Osteoporosis is common, serious, and costly — and it can lead to an increased risk of bone fractures, typically in the wrist, hip, and spine. Often called a silent disease because bone loss occurs without symptoms, people may not know that they have osteoporosis until their bones become so weak that a sudden bump or fall causes a fracture.

Did You Know?

• About 10 million Americans have osteoporosis, and about 34 million more are at risk.
• One out of every 2 women and 1 in 4 men aged 50 and older will have an osteoporosis-related fracture in their lifetime.
•  Twenty-four percent of hip fracture patients age 50 and older die in the year following their facture.

 While men and women of all ages and ethnicities can develop osteoporosis, certain risk factors are linked to the development of osteoporosis and contribute to an individual’s likelihood of developing the disease.

• Gender – Women have a greater chance of developing osteoporosis due to less bone tissue and changes that occur due to menopause.
• Ethnicity – Caucasian and Asian women are at highest risk. African American and Hispanic women have lower but significant risk.
• Age – Older adults have greater risk of osteoporosis because bones become thinner and weaker with age.
• Body size – Small, thin-boned women are at greater risk.
• Diet – An inadequate intake of calcium and vitamin D over a lifetime makes an individual more prone to bone loss and contributes to the development of osteoporosis.
• Lifestyle – An inactive lifestyle or extended bed rest tends to weaken bones.
• Family history – Fracture risk may be due, in part, to heredity.
• Smoking – Women who smoke have lower levels of estrogen compared with nonsmokers, often go through menopause earlier, and may also absorb less calcium from their diets.
• Medication use. Long-term use of certain medications can lead to loss of bone density and fractures.
• Alcohol –Those who drink heavily are more prone to bone loss and fracture, because of poor nutrition and increased risk of falling.

People with osteoporosis may have several risk factors, while others who develop the disease may have no known risk factors at all.

Osteoporosis is a preventable and treatable disease. Early diagnosis and treatment can reduce or prevent fractures. Medicare provides coverage of bone mass measurement for certain eligible beneficiaries. This important benefit can aid in the early detection of osteoporosis before fractures happen, provide a precursor to future fractures, and determine the rate of bone loss. Please help ensure that eligible Medicare patients utilize this benefit as it can help make a difference in the quality of their life.

 For More Information:

• CMS MLN Guide to Medicare Preventive Services (see Chapter 14)
• CMS Bone Mass Measurements brochure
• NIH Osteoporosis and Related Bone Diseases National Resource Center
• National Osteoporosis Foundation website

We encourage our patients to not only concentrate on physical, but mental health as well.  With aging, a lot of changes take place in the body and mind. Many people worry about keeping their minds sharp as they age. They fear losing their memory or their mental reasoning powers. You can keep your mental faculties in excellent shape, whatever your age, using sensible means. The best news is that it is never too late to begin.

·         Mental and physical health is closely aligned, and following a healthy diet is one way to keep both your physical and mental powers into old age. Oily fish such as salmon, mackerel, herring, and halibut, or other foods rich in Omega 3 fatty acids, keep both brain and body healthy.

·         Following a Mediterranean style diet helps also to keep both mind and body active. Low in meat and high in fruit, vegetables, beans, legumes, nuts, bread pasta, cheese yogurt and olive oil, the diet followed by the people, who live around the Mediterranean, means that they have a 36% less chance of developing the mental diseases of old age. Spinach and other leafy greens, eggs, are also good brain foods because they contain

·         Hydration, or drinking enough, is also important to keep your brain at its peak performance. Even being a little dehydrated affects your cognitive and reasoning faculties. Alcohol dehydrates the body, which is why people who have a hangover, feel so dreadful. You should also cut your alcohol consumption, as you get older; the advisable alcohol limits that government health departments give are for people in their twenties.

As you get older, your body does not cope with alcohol as efficiently, as it did once, so you should not take these as healthy limits throughout life. In the United Kingdom, the Health department advises the safe limits as 21 units per week for men and 14 units per week for women, by your forties you should view your safe limit as half those amounts.

Regular exercise and physical activity keeps the circulatory system strong and helps both physical and mental well-being. Exercise need not mean a work out at the gym, even a simple thing like taking a brisk walk every day, helps keep the circulatory system strong, and releases the feel-good endorphins that make you feel happy in your skin.

To Read More, Please Visit: http://www.helium.com/items/2288675-ways-to-keep-your-mind-sharp-as-you-age

 Sunday, May 13^th is Mother’s Day! It is a quality time spent with mothers and daughters and other family members. It is important to think of health on this day. After a hearty meal, there are many activities you can engage in, regardless of where you are.

·         Walking around a busy city center, while window shopping is a great alternative to cardio work out.

·         Doing some shopping at the local mall, is also another great source of cardio work out.

·         Yoga, whether it is hot or regular has many positive effects such as attainment of perfect equilibrium and harmony, promoting self- healing and removing negative blocks from the mind and toxins from the body.

·         Getting a massage at a spa is another wonderful way to relax. It relieves common aches and pains. Massage therapy enhances your life by reducing stress, improving circulation and flushing out toxins and boosting your immune system.

·         Spring time is the perfect time to take a walk in the park. While enjoying the beautiful scenery, you will get some exercise.

·         Visiting a new exhibition at a museum or an art gallery.

The week of May 13^th through May 19^th is National Women’s Health Week.  This year’s observance advises women that “It’s Your Time” to make health a top priority. Art of Care, Inc. joins rest of the nation in order to educate and promote the importance of women’s health. By joining this cause, communities raise awareness about opportunities for healthier lifestyle, tips and preventive services that are available for women.

Women are our mothers, sisters, daughters, aunts, wives, friends, neighbors, co-workers, colleagues, and caregivers – Your encouragement can help promote and improve the health, safety, and quality of life for women and just might save their lives.

Did You Know?

The leading causes of death in females in the United States are:

2007 data. Source – Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Office of Women’s Health website

Medicare provides coverage for a range of preventive services that can help women prevent disease, manage their health conditions, and detect disease early. As a result of the Affordable Care Act, women and others with Medicare can now receive many preventive services at no additional cost. Below is a list of some of the preventive services covered by Medicare, subject to certain requirements:

 As a provider of healthcare services to people with Medicare and women in particular, this month presents a wonderful opportunity to help women to Take the Pledge! to get healthier by recommending steps to improve their physical and mental health, as well as lower their risks for certain diseases by:

§  Regular exercise/increased activity

§  Healthy food choices

§  Attention to mental health, including getting enough sleep and managing stress

§  Avoidance of unhealthy behaviors, such as smoking and not wearing a seatbelt or bicycle helmet and

§  Taking advantage of appropriate preventive services and screenings

More Information for Healthcare Professionals:

§  The Guide to Medicare Preventive Services for Healthcare Professionals

§  CMS Prevention General Information Website

§  CMS MLN Preventive Services Products Website

§  Quick Reference Information: The ABCs of Providing the Annual Wellness Visit

• MLN Quick Reference Information:  Medicare Preventive Services

§  National Women’s Health Week Website

§  National Women’s Checkup Day Website

§  The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Women’s Health Website

Yet many people don't realize they're at risk of having high blood pressure, according to the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association.

Family history. If your parents or a close relative had high blood pressure, you're also at risk for the condition. It's a good idea to research your family's medical history in order to find out if high blood pressure runs in the family.

Advanced age. As people age, they're at increased risk for high blood pressure and cardiovascular disease. This is because blood vessels lose flexibility with aging, which leads to increasing pressure on the cardiovascular system.

Gender. Men are more likely than women to have high blood pressure until age 45. Between ages 45 to 50 and 55 to 64, the risk for high blood pressure is about the same for men and women. After age 64, women are much more likely than men to have high blood pressure.

Being inactive. Sitting at your desk or on your couch too much increases your risk of having high blood pressure. Getting regular exercise is a natural way to lower it.

Too much salt. Salt keeps excess fluid in the body that can add to the burden on the heart, increasing high blood pressure risk. Keep your sodium intake to less than 1,500 milligrams per day.

Being overweight or obese. Watch your weight. If you are overweight, losing as little as 10 to 20 pounds can help lower blood pressure.

Drinking too much. Heavy and regular alcohol consumption can lead to a dramatic increase in blood pressure and also cause heart failure, stroke, and irregular heartbeats. If you drink alcohol, limit your consumption to no more than two drinks a day for men and one drink a day for women.

To Read the Full Article, Please Visit: http://www.everydayhealth.com/hypertension/0504/high-blood-pressure-risk-factors-that-may-surprise-you.aspx?xid=tw_heartdiseases_sf

Summer is just around the corner and the weather is becoming warmer. Most of us aim to spend as much time outdoors as we can, taking in the sun. However, the sun can cause some health problems and it is important to know them before stepping outside. At Art of Care, Inc. we educate our patients about sun safety. One of the main issues is dehydration, which is not having enough fluids in your body.

If a person is dehydrated for a long period of time, heatstroke can set in, because they can't sweat enough to cool down, and their body temperature rises.

How to avoid it. If you are outside and sweating, it is important to drink fluids constantly. You can drink a 50-50 mix of Gatorade and water, which has potassium and sodium.

Warning signs. Symptoms of dehydration can run the gamut from thirst and general fatigue, to headaches, nausea, and confusion. Heatstroke symptoms are also headache and confusion, but include delirium and even hallucinations.

What to do. While mild dehydration can be treated by rehydrating with fluids, heatstroke is more serious. If you have heatstroke, you need to go to the emergency room so you can have intravenous fluids.

To Read The Full Article, Please Visit: http://women.webmd.com/features/avoid-summers-health-woes

Art of Care, Inc. has several home health care patients that suffer from CHF (congestive heart failure). This condition can be managed if you are pro-active about your health.

We try to motivate our patients in their acute state to stay on top of their condition!

It is the goal to staying independent in the comfort of your home!

Here are the following tips in managing congestive heart failure:

• Take your medicine exactly as your doctor prescribed.
• Don’t add salt to your food.
• Ask your doctor about “low salt” or “no salt” products.
• Read labels and avoid foods high in salt or sodium.
• Weigh yourself EVERY morning and write it down.
• Limit water and other liquids to no more than the amount your doctor advises.
• Follow the exercise program your doctor prescribed.

CALL YOUR DOCTOR IF: You gain 3 or more pounds in a week.

You have trouble breathing.

You have a cough that won’t go away, especially at night.

Your feet and ankles swell more than usual.

You have dizzy spells or you faint.

You see greenish or yellowish circles around things.

You feel sick to your stomach.

You have tightness or pain in your chest, neck, or arm.

You begin urinating less frequently.

Your pulse is less than 50 or more than 100.

You think you’re having side effects from your medicine.   

To get a complete list of tips for managing your CHF, please visit: http://advantage.ok.gov/CHCC/Publications/Congestive%20Heart%20Failure%20Tables.pdf 

Taking steps to reduce your exposure to things that trigger asthma symptoms is a key part of asthma control. Here are some things that may help:

·         Use your air conditioner. Air conditioning reduces the amount of airborne pollen from trees, grasses and weeds that finds its way indoors. Air conditioning also lowers indoor humidity and can reduce your exposure to dust mites. If you don't have air conditioning, try to keep your windows closed during pollen season.

·         Decontaminate your decor. Minimize dust that may worsen nighttime symptoms by replacing certain items in your bedroom. For example, encase pillows, mattresses and box springs in dust-proof covers. Remove carpeting and install hardwood or linoleum flooring. Use washable curtains and blinds.

·         Maintain optimal humidity. If you live in a damp climate, talk to your doctor about using a dehumidifier.

·         Keep indoor air clean. Have a utility company check your air conditioner and furnace once a year. Change the filters in your furnace and air conditioner according to the manufacturer's instructions. Also consider installing a small-particle filter in your ventilation system. If you use a humidifier, change the water daily.

·         Reduce pet dander. If you're allergic to dander, avoid pets with fur or feathers. Having pets regularly bathed or groomed also may reduce the amount of dander in your surroundings.

·         Clean regularly. Clean your home at least once a week. If you're likely to stir up dust, wear a mask or have someone else do the cleaning.

·         If it's cold out, cover your face. If your asthma is worsened by cold, dry air, wearing a face mask can help.

To Read More About This Article, Please Visit: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/asthma/DS00021/DSECTION=lifestyle-and-home-remedies

·         Difficulty concentrating

·         Fatigue

·         Irritability

·         Problems falling or staying asleep, and sleep that is often restless and unsatisfying

·         Restlessness, and often becoming startled very easily

Anxiety is very common among the elderly. Even though there are medications for anxiety, it is also important to learn some natural ways that anxiety can be reduced.

Become a relaxation expert. We all think we know how to relax. But chilling out in front of the TV or computer isn't true relaxation. (Depending on what you're watching or doing, it could even make you more tense.) The same is true for alcohol, drugs, or tobacco. They may seem to relieve anxiety or stress, but it's a false state of relaxation that's only temporary. What the body really needs is a relaxation technique — like deep breathing, tai chi, or yoga — that has a physical effect on the mind. For example, deep breathing helps to relax a major nerve that runs from the diaphragm to the brain, sending a message to the entire body to let go and loosen up.

Get enough sleep, nourishment, and exercise. Want your mind and body to feel peaceful and strong enough to handle life's ups and downs? Get the right amount of sleep for your needs — not too much or too little. Eat well: Choose fruit, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains for long-term energy (instead of the short bursts that come from too much sugar or caffeine). And exercise to send oxygen to every cell in the body so your brain and body can operate at their best.

Connect with others. Spend time with friends or family. Organized activities are great, but just hanging out works too. Doing things with those we feel close to deepens our bonds, allowing us to feel supported and secure. And the fun and sharing that go with it allow us to feel happier and less upset about things. If you feel worried or nervous about something, talking about it with someone who listens and cares can help you feel more understood and better able to cope. You'll be reminded that everyone has these feelings sometimes. You're not alone.

Connect with nature. Heading out for a walk in the park or a hike in the woods can help anyone feel peaceful and grounded. (Choose somewhere you feel safe so you can relax and enjoy your surroundings.) Walking, hiking, trail biking, or snowshoeing offer the additional benefit of exercise. Invite a friend or two — or a family member — along and enjoy feeling connected to people as well.

Think positive. A great way to keep our minds off the worry track is to focus our thoughts on things that are good, beautiful, and positive. Allow yourself to dream, wish, and imagine the best that could happen.

To Read The Article, Please Visit: http://kidshealth.org/teen/your_mind/emotions/anxiety_tips.html

A good place to start is by learning as much as you can about the limitations imposed by this eye disease so that you can assist your loved one to function safely and productively at home.

Lighting and Glare Control

People with glaucoma require higher light levels, yet they have problems with glare, such as light shining into the eyes or reflecting off of shiny objects, like a Formica countertop. Contrast sensitivity (the ability to see different shades of the same color) is also affected. Guidelines for providing light and glare control include:

·         Position lighting directly onto tasks such as reading, cards, or hobbies with a small gooseneck or clip on lamp. Under-counter lighting works well for the kitchen or other work areas. Specialized lamps/bulbs to increase contrast and reduce glare are available through low vision supply companies.

·         Avoid large discrepancies in lighting, such as a bright lamp shining into a dark room. As task lighting is increased, the surrounding room lighting should also be increased. Keeping lights on during daytime hours helps to equalize lighting from indoor and outdoor sources.

·         Reduce glare by covering reflective surfaces when possible and making sure that the person is not seated facing the window, especially when reading or working at a task. Encourage her to wear tinted glasses and a visor when reading or working outside.

Magnification

 Magnification is an essential tool for those with low vision, and magnifying devices range from the very simple to increasingly complex technology. Some of these include:

·         Large print books, checkbooks, calendars, calculators, remote control units, clocks and watches, appointment books, and playing cards.

·         Small pocket magnifiers for reading a restaurant menu or a price tag, large illuminated stand magnifiers for reading and performing other tasks at home.

·         Electronic magnification units, which use a camera to capture an image on a printed page and project it onto a built-in monitor, a television monitor or a computer screen. These units can be used to read bills and write checks, look at books, newspapers and photos, read labels on food or medicine and fill an insulin syringe. Available through low vision supply companies, they can be chosen with preference for image size, degree of contrast, and color or black and white. They range in size from large models to small portable devices.

·         Telescopic systems to magnify distance objects, such as the television. These may be handheld or mounted in eyewear called "bioptics."

·         Adaptive equipment for computer use, such as screen enlargement software, large lettered keyboards and near telescopic systems.

To Read the Full Article, Please Visit: http://www.agingcare.com/Articles/Helping-Your-Loved-One-Live-With-Low-Vision-111675.htm