omega-3 fats in their diet, because they benefit your heart and your brain. Click here for delicious recipes to help you eat more of these super-healthy omega-3 fats. These nutritional powerhouses are one of the best sources of omega-3 fats, with a whopping 1,950 mg/per 3 oz. (that’s more per serving than salmon, tuna or just about any other food) and they’re packed with vitamin D. And because sardines are small and low on the food chain, they don’t harbor lots of toxins like bigger fish can. Find out why leading scientist Carl Safina thinks eating smaller fish can benefit your health and our oceans. Plus, they’re also one of the most sustainable fish around. Quick to reproduce, Pacific sardines have rebounded from both overfishing and a natural collapse in the 1940's, so much so that they are one of Seafood Watch’s “Super Green” sustainable choices. (Click here to find out which 6 super-healthy fish and shellfish you should eat and which 6 to avoid.)

If you’re trying sardines for the first time, or you just really want to learn to like them, here are a few tips and a few recipes to stoke your sardine love:

For the uninitiated, a good place to start is with a boneless, skinless variety. They come packed in water or olive oil. They’re mild, and can be used in recipes in place of canned tuna fish.
If you’re lucky enough to have fresh sardines available in your supermarket, try them in place of the canned sardines. Lightly dredge them in salt-and-pepper-seasoned flour and sauté them in a little olive oil.
Sardines also come smoked, and come packed in sauces like tomato and mustard—give one of these a try. Smear them on a cracker or piece of toast for a snack or light lunch.
For veteran sardine eaters, the sky’s the limit! Sardines with bones and skin are delicious, too, and they look awesome on top of a salad or platter. P.S. The bones and skin are both edible. Those tiny bones deliver calcium too!
Try sardines in these delicious recipes:

Greek Salad With Sardines The fresh, tangy elements of a Greek salad—tomato, cucumber, feta, olives and lemony vinaigrette—pair well with rich-tasting sardines. Look for sardines with skin and bones (which are edible) as they have more than four times the amount of calcium as skinless, boneless sardines.

Spring Salad with Tarragon Vinaigrette A bold, layered salad that showcases sardines and asparagus, this beautiful dish adds variety to your weekday dining. If you prefer tuna to sardines or have fish from the night before, go ahead and use that instead.

Sardines on Crackers
A protein-packed and portable snack.

Makes: 4 servings
Active time: 5 minutes | Total: 5 minutes

4 whole-grain Scandinavian-style cracker, such as
8-12 canned sardines, preferably packed in olive oil
4 lemon wedges

Top each cracker with 2 to 3 sardines each. Finish with a squeeze of lemon.

Per cracker: 64 calories; 2 g fat (0 g sat, 1 g mono); 20 mg cholesterol; 8 g carbohydrates; 4 g protein; 1 g fiber; 94 mg sodium; 102 mg potassium.

Tomato Toast with Sardines & Mint (pictured above)
Canned sardines make an elegant, yet inexpensive appetizer when served with fresh mint, tomato and onion on toast.

Makes: 12 toasts
Active time: 15 minutes | Total: 30 minutes | To make ahead: Cover and refrigerate the sardine mixture (Step 2) for up to 2 days.

1 4-ounce can boneless, skinless sardines packed in olive oil, preferably smoked
2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh mint
2 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil
1/8 teaspoon salt
3 slices multigrain bread or 12 slices baguette, preferably whole-grain
1/2 medium ripe tomato
1 tablespoon very thinly sliced yellow onion

1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. Flake sardines with a fork into a mixing bowl. (The pieces should not be mashed, but should be no bigger than a dime.) Add mint, oil and salt; toss gently to combine.
3. If using whole slices of bread, cut off the crusts and cut each into four triangles. Place the triangles or baguette slices on a baking sheet and bake until crispy and golden brown, 12 to 14 minutes. As soon as you remove them from the oven, rub each slice with the cut side of the tomato. As you progress, the tomato will break down until only the skin remains; discard any remaining tomato.
4. Top each toast with about 1 1/2 teaspoons of the sardine mixture. Top the sardine mixture with a couple of onion slices and serve immediately.

Per toast: 41 calories; 2 g fat (0 g sat, 1 g mono); 5 mg cholesterol; 3 g carbohydrate; 0 g added sugars; 3 g protein; 1 g fiber; 113 mg sodium; 63 mg potassium.

For more information contact Senior Solutions at (954) 456-8984 or toll free at 1-800-213-3524

Hi-Tech Keeps Seniors In Their Own Homes

Seniors are going high-tech, and that is keeping a lot of them out of nursing homes.

HealthFirst reporter Leslie Toldo shows us the advances that are keeping people independent longer.

This is so important. Forty million Americans are over age 65, and one of the hardest things to face is being forced out of your own home into a nursing home.

Nothing slows Josie and Bernie Shankman down. She's 76, he's 86. "We usually ride every Saturday to a different place. I've never been afraid a day riding with him. I got on it the first day, and I've never been afraid."

Although she's not scared on the road, she worries a fall at home will put the brakes on life. "I think that's always on your mind. If you were to fall and one or the other wasn't to be here."

As we grow older, we also lose balance. One in three people over age 65 fall each year. Forty percent of nursing home admissions are because of a fall.

"Half of those will not return to their own homes and be able to live healthfully," said Debra Krotish, Ph.D., assistant director for Senior Smart at the University of South Carolina School of Medicine.

New technology is keeping a watchful eye on the elderly. This vibration detector can be placed on the surface of a floor to detect if a person has fallen, and notify caregivers. These motion detectors track a person's movement.

"For example, if you put them by the bedside or the bathroom door, you know that mom's gotten up in the middle of the night," Krotish said.

This piezo-electric material can be put underneath a mattress to read a person's heart rate and respiration.

There are also devices to monitor a person's health.

This blood pressure cuff and scale sends data by Bluetooth to an online system family members and caregivers can access.

Helen Coplan, 91, still lives alone. She thinks the technology would be very useful. "If anything can help a person stay in their own familiar surroundings, it's well worth it."

Keeping seniors safe and giving peace of mind to loved ones.

Dr. Krotish says the smart home technology could help ease the economic strain on the health care system as more of the population ages.

Costs vary depending on what patients need, but can run from a few hundred dollars to up to $8,000.

According to the American Association of Retired Persons, the average cost of a nursing home stay is about $50,000 a year.

HOME ALONE: Thanks to advanced medical care and increasing life expectancies, many more Americans are growing older. There are about 37 million people living in the United States who are over age 65, but as the population ages, there is also a growing concern for the health and safety of those individuals.

According to the United States Census Bureau, 7.5 million senior women and 2.6 million senior men live alone. While living alone can offer individuals a sense of independence, there are many challenges these seniors face. For example, one major concern is their security and safety. Those who have never been married or who are divorced or widowed are more than twice as likely to be robbed compared to those who are married.

ISSUES SENIORS FACE: Another concern is falls. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, falls are the leading cause of injury and death among the elderly. One in three adults aged 65 and older fall every year. Between 20 percent and 30 percent of falls result in moderate to severe injuries. Falls are also very costly. Today, injuries from falls cost more than $19 billion. A decade from now, the annual cost is expected to reach $54.9 billion.

Another concern for seniors living on their own is medication errors. It can be difficult juggling a schedule of different drugs. A study published in the Archives of Internal Medicine in 2008 revealed more deaths from medication errors occurred at home than in hospitals, from January 1983 through December 2004.

TECHNOLOGY- A WATCHFUL EYE: New home automation technologies are allowing seniors to remain in their own home longer while improving their safety. Such technologies can range from computer controlled network interfaces to monitoring devices like lighting, motion sensors, environmental controls, video cameras, automated timers, emergency assistance programs and alerts. "Smart" homes can also include devices to monitor medication usage -- dispensing the right dose at the right time. Thermometers can detect fever, and blood pressure devices can recognize when blood pressure medications are needed.


For more information contact Senior Solutions at (954) 456-8984 or toll free at 1-800-213-3524

Senior Humor - Risque Stories 2 Make U Laff

In a tiny village on the Irish coast lived an old lady, a virgin and very proud of it. Sensing that her final days were rapidly approaching, and desiring to make sure everything was in proper order when she dies, she went to the town's undertaker (who also happened to be the local postal clerk) to make proper "final" arrangements. As a last wish, she informed the undertaker that she wanted the following inscription engraved on her tombstone: "BORN A VIRGIN, LIVED AS A VIRGIN, DIED A VIRGIN" Not long after, the old maid died peacefully. A few days after the funeral, as the undertaker, the postal clerk went to prepare the tombstone that the lady had requested, it became quite apparent that the tombstone that she had selected was much too small for the wording that she had chosen. He thought long and hard about how he could fulfil the old maid's final request, considering the very limited space available on the small piece of stone. For days, he agonized over the dilemma. But finally his experience as a postal worker allowed him to come up with what he thought was the appropriate solution to the problem. The virgin's tombstone was finally completed and duly engraved, and it read as follows: "RETURNED UNOPENED."

A middle aged man goes to his regular doctor for his physical and gets sent to a urologist as a precaution. When he gets there, he discovers the urologist is a very pretty female doctor. The female doctor says, "I'm going to check your prostate today, but this new procedure is a little different from what you are probably used to. I want you to lie on your right side, bend your knees, then while I check your prostate, take a deep breath and say 99," The guy obeys and says 99." The doctor says, "Great... now turn over on your left side and again, take a deep breath and say 99." Again, the guy says 99. The doctor said, "Very good. Now then, I want you to lie on your back with your knees raised slightly, I'm going to check your prostate with this hand, and with the other hand I'm going to hold on to your penis to keep it out of the way. Now take a deep breath and say 99." The old geezer says, "One... Two... Three."

The local news station was interviewing an 80 year old lady, because she had just gotten married for the fourth time. The interviewer asked her questions about her life, about what it felt like to be marrying again at 80 and then about her new husband's occupation! "He's a funeral director," she answered. "Interesting," the newsman thought. He then asked her if she wouldn't mind telling him a little about her first three husbands and what they did for a living. She paused for a few moments, needing time to reflect on all those years. After a short time, a smile came to her face and she answered proudly, explaining that she had first married a banker when she was in her early 20s, then a circus ringmaster when in her 40s, and a preacher when in her 60s, and now in her 80s, a funeral director. Astonished, the interviewer looked at her and asked, "Why did you marry four men with such diverse careers?" She smiled and explained, "I married one for the money, two for the show, three to get ready and four to go."

A travelling salesman came upon an old farmer sitting on his porch, next to the farmer was a pig with only one leg. The salesman was about to give his sales pitch when his curiosity got the best of him. “Excuse me sir, but why does your pig only have one leg?” asked the salesman. “Well sonny, I’ll tell ya. One day I was out plowing the back 40 when my tractor overturned, pinning me underneath. I was losing blood and thought I would die when that pig came running. He dug and rooted around with his nose till he got me out and he dragged me back to the house. Saved my life that pig did.” “Wow, that’s really amazing,” said the salesman, “but I still don’t know why the pig only has one leg.” “Well I’ll tell ya,” said the farmer. “One night me and the wife were asleep at about 3am when a fire broke out in the kitchen. Well that pig broke down the door, came into our bedroom waking us up and getting us out before the fire could get us, saved our lives that pig did!” “Well that’s really great but why does the pig only have one leg?” “Well sonny, when you get a pig that smart, you don’t want to eat him all at once.

Two young businessmen in Florida were sitting down for a break in their soon-to-be new store in the shopping mall. As yet, the store wasn't ready, with only a few shelves and display racks set up. One said to the other, "I'll bet that any minute now some senior is going to walk by, put his face to the window, and ask what we're selling." Sure enough, just a moment later, a curious senior gentleman walked up to the window, looked around intensely and rapped on the glass, then in a loud voice asked, "What are you sellin' here?" One of the men replied sarcastically, "We're selling ass-holes." Without skipping a beat, the old timer said, "You're doing well, only two left."

A group of 40-year-old buddies discuss where they should meet for dinner. Finally it is agreed upon that they should meet at the Beaujolais Bistro because the waitresses there have low-cut blouses and really short skirts. 10 years later, at 50 years of age, the group meets again and once again they discuss where they should meet. Finally it is agreed that they should meet at the Beaujolais Bistro because the food there is very good and the wine selection is excellent. 10 years later at 60 years of age, the group meets again and once again they discuss where they should meet. Finally it is agreed that they should meet at the Beaujolais Bistro because they can eat there in peace and quiet and the restaurant is smoke-free. 10 years later, at 70 years of age, the group meets again and once again they discuss where they should meet. Finally it is agreed that they should meet at the Beaujolais Bistro because the restaurant is wheelchair accessible and they even have an elevator. 10 years later, at 80 years of age, the group meets again and once again they discuss where they should meet. Finally it is agreed that they should meet at the Beaujolais Bistro because everyone's heard it's good and they've never been there before.

Jim left for work one Friday afternoon. But it was payday, so instead of going home, he stayed out the entire weekend partying and playing golf with the boys and spending his entire paycheck. When he finally appeared at home on Sunday night, the old geezer was confronted by his angry wife and was barraged for nearly two hours with a tirade befitting his actions. Finally his wife stopped the nagging and said to him, “How would you like it if you didn’t see me for two or three days?” He replied, “That would be fine with me.” Monday went by and he didn’t see his wife. Tuesday and Wednesday came and went with the same results. But on Thursday, the swelling went down just enough where he could see her a little out of the corner of his left eye.

I know they're terrible, but I can't resist....

For more information contact Senior Solutions at (954) 456-8984 or toll free at 1-800-213-3524

Nintendo Wii - Get Moving - Have Fun

Nintendo Wii Provides the Fun Factor

A lot has been written about the importance of incorporating regular physical activity into your daily routine. Knowing the health benefits associated with regular exercise, it's still difficult for many people to make the necessary commitment.

People may consciously or unconsciously resist regular exercise for various reasons.

But one inherent rule applies to nearly everyone -- doing something is better than doing nothing. Exercise becomes a positive experience when you:

The Nintendo Wii, which retails for about $249, was designed as a popular way for gamers to play virtual sports. When physical therapists and rehabilitation specialists learned about Nintendo Wii, they envisioned a different use for it. With the Nintendo Wii they could bring fun back into physical therapy, which can be boring and a motivation-killer if the patient doesn't remain enthusiastic.

The Nintendo Wii uses a motion-sensitive controller which requires people to move in order to play the games. No more couch potato doing finger exercises for hour upon hour. With the Wii, people are on their feet, moving their arms and legs -- depending on the game being played. People swing the motion-sensitive controller like a tennis racket, golf club, baseball bat, and even throw a football. It's range-of-motion exercise sprinkled with fun!

Senior Community Centers Offer Nintendo Wii Activities
Many seniors who were active in sports when they were younger have been forced into a more sedentary lifestyle after developing hip pain, shoulder pain, and knee pain. The limited mobility that comes with arthritis pain forced them to give up athletics and become spectators. That is, until the Nintendo Wii came along.

Now, seniors are lining up at senior community centers to play and compete against each other on the Nintendo Wii sports games. It has become so popular that many community centers are allowing additional time for Nintendo Wii.

The Nintendo Wii has garnered an unexpected audience. What is most exciting about Wii is that it has unexpectedly put the fun back into exercise and physical therapy, too. Don't become so enthusiastic about Wii that you forget about your physical limitations or precautions. Discuss your new passion for the Wii with your doctor. Be sure to ask if you have any restrictions. Follow your doctor's orders -- and enjoy being active again

For more information contact Senior Solutions at (954) 456-8984 or toll free at 1-800-213-3524

Guardianship in Arizona: Look Closely

Guardianship in Arizona: Elder care or elder abuse?

PHOENIX - Many people move to Arizona for the weather and recreation because it's considered a haven for retirees who want to live out their golden years. But something else is happening here - something haunting.

For Clair's mom, Gloria Horrigan, it was a nightmare.

Clair said her mother was taken to a nursing home against her will and not allowed visitors, not even family.

“It's sickening...It really truly is sickening,” said Clair.

It was a struggle for Robert Brown to bring his wife, Rosemary, home.

She was also taken and within a matter of weeks, the family wasn't allowed to see her either.

What happened in both cases started in a Maricopa County Courtroom - right in front of a judge.

Both Rosemary and Gloria had health issues that made it hard on their families.

Families can't force a loved one to get help, but a guardian can.

That's why their cases ended up in probate court, which hears issues on care for vulnerable adults.

The court approved a guardian in both cases. And both times, the guardian was Sun Valley Group of Tempe.

Their website states they offer "support for client's physical, social, emotional and mental health."

As part of their service, Sun Valley Group also took care of Gloria's personal finances.

But Clair said her mom did not get proper medical treatment and her bills weren't paid. Gloria's house went into foreclosure.

“I’m physically sick from seeing what they've done to my mother. My family, my children, everyone has been affected by this,” said Clair.

Rosemary had a similar story. She was depressed and refused medical care.

Her husband Robert needed help, so he said he agreed to let Sun Valley Group take Rosemary when they promised to make sure she got treatment.

But Robert said under the company's care, she never did, so now family friend and doctor, Marge Butler, is Rosemary's guardian.

“The bills were now coming at a ferried pace,” said Marge.

In total, Marge said the family spent over a $100,000. That was for just four months of Sun Valley Group's care.

It ended when the nursing home thought Rosemary was dying. They finally allowed the family to see her.

As for Gloria, Clair said the company seemed much more interested in her mom's money than her health.

Gloria's final bill was just under $500,000 and included charges for an employee to open her mail at $75 an hour.

“They are supposed to be her guardian and are supposed to be like her parents and look out for her best interests,” said Clair.

After repeatedly being turned down for an on camera interview, The ABC15 Investigators went to Sun Valley Group's office.

They asked us to leave.
We then caught up with the owner of Sun Valley, Peter Frenette, at a county courthouse.

He was leaving a probate hearing involving fees from a different case. Even after several questions, Frenette would not comment.

The ABC15 Investigators have found more issues plaguing Sun Valley Group.

Frenette's wife, Heather, is co-owner, but she is being investigated by the Arizona nursing board.

The Maricopa County Sheriff's Organized Crime Unit is also investigating Sun Valley Group.

By state law, both investigations are secret.

We also discovered three multi-million dollar lawsuits filed this year against the company for fraud and racketeering.

Grant Goodman is the attorney for three former Sun Valley Group clients.

“It's more of a criminal enterprise,” said Goodman, “They need to be prosecuted.”

He claimed to find a pattern with these cases.

“They effectively medicate them to such an extent that they really are non-functional,” said Goodman, “And they do that while they're liquidating their assets.”

The three lawsuits also blame probate court.

“The mob isn't this efficient, nor does the mob have the luxury of having a court rubberstamp these proceedings,” said Goodman.

Goodman is not the only one who thinks that way.

Last month, the Arizona Supreme Court issued an Administrative Order to investigate probate court. One of the issues is regulating fees.

Now, Rosemary is back with her family and doing well. She is getting the treatment that she needs.

“We just plan to enjoy life,” said Robert.

Sun Valley Group filed motions to dismiss with the three lawsuits shown in this investigation.

Neither Gloria nor Rosemary has filed a lawsuit.

If you would like any further information on guardianship, visit one or more of these websites:

National Guardianship Association offers a Model Code of Ethics, Standards of Practice and answers to basic questions 877-326-5992.

Center for Guardianship Certification has a directory of certified guardians who have taken a test, agreed to abide by ethical standards, and not been disqualified for prior conduct.

For in-depth reports on guardianship, visit AARP’s Public Policy Institute, or the American Bar Association’s Commission on the Law and Aging

For more information contact Senior Solutions at (954) 456-8984 or toll free at 1-800-213-3524