Our senses help us to perceive and enjoy our current environment. The sensation of smell plays a big part in why we love to eat, enjoying the aromas of our foods helps us to look forward to the pleasures of tasting them. As we age so do our senses, and the sensations of smell, olfactory … [ Read More ]
Lactose Intolerance
By
Those that are lactose intolerant must be careful when consuming dairy products or they can become bloated, have diarrhea, nausea/vomiting and/or gas. People with this condition lack the enzyme, lactase, which breaks down lactose, the sugar found in milk products. The enzyme lactase is produced, normally, in the small intestine. The symptoms of lactose intolerance … [ Read More ]
Fruit and Vegetable intake among the elderly
By
The elderly population has an increased risk of chronic conditions. Higher consumption of fruits and vegetables has been shown to decrease the risk of heart disease and stroke, cancer, lower blood pressure and have a positive effect on blood sugar. Eating a variety of different fruits and vegetable, of various colors, will provide your body … [ Read More ]
Prediabetes
By
Prediabetes is when blood sugar is higher than normal and a person is at risk of becoming a Type II Diabetic. One is considered Prediabetic when their Hgb A1C lab test is between 5.7-6.4 percent, anything over 6.5 percent is considered Type II Diabetic. People that are Prediabetic, and Diabetic, do not process sugar properly … [ Read More ]
Cardiovascular Disease
By
When we consider our cardiovascular system, usually the first things that come to our mind are our hearts, blood vessels, arteries and blood. Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is heart and blood vessel disease which includes multiple problems that affect the cardiovascular system. Many of these issues begin with a process called atherosclerosis, where plaque builds up … [ Read More ]
Proper Hydration
By
Hydration, or the process of absorbing water, is essential to good health and life. Water makes up about 60% of the human body and is a component of every body cell. Without water humans can only survive for a matter of days. There are many health benefits to drinking water and staying hydrated, such as: … [ Read More ]
Depression and Nutritional Concerns
By
The most common causes of resident weight loss in nursing homes are depression and adverse drug effects, which are rarely identified. Prevalence studies have suggested that an estimated 40% of elderly residents in long-term care facilities experience depression. Our growing population continues to age, and so it is expected that the number of elderly suffering … [ Read More ]
Modified Diet Consistencies
By
Dysphagia is the medical term used for difficulty swallowing. Signs and symptoms of dysphagia include having pain when swallowing, drooling, being horse, not being able to swallow, coughing or gagging when swallowing, regurgitation and frequent heartburn. The two types of Dysphagia are Esophageal, the sensation of food being “stuck” in your throat, and Oropharyngeal, weakened … [ Read More ]
National Nursing Assistants Week is June 9-16, 2016
By
Nursing Assistants, or Certified Nursing Assistants (CNA), care for patients at long term care facilities, hospitals, physician offices, private homes, home health agencies and mental health institutions. The nursing assistant works under the supervision of the Registered Nurse (RN) or Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) to assist patients with basic, quality of life, healthcare needs such … [ Read More ]