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Weight Loss Resolutions

New Year’s resolutions are easy to make but even easier to break. Some of the most common resolutions are losing weight, quitting smoking, cutting back on alcohol, eating healthier, and getting better sleep. People tend to challenge themselves by setting unrealistic goals, and they become frustrated and give up. Any resolution is obtainable by setting small goals that are easily reached. New Year’s is an opportunity to think about healthy choices and setting realistic goals to achieve them.

Having a weight loss resolution to begin the new year is a great start. Breaking down the resolution into mini-resolutions will help stay on target and meet goals. Here’s how:

Set measurable goals: Commit to a 30-minute exercise class or take a walk at break time. Trade in the soda for sparkling water. Treat yourself to a star sticker each time a goal has been accomplished.

Take it week to week: Each week, assign a new goal such as trying a new vegetable dish, adding a new spice to a recipe, and engaging in physical activity. Remember to give each goal achieved a gold star!

Find a group or buddy: Having support from peers is one of the keys to success for losing weight.

Whatever your fitness goals are for 2020, create a realistic plan, stick to it, and then benefit from all the hard work along the path for a healthy change.

Gadgets for Parkinson’s

Parkinson’s disease (PD) can make daily living challenging. PD symptoms such as shakiness, slow movements, and rigid muscles can affect daily life. As the disease progresses, it can turn ordinary tasks such as eating, dressing and writing into daunting chores. Gadgets – better known as assistive devices – can help make these tasks easier for daily living.

Assistive technology has come a long way over the past few years. Devices to assist with walking, getting dressed, and eating have been created to help balance problems experienced by those with the disease. Here are a few tools that may help make life a little less challenging.

Dressing aids such as button hooks, magnetic button covers, and zipper pulls can make getting ready in the morning easier for individuals who lack dexterity, have tremors, and difficulty with coordination and balance. Lightweight, supportive shoes with Velcro tabs are easier to slip on.

Bathroom aids such as a shower chair, grab bar, and a nonskid bath mat are essential to help make the room safer and more accessible. Electric toothbrush, electric razor, or hands-free hair dryer mounted on a vanity can help with personal grooming.

Eating tools such as weighted utensils, plate guards, rubber mats to prevent dishes from slipping, and cups with an attachable lid can provide a sense of independence. Also, using insulated bowls, mugs, and plates can help keep food warm during the meal.

Mobile phones offer a peace of mind in staying connected with family and friends. Voice activation is available on most smartphones and can help assist to make calls by just saying the name of the intended person, search the internet, and check emails. Smartphones offer many apps such as medication management and data gathering apps. These can be used to inform the person who adjusts medications or treatments of Parkinson’s.

While assistive technology or equipment does not cure or stop the tremors, it can improve independence in daily life.

Supercharge the Immune System

Cold and flu season has arrived. Family members and coworkers are beginning to cough and sneeze in unison. It’s just a matter of time before you join in the phlegmy chorus. However, there are ways to supercharge the immune system to help fight off viral and bacterial infections, and other annoying bugs. 

Home treatments and natural remedies can help boost the immune system during the season of colds, flu, and sniffles. 
Try a few of these natural ways to boost the immune system:
• Eat a well-balanced diet. Try a variety of fruits, vegetables, lean proteins and whole grains. 
• Drink plenty of water. Staying hydrated helps support the body’s defenses to function properly.
• Exercise. Moderate exercise can help maintain a healthy immune system. 
• Get plenty of sleep. If you get enough sleep, it will help your body fight off sickness. 
• Increase vitamins. Immune boosting vitamins are vitamins B6, C, and E. Some foods that are rich in these vitamins are eggs, bell peppers, spinach, and almonds.

So become a supercharged immune fighting machine by, exercising, getting plenty of sleep, and eating fruits and veggies. Your friends will be asking you why you never seem to get sick.

UTIs and Dementia in Seniors

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) in seniors can become a complex issue. It is important for family caregivers to know the signs of UTI in the elderly. UTIs can cause serious side effects like delirium and possibly lead to kidney infections and sepsis.

The elderly experience different symptoms of UTI compared to middle aged adults or even younger people, and the symptoms can be much worse. Older adults, particularly those with dementia, may not realize they have an issue and often are unable to communicate their symptoms to their caregivers.

When seniors contract a UTI, they sometimes experience a sudden and unexplained change in behavior, such as confusion, agitation, or withdrawal.

Certain UTI symptoms are easier to recognize in seniors than others. Following are a few indicators that can accompany UTI in the elderly:
• Behavioral changes
• Confused or delirium-like state
• Falling
• Hallucinations

Some UTI symptoms may be present but are ignored by elderly individuals.
• Fever
• Cloudy or bloody urine
• Pain with urination
• Strong-smelling urine

There are a few simple steps to help avoid contracting a UTI, such as drinking plenty of water, emptying the bladder frequently, and encouraging urinary hygiene. 

Are Cranberry Pills Good For You?

Cranberries are small, tart, bright red berries that are a popular treat, as well as a holiday staple. They are packed with antioxidants and provide many health benefits. Cranberry juice has a reputation for preventing Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs), though research is inconsistent. Is there a benefit to taking cranberry pills?

What are cranberry pills? They are a small tablet or capsule made from dried, powered cranberries and may contain additional ingredients such as vitamin C or probiotics. One benefit of taking cranberry pills is that they may help prevent UTIs, however there have been conflicting research.

A study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association in November 2016, looked at 185 older women living in a nursing home. The group of women taking cranberry supplements saw a decrease in the number of bacteria in their urine in the first six months. The study did not show a decrease in UTI frequency in the first year.

According to Pennington Biomedical Research Center, cranberry pill health benefits include:
• May help with chronic disease
• May help treat stomach ailments
• High level of antioxidants

While cranberry pills are thought to be safe, there are a few mild side effects such as: 
• Stomach pain
• Potential to cause kidney stones (if you are susceptible to them)
• May increase affects of blood thinning with some medications

If you think you may have a UTI, contact your general practitioner.

Sources:

Juthani-Mehta M, Van Ness PH, Bianco L, et al. Effect of Cranberry Capsules on Bacteriuria Plus Pyuria Among Older Women in Nursing Homes: A Randomized Clinical Trial. JAMA. 2016;316(18):1879–1887.

Roy, Heli J. “Cranberries.” Pennington Nutrition Series. Pennington Biomedical Research Center LSU. 41(2014)