Nutritious Meals for Seniors

All of us need to make sure our seniors get nutrition from the food they eat.  It helps maintain good health, improves mental alertness, increases energy levels and strengthens their ability to fight illness. Here are a few suggestions. 

BREAKFAST- Eating a nutritious breakfast gets your metabolism going and can increase your energy levels.  Choose foods high in fiber to help prevent constipation and assist in lowering cholesterol levels.  A quick and easy breakfast can be yogurt, fruit and low fat granola or other cereal.   You can make a quick hot breakfast by taking your usual whole grain cereal, adding milk and heating it up in the microwave.   Try whole wheat pancakes with fresh berries and yogurt or a bit of cottage cheese on top instead of syrup.  Eggs can be boiled ahead of time to be served with whole wheat toast and juice or fruit.

LUNCH- Fruits and vegetables make a nutritious addition to anyone’s diet.  A healthy quesadilla made with whole wheat tortilla, cheese, onions and peppers and microwaved for 30 seconds can be a change of pace from the usual sandwich lunch.  The use of whole wheat instead of white bread and turkey or chicken instead of ham can greatly increase the health value of a sandwich.  Don’t forget a slice of tomato or even a very thin cucumber.   Just add a fruit either fresh, frozen or from a can in its own juice to round off the meal. 

DINNER-Skinless chicken, lean pork chops, fish and lean ground turkey and beef are good choices.  Boil whole wheat pasta, and add frozen vegetables the last three minutes of boiling.  Drain and add diced chicken or other meat.  Serve with marinara sauce and Parmesan cheese if desired.  Or make an omelet for dinner.  Fill it with sautéed vegetables such as mushrooms, broccoli, peas or any leftover vegetables, add some cheese and serve with whole wheat warm bread.   Pork chops or ground pork patty, baked sweet potato and a green vegetable such as broccoli or green beans make up another quick and nutritious meal. 

Unless your senior is on a fluid restriction, they should have fresh water or a favorite soft beverage, in a clean container, readily available to them and offered to them at least hourly.      Often they have a pitcher from a hospital visit or a reusable plastic cup with a cover and straw that can be placed within reach.  For seniors who cannot eat an adequate meal in one sitting, smaller, more frequent meals may be needed spaced 2 to 3 hours apart.

 
For more information and helpful tips, go to LIVESTRONG.COM       

Gene that fights Alzheimer's may inspire new treatments

By Sharon Begley (Reuters)

A gene that causes the rare, early-onset form of Alzheimer's disease can also carry a mutation that produces the opposite effect, staving off the devastating illness, scientists announced on July 11, 2012.

"Less than 1 percent of the population has these alleles," or DNA variants, said Dr. William Thies, chief medical and scientific officer of the Alzheimer's Association, a research and advocacy group. "So there's no impetus to go out and get tested. But many companies are working on compounds that target the mechanism they found and so might be encouraged by these results."

Alzheimer's disease is defined by the presence of sticky plaques, composed of a peptide called amyloid beta. Amyloid beta comes from a larger protein called amyloid precursor protein, or APP. Over the last two decades, scientists have identified some two dozen mutations in the APP gene that cause early-onset Alzheimer's, which strikes before age 65.

A novel mutation in the APP gene does the opposite, scientists led by Dr. Kari Stefansson of privately held deCODE Genetics in Reykjavik found when they sequenced the genomes of 1,795 Icelanders.
Those 85 or older who have the beneficial mutation are 81 percent less likely to develop the neurodegenerative disease than others in that age group, the team found. The variant also makes developing Alzheimer's four times less likely across all age groups.

To read more....

It’s hot, HOT, HOT!!!

We don’t remember when it’s been this hot, this soon!!! Summer has definitely arrived. Here are some helpful suggestions to staying safe and avoiding heat-related problems.

Preventing Heat-Related Illness            

Anyone can be a victim of heat-related

illness, such as people working or exercising under the sun when it is hot. However, those most at risk are:

·         Children under five

·         Adults over age 65

·         People with chronic illnesses and disabilities

·         People taking certain medications

A few suggestions for keeping cool include:

·         Dressing for the heat by wearing lightweight, light-colored clothing and a hat

·         Drinking water even if not thirsty

·         Eating small meals

·         Avoiding the use of salt tablets unless prescribed by a doctor

·         Slowing down and avoiding strenuous activity

·         Staying indoors as much as possible

·         Taking regular breaks when active outside

A Home Instead CAREGiver can plan indoor activities, prepare meals, provide medication reminders, and help keep seniors hydrated if they’re outside and watch for symptoms of heat-related illness.

ALSO - a) exercise outside early in the day or late as the sun is going down, b) take your own shade with you in the form of an umbrella c) use #40 sun screen and reapply frequently.  Remember chronic illness, obesity and medications can also contribute to heat sensitivity, so keep a close eye on those you love and care for when the temperature soars!

  

Source: http://www.fha.state.md.us/cphs/eip/pdf/HeatEmergencyAwareness.pdf