Senior health and medications
If you take multiple medications perscribed by your senior health care physician or senior health care consultant, the best way to keep track of them is to buy the plastic cases, kind with snap lids for each day. If you take morning and night, buy a white case for morning and blue case for night. Fill with all medications you take daily at beginning of week. Keep these cases visible to you as a reminder to take medications, but safely away from children or pets. When traveling, be sure to take enough medications for your whole trip, and pack them in a carry-on tote...these are the priority things we can't do without.
Senior health in wintertime
Three words: wear a cap! Yes, it's true, we retain our body heat by wearing a warm cap in winter. Warmth/heat DOES escape from our heads...so here's a good senior health tip: when going out in cold weather, forget the 'coif' and don the warm, woolly cap.
Senior health and allergies
There are things in our normal lives that can be the cause of allergies. One thing for sure, we will have a reaction to those that don't agree with our systems. An allergic reaction occurs when a person's immune system mistakes something harmless as harmful! The mistaken substance is known as an allergen. Allergens enter our body by one of these: breathing dust, pollen, etc; injection of drug or venom; topical contact to the skin; swallowing food or drug. With allergens present, our immune systems release natural histamines (and histamine-like substances) known as allergy mediators. The resulting circumstances being inflammation, hives, itchy eyes, runny nose, swelling...and worse. Be sure to read other tips for more information, and talk to your senior health care consultant.
Senior health and drug allergies
We can often have allergic reaction to medications. Antibiotics are the leading drug allergens; pain relief meds (even aspirin and ibuprofen) are also linked to allergic reactions. Be sure to ask your doctor about what side effects to expect before taking any new medication. And always remember to notify your senior health care physician of your adverse reactions to meds; especially important when admitted to the hospital.
Hygene for Better Senior Health
Keeping the face skin clean is a very important part of preventative senior health care. The outer layer of skin (epidermis) is made up mostly of lifeless cells to protect the layers underneath and to preserve moisture. Washing the face morning and night not only removes dirt, excess oil (if any) and makeup, but also the dead cells. For Normal Skin, water and a mild neutral (transparent type) soap is fine. Oily skin requires a bit stronger soap or rinsable cleanser specifically for oily skin. Dry skin responds best to a rinsable cleanser, not soap. I've read that we should avoid heavy creams that must be wiped off. They not only remove dirt and dead cells, but can leave skin looking dull. Always use a cotton wash cloth, or cotton pads - a 'natural' material. Any use of a tissue (wood product) could produce large pores and damage the skin.
Senior Health Insurance: Dental Care
Looking for low-cost senior health or dental care? There are many dentists who receive government grants to conduct dental research, and many clinics who receive money for treating gum diseases and performed denture work. For more information contact: The National Society of Dental Research, Research Data & Mgmt. Info. Section,31 Center Dr., Bldg 31 2C35, MSC 290, Bethesda MD 20892-290...tele# (301)496-4261 AARP also has a ton of information on health insurance and available dental plans.
Water for your health
Food is not all there is to good senior health. Drinking plenty of water during the day is a must, especially when exercising or during summer months. It is recommended (and very important) that we drink at least 8 glasses of water each day; increase that to 10 or 12 glasses if you are a very active person, walk or garden outdoors often, or just to avoid dehydration from any outdoor activities. If you have mid-night bladder problems, cut off the liquids at a set time in the evenings to avoid; we'll get a better nights sleep.
Walking Shoes
When walking for exercise, senior health, or just out walking for the fun of it, be sure to wear the right shoes. There are shoes designed especially for walking; invest in a good pair for yourself. Comfy shoes extend your enjoyment time! You will also prevent injuries to your feet and legs and you will be less likely to trip and fall if you are wearing a good pair of shoes. Make sure they are supportive of your foot and are made of a breathable material like leather.
Senior health and food allergies
Food allergies occur mostly in young children, and they can outgrow them. However, allergies can develop later in an individual's life as a serious senior health problem, especially when these allergies tend to run in familes. Point of info: not all adverse reactions to food indicate an allergy (response of the body's immune system), but may be a food sensitivity (an adverse reaction, but not an immune response)
Skin Cancer and Senior Health Care
Anytime you find an unusual mole, or notice a change of an existing mole anywhere on your body (face, arms, legs, torso, back), you should notify your physician to have him or her check on this. These changes can indicate skin cancer, something that can be easily taken care of if removed in its early stages. A redness, scaliness, or non-healing spot on your face is another potential sign. It may prove to be 'nothing', but then again a cancer could be detected. Early diagnosis results in better prognosis.
Safety Precautions for Walking Alone
For safety purposes, if you walk in your area alone, think of taking your dog along with you...or at least a walking-cane. You may even want to consider a whistle or other personal safety device depending on your neighborhood. Also, try to walk during the day - and if you need to, drive to a nice park or neighborhood for your walk so you don't have to worry about personal security. Part of senior health care means staying safe!