Eating impacts our health and one of the smartest things we can do to prevent disease and illness, is to know what we eat. There is much information everywhere about eating the right way, eating the right foods, mindless eating, dieting, and so on.

There is raw food such as fruits, vegetables, legumes, nuts, meat and there is the processed food that we all consume daily. By knowing what food contains will help us maintain a balanced diet and a healthy body.

• Calories/Calculate daily needed calories  

• Carbohydrates/Sugar   

• Fats/Cholesterol

• Fiber

• Proteins

• Vitamins & Minerals   

Changing the way we eat goes a long way to prevent cardiovascular problems. For example, dieticians tell us we need food rich in complex carbohydrates such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts and legumes. The complex carbs should make up about two thirds of our total number of calories. In spite of all the studies, the published studies, the programs about nutrition, only one in five Americans eats the recommended five cups of fruits and vegetables.

Cocoa is is high in anti-oxidants that help to slow down aging by restricting the activities of free radicals in the body. Free radicals are created by simply living. You create them when you breathe, eat or exercise. Free radicals damage normal healthy cells.

Chocolate is also high in oleic and linoleic acids. Oleic acid makes the skin more flexible and helps preventing breast cancer. Linoleic acid helps to repair damaged cells, burn calories, relieve eczema or dry skin and  It helps maintain the health of cell membranes.

Chocholate beside making you "feel good" it is beneficial to your health as well.

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By John C. Fleming, MD

U.S. Congressman Of Louisiana

If you believe that Congressman Fleming is right, please visit his website and sign his petition http://fleming.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=55

The researchers arrived at this conclusion after analyzing the life habits of 276 subjects over a 6-year period. They determined that over this timespan, approximately 20% of those with long and short sleep duration developed type 2 diabetes or impaired glucose tolerance versus only 7% among subjects who were average duration sleepers. Even after taking into account the effect attributable to differences in body mass among the subjects, the risk of diabetes and insulin resistance was still twice as high among those with longer and shorter sleep duration than average sleepers.

The researchers also point out that diabetes is not the only risk associated with sleep duration. A growing number of studies have shed light on a similar relationship between sleep and obesity, cardiovascular disease, and overall mortality. The authors observe that among adults, between 7 and 8 hours of nighttime sleep appears to be the optimum duration to protect against common diseases and premature death.

It seems that fewer and fewer people sleep the optimum number of hours. Statistics found that one-third of adults aged 30 to 64 slept less than 6 hours a night.

http://www.ulaval.ca/

Now a study led by researchers at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center (BIDMC) and Hebrew Senior Life confirms that an episode of delirium rapidly accelerates cognitive decline and memory loss in Alzheimer's patients. The cognitive rate of decline was found to be three times more rapid among those Alzheimer's patients who had had an episode of delirium than among those who did not have such a setback. In other words, the amount of decline you might expect to see in an Alzheimer's patient over the course of 18 months would be accelerated to 12 months following an episode of delirium.

Alzheimer's disease is an irreversible, progress form of dementia that gradually destroys a person's ability to carry out even the simplest of tasks, and affects as many as 4.5 million individuals in the U.S. according to figures from the National Institute on Aging. There is currently no cure for Alzheimer's disease.

Delirium, on the other hand, is a potentially preventable condition, which often develops following a medical disturbance, surgery or infection and is estimated to affect between 14 percent and 56 percent of all hospitalized elderly patients.

In the final analysis was found that, among patients who developed delirium, the average decline on cognitive tests was 2.5 points per year at the beginning of the study; following an episode of delirium, decline nearly doubled to 4.9 points per year.

All elderly patients, but particularly patients who have already been diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease, can benefit from a number of preventive measures if they are hospitalized such as frequent reminder to the patient that he or she is in the hospital(orientation of the patient to his or her surroundings), to allow for as much uninterrupted sleep as possible by not waking patients to take vital signs or do blood draws at night, and to get patients out of bed and walking as soon as their medical condition allows as well as by avoiding to use unnecessary medications( tranquilizers, hypnotics, antipsychotics,etc.).

http://bidmc.harvard.edu

Under the new policy, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) will make a single payment to dialysis units to cover both dialysis and injectable medications, which were previously reimbursed separately. African American dialysis patients have more problems with anemia (low hemoglobin) than white patients and thus may require more treatment with costly erythropoiesis stimulating agents (ESAs) to raise hemoglobin levels.

Since dialysis centers will no longer be reimbursed for the higher ESA doses, the researchers are concerned that the new policy could create a "financial disincentive" to accept African Americans.

There are things that most of the assisted living facilities won't tell you:

• They promise more that they can deliver: Many people believe
  that once their loved one is accepted into one of these facilities, he or she will live there for a very long time, perhaps avoiding a nursing home altogether, but only to be faced with the fact that they may need to move their loved one once there is a change in medical condition and more care is needed. You will be asked to move or to provide a private duty aide(which could be costly), and only if your loved one is not bed bounded. Assisted living facilities are not allowed to keep bed bounded patients unless they are under hospice services. The reason that these facilities are doing this is: marketing and the necessity to fill up their beds even if for short time, knowing that this will unconvenience you and your loved one.

1. Sales director

Sales directors oversee sales staff to help meet objectives, plan and implement sales programs, and work to maintain budgets, among many other duties. While formal training is not a requirement for this position, sales experience and an outgoing personality are vital.

Salary: $91,900/ $44 per hour

2. Security administrators, computer network

Security administrators work to prevent, troubleshoot, and repair security breaches while educating network users on cyber safety. Certification or relevant experience is essential to entry to this field, especially in absence of a four-year degree.

Salary: $72,000/ $35 per hour

3. Elevator installer/repairer

Elevator assembly, installation and maintenance are the main responsibilities of this position. Participating in an apprenticeship program coupled with paid on-the-job training is the standard, and workers must pass a licensing exam. Union membership is typically required by employers.

Salary: $67,100/ $32 per hour

4. Real estate broker

Usually commission-based, real estate brokers' salaries are sensitive to shifts in the economy. Despite the current real estate market. Brokers are tasked with understanding real estate markets, performing transactions, and advising buyers on their financing options. Additionally, real estate brokers must pass a written exam and maintain a license.

Salary: $65,400/ $31 per hour

5. Nuclear medicine technologist
 

Nuclear medicine technologists administer a type of drug called radiopharmaceuticals to patients and create diagnostic images that ultimately determine the presence of a disease. With an increasingly large middle-aged and elderly population and advances in technology, job growth for nuclear medicine technologists is likely to remain steady. A certificate or an associate's degree is needed, and a license is a requirement for many employers and states.

Salary: $64,100/ $31 per hour

6. Radiation therapist

Administering radiation treatment to cancer patients is the main role of a radiation therapist. There is also room for personal advancement in this field, with opportunities that include teaching and research. Training through an associate's degree or certification program is necessary, and a license is required in many states.

Salary: $63,500 / $31 per hour

7. Construction manager
 

Construction managers oversee the construction of structures, facilities, and systems, and are often on call around the clock. On-the-job construction experience and/or completing a construction management certification program provide entry to this position.

Salary: $63,400/ $30 per hour

8. Air traffic controller

An air traffic controller's job is to keep the skies safe and it is a very demanding and rewarding occupation. Providing an essential role in aviation, air traffic controllers ensure that planes maintain a safe distance between each other and help to coordinate efficient scheduling. With most positions employed by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), air traffic controllers must complete a FAA-approved education program and pass a pre-employment test.

Salary: $63,000/ $30 per hour

9. Video game designer

Video game designers create the storyline and structure of a video game and determine the rules of play. They typically need to possess an understanding of software design and computer programming, and a degree or certification from a technical school can provide an advantage. Although currently at a point of high popularity, video games tend to go through phases of increased and decreased popularity.

Salary: $62,300/ $30 per hour

10. MRI technologist

MRI technologists train in programs available through hospitals, colleges and universities to earn a certificate or associate's degree. With more doctors' offices and clinics providing diagnostic services, demand is higher than ever.

Salary: $61,000/ $29 per hour

The assisted living facility's staff will manage the resident's care, including ongoing assessments of the resident's needs and health monitoring. ALF staff will coordinate and assist the resident to gain access to needed medical services, as well as mental health, social, educational, and other services. They will also monitor and evaluate the delivery of services. The resident can contract with a third party, like a home health agency or a nurse registry, to provide nursing and other medical services to the resident when needed, as long as the resident's health does not require more care than can be provided in an ALF. The ALF can assist the resident in arranging for such nursing care.

Choosing the right ALF:

• Staffing: How much qualified staff is available each shift to provide personal care, resident supervision and to provide or arrange for scheduled and unscheduled resident services?. What is the ratio of staff to residents?. Assisted living facility's employees are required to have various levels of training depending on their responsibilities. Are the caregivers friendly, respectful and ready to assist you?.
• Financial: Assisted living facilities are, usually, private pay. There are some additional sources that you can use to cover for part or all the assisted living care cost such as veteran benefits, long term care insurances, Medicaid Diversion( if you qualify).
• Cost: Find out price of a private or sharred room. Inquire about additional cost for caring for patients with Dementia/Alzheimer's. How often the monthly rate is increased and by what percentage?. Make sure that everything is mentioned in the contract before you sign it. Any assisted living facility is obligated to give you 30 days notice before any increase in the monthly rate. Is any additional charge for increase in level of care and how much?. What is included in the monthly rent and what services will require additional fees?
• Admission fee and Deposit: Some assisted living facilities may ask for a deposit and admission fees. If these are required, you should ask for the purpose of such fees, whether they are refundable, and, if so, under what circumstances. Most facilities have a policy in place.
• Accommodations: Assisted living facilities offer different type of accommodations based on facility size. Larger ALFs could offer from apartments, to a room with private bathroom and kitchenette, to just a single or sharred room. Residential assisted living facilities( 6 beds or less), most of the time, have only single or sharred rooms with sharred bathrooms. Do the rooms or apartments have telephone access and cable TV and is there an additional charge for the services?. Ask if the rooms/apartments come furnished or unfurnished, if you can bring your own furniture and wall decorations. Is the assisted living facility easy to get around in?. Larger facilities with long hallways and/or multiple levels can be very confusing to patients with dementia and/or Alzheimer's and difficult to access to patients with ambulatory problems. A smaller facility is more suitable for these type of residents. Security and fire safety is very important in assisted living as well. Inquire about smoke detectors, fire sprinkler system and door alarms. Ask about smoking, pet, parking and visiting hours policy.
• Services: Ask about services provided in the facility and which services may require additional cost. There are many other services provided by third party providers such as physicians, pharmacy, laboratory and X-ray, home health services, beautician and barber care. Is the facility going to arrange those services for you?. Some assisted living facilities allow their residents to benefit from hospice services and to "age in place". All assisted living facilities have a bed hold policy for patients that require hospitalization or physical rehabilitation. The patient's family is required to continue paying the assisted living facility to be able to hold the bed. Ask about "bed hold" policy.
• Meals: How many meals and snacks are provided each day?. Ask to see a copy of the menu and see if choices are always available. Most assisted living facilities are offering three meals and snacks per day. It is also important to know if the facility is offering special diets.
• Licensing: Every assisted living facility in Florida is licenced by the state and the license has to be posted in plain view. The "Resident Bill of Rights" must be posted in the ALF in a prominent place along with Long-Term Care Ombudsman poster. You must know where to call in case that you have a complaint.

Do you really need a nursing home?. Most of the time no, but people are just not aware of how much care can be provided in a small residential assisted living facility. Those facilities have the highest caregiver to patient ratio giving one-on-one care which no nursing home or larger assisted living facility can provide unless you are paying additionally or by hiring a private duty aide.

Just continue to read about the many services that can be provided to your loved one in a 6-8 bed residential assisted living facility and then decide if you are really in need of nursing home care.

DON'T FORGET!.....Assisted living facilities in Florida do benefit from Medicaid Diversion Program and your relative can have a portion of the assisted living cost covered, usually up to $1100-$1200/month( your relative's monthly income-pension, retirement benefits,etc-plus Medicaid Diversion contribution can not exceed $2400 per month for our facilities with certain programs such American Eldercare, Amerigroup and Citrus). There is a small difference if you are a member of Universal Medicaid Diversion. Their contribution is $1100/month on top of your pension, retirement funds etc. up to $2200/month. So if your pension is $2200/month, the assisted living facility in which you are residing will receive an additional $1100/month coming to a total of $3300/month. In many assisted living facilities( including Phoenix Senior Living), $3300/month will cover private room accommodations.

Mom or dad receives assistance with all activities of daily living, with transfers and ambulation and help with wheechair mobility if they are unable to wheel themselves. Residents with dementia or Alzheimer's will be reminded to eat if needed and food will be cut up for residents with limited manual dexterity.

Many other services are provided as: medication administration( it is centrally locked and controlled by trained personnel), incontinence care and supplies, nutrition is closely monitored( diet provided based on a menu prepared by a registered dietitian), in house visiting physician, optometrist, podiatrist, hairdresser, laboratory and x-ray services.

Medical services are available to residential assisted living facilities and are provided by licensed nurses, physical, occupational and speech therapy through home health services, and the services rendered are covered by the resident's health insurance.

Everybody believed that if mom or dad was a diabetic on insulin, or needed intravenous antibiotics or other injectable medication, they had to go to a nursing home. The concept is wrong because all that can be provided in a assisted living facility under home health services.

Phoenix Senior Living provides all those services and more. Read.....

There two types of homecare agencies: Full-Service Agencies and Referral Agencies. There is a difference in how they screen their caregivers/home health aids.

Full-Service Agencies: They will provide you with a fully screened caregiver and will continue servicing you thereafter. Some of their services include:

• Prescreening employees for a criminal background
• Checking multiple references
• Maintaining professional liability insurance
• You will be paying the agency for services and the agency will be covering all payroll taxes
• Supplying a caregiver when yours is off or absent
• Replacing a caregiver who isn't a good fit
• Supervising caregivers regularly by sending a registered nurse at intervals

Referral Agencies : Will refer you a caregiver and then your relationship with the agency will end. Referral agencies provide you with a fully screened caregiver but they will not provide any services thereafter. You will be responsible to find a replacement if your caregiver is off or absent, covering any related taxes and you have to supervise the caregiver as well. Some of the services offered by referral agencies include:

• Prescreening employees for a criminal background
• Checking multiple references

Then there is Private-Hire Caregiver when you will find a caregiver on your own( word-of-mouth, recommendations, etc.). This is when you will have to do all the work including criminal background screening.

Everything should be taken in consideration when searching for in home care. The safety and well being of your loved one depends on it.

Nervous laughter spreads through the cabin, but the men enter the cockpit, the door closes, and the engines start.  The passengers begin glancing nervously,  searching for some sign that this is just a little practical joke. None is forthcoming.

The plane moves faster and faster down the runway, and people at the windows  realize that they're headed straight for the water at the edge of the airport.

As it begins to look as though the plane will never take off, that it will plow into the water, screams of panic fill the cabin. But at that moment, the plane lifts smoothly into the air.

Up in the cockpit, the co-pilot turns to the pilot and says, "You know, Bob, one of these days, they're going to scream too late, and we're all gonna die."

Home health care is offered by home healthcare agencies that are licensed by the state. They provide in home skilled nursing, from licensed professional medical staff who can administer medication and provide wound therapy amongst others, and other home health care services, such as physical and occupational therapy.Though some healthcare agencies only provide health services, others also can provide personal care services as well. You will need a physician order in order to receive home health care. The services are, most of the time, covered by your insurance company( Medicare, Medicaid, HMO,PPO, etc) and some people choose to have additional services( most of the time is an increase in physical therapy visits per week or extra assistance from a home health aid) and pay privately.

In home care or homecare is nonmedical care provided in the client's home. It includes custodial care and assistance with activities of daily living such as eating, bathing and providing medication reminders. These services are provided by certified nurse assistants( CNA), home health aids( HHA) or just caregivers( not working through a homecare agency or nurse registry). Homecare can be arranged without a physician's order and is different from home health care, in that caregivers do not provide nursing care.

Some caregivers or homecare aids will work with clients in assisted living facilities or nursing home, taking care of the patient in the facility and not in client's home.

In home care services are covered by long term care insurances or has to be paid privately. If not covered by long term care insurance, in home care can be rather expensive.

Finding the right senior care facility that could care for your family member is very important, for you and your loved one. Some facilities claim to specialize in treating the elder with Alzheimer's disease or other dementia, but not all of them excel in this kind of care. Those that do excel tend to be larger facilities and very expensive. Looking for a smaller, residential assisted living facility may be a better choice, affordable and your family member will feel "at home".

As symptoms progress, unfamiliar people, places and activities can be upsetting or confusing. A smaller senior care facility will provide security and more personalized care. Routines are reassuring to Alzheimer's patients especially toward mid-stage of the disease.   

Routines that could help in caring for an Alzheimer's patient:

• Structure the day.
• Provide consistent environmental cues about time of day.
• Help the person to look forward to milestones of the day, such as bathing, dressing, meal preparation and eating, going outdoors, having visitors, getting ready for bed. Talk about the upcoming markers of the day.
• Enlist the patient in accomplishing small tasks around the house or yard.
• Keep the environment familiar. Put things in expected places. Novelty and surprise are not helpful to most Alzheimer's patients.
• Be near the person. Many dementia patients feel most comfortable if their caregiver is nearby. You do not have to talk or entertain them.
• Create a routine around regular toilet visits, to avoid embarrassment, discomfort, or medical complications. The caregiver may have to help with hygiene. In late-stage Alzheimer’s, adult diapers are often needed.

Phoenix Senior Living offers a secure environment and trained caregivers that are able to care for Dementia/Alzheimer's patients. Read more.....

There are symptoms that mimic early Alzheimer’s disease such:

• Central nervous system and other degenerative disorders-, head injuries, brain tumors, stroke, epilepsy, Pick’s Disease, Parkinson’s disease, Huntington’s disease
• Metabolic ailments- hypothyroidism, hypoglycemia, malnutrition, vitamin deficiencies, dehydration, kidney or liver failure
• Substance-induced conditions-drug interactions, medication side-effects, alcohol and drug abuse
• Psychological factors- dementia syndrome, depression, emotional trauma, chronic stress, psychosis, chronic sleep deprivation, delirium
• Infections- meningitis, encephalitis, and syphilis

Discuss with your doctor any of the following symptoms:

• Memory loss
• Difficulty performing familiar tasks
• Problems with language
• Disorientation to time and place
• Poor or decreased judgment
• Problems with abstract thinking
• Misplacing things
• Changes in mood or behavior
• Changes in personality
• Loss of initiative

Although there is no cure for Alzheimer's disease, an early detection will slow down the progression of the disease. Medications can delay the onset of more debilitating symptoms as well.

Alzheimer's disease symptoms do not appear suddenly and it does progresses through stages lasting from 8 to 10 years or even longer. It is important to remember that each individual progresses differently and that not all patients experience all symptoms.

Stages of Alzheimer’s disease:

• Stage 1 – No impairment. Memory and cognitive abilities appear normal.

• Stage 2 – Minimal Impairment/Normal Forgetfulness. Memory lapses and changes in thinking are rarely detected by friends, family, or medical personnel.  Half of those over 65 begin noticing problems in concentration and word recall.

• Stage 3 – Early Confusional/Mild Cognitive Impairment.  Subtle difficulties impact functions.  Try to hide problems. Problems with word retrieval, planning, organization, misplacing objects, and forgetting recent learning affect home and work environments.  New learning, complex planning and organization may be impacted. Depression and other mood disturbances can occur.  Duration:  2-7 years.

• Stage 4 – Late Confusional/Mild Alzheimer’s.  Problems handling finances result from mathematical challenges.  Recent events and conversations are increasingly forgotten.  Still know selves and family, but have problems carrying out sequential tasks, including cooking, driving, and home management tasks.  Ordering food at restaurants, independent shopping, and other sequential tasks are affected. Often withdraw from social situations, become defensive, and deny problems.  Need increasing assistance with the “business” of independent living.  Accurate diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease possible.  Lasts roughly 2 years.

• Stage 5 – Early Dementia/Moderate Alzheimer’s disease- Decline is more severe, and requires assistance. No longer able to manage independently in community. Unable to recall personal history details and contact information.  Frequently disoriented to place and or time.  A severe decline in numerical abilities and judgment skills leaves patients vulnerable to scams and at risk from safety issues.  Even if able to dress, feed, and perform other basic daily living tasks, require supervision.  Loss of current information is inconsistent and personal history is no longer reliably recalled.  Duration:  average of 1.5 years.

• Stage 6 – Middle Dementia/Moderately Severe Alzheimer’s disease- Total lack of awareness of present events and can’t accurately remember the past. Progressively lose ability to dress and bathe independently. Bowel and bladder incontinence often occur, repetitive verbal or nonverbal behaviors are present, wandering, suspicion, and other dramatic personality changes are common.  Can’t remember close family members but know they are familiar.  Agitation and hallucinations are particularly present in the late afternoon or evening.  Late in this stage, need care and supervision but can respond to nonverbal stimuli, and communicate pleasure and pain behaviorally.  Lasts approximately 2.5 years.

• Stage 7 – Late or Severe Dementia and Failure to Thrive.  Severely limited intellectual ability. Communicate through short words, cries, mumbles or moans.  When speech is lost, also lose ability to ambulate without help.  Health declines considerably as body systems begin to shut down, swallowing is impaired, and the brain is no longer able to interpret sensory input.  Generally bedridden, increased sleeping, seizures possible. No longer responds to environmental cues and requires total support around the clock for all functions of daily living and care.  Duration is impacted by quality of care and average length is 1-2.5 years.

Although it may be unpleasant, anxiety isn’t always a bad thing. In fact, anxiety can help us stay alert and focused, spur us to action, and motivate us to solve problems. But when anxiety is constant or overwhelming, when it interferes with your relationships and activities—that’s when you’ve crossed the line from normal anxiety into the territory of anxiety disorders.

Signs and Symptoms of Anxiety Disorder:

• Are you constantly tense, worried, or on edge?
• Does your anxiety interfere with your work, school, or family responsibilities?
• Are you plagued by fears that you know are irrational, but can’t shake?
• Do you believe that something bad will happen if certain things aren’t done a certain way?
• Do you avoid everyday situations or activities because they make you anxious?
• Do you experience sudden, unexpected attacks of heart-pounding panic?
• Do you feel like danger and catastrophe are around every corner?

Because the anxiety disorders are a group of related conditions rather than a single disorder, they can look very different from person to person. One individual may suffer from intense anxiety attacks that strike without warning, while another gets panicky at the thought of mingling at a party. Someone else may struggle with a disabling fear of driving or uncontrollable, intrusive thoughts. Still another may live in a constant state of tension, worrying about anything and everything.

But despite their different forms, all anxiety disorders share one major symptom: persistent or severe fear or worry in situations where most people wouldn’t feel threatened.

Treatments for Anxiety Disorders:

• Exercise – Exercise is a natural stress buster and anxiety reliever. Research shows that as little as 30 minutes of exercise three to five times a week can provide significant anxiety relief. To achieve the maximum benefit, aim for at least an hour of aerobic exercise on most days.
• Relaxation techniques – When practiced regularly, relaxation techniques such as mindfulness meditation, progressive muscle relaxation, controlled breathing, and visualization can reduce anxiety and increase feelings of relaxation and emotional well-being.
• Biofeedback – Using sensors that measure specific physiological functions—such as heart rate, breathing, and muscle tension—biofeedback teaches you to recognize the body’s anxiety response and learn how to control them using relaxation techniques.
• Hypnosis – Hypnosis is sometimes used in combination with cognitive-behavioral therapy for anxiety. While you’re in a state of deep relaxation, the hypnotherapist uses different therapeutic techniques to help you face your fears and look at them in new ways.
• Medication - A variety of medications, including benzodiazepines and antidepressants, are used in the treatment of anxiety disorders. Anxiety medications can be habit forming and cause unwanted side effects, so be sure to research your options. It’s important to weigh the benefits and risks so you can make an informed decision about whether medication is the right treatment approach for you.

• Keep a regular sleep schedule – Go to bed and wake up at the same times every day, even on weekends.
• Be engaged – Social activities, family, and work can keep your activity level up and prepare your body for a good night’s sleep.
• Experiment with napping  Although napping too close to bedtime can interfere with nighttime sleeping, short naps early in the day can improve overall restfulness.  Make sure your nap is short, only 15-30 minutes. You may feel groggy and unable to concentrate after a longer nap. Try to nap in a comfortable environment preferably with limited light and noise.
• Expose yourself to sunlight – Bright sunlight increases melatonin, which regulates your sleep-wake cycles. Try to get at least two hours of sunlight a day.
• Block out snoring - If snoring is keeping you up, try ear plugs, a white-noise machine, or separate bedrooms.
• Go to bed early - Adjust your bedtime earlier, to match when you feel like going to bed.
• Quit smoking - Nicotine is a stimulant and can keep you awake. If you can’t quit, avoid smoking within three hours of bedtime.
• Develop bedtime rituals – A soothing ritual, like taking a bath or playing music will help you wind down.
• Limit your use of sleeping aids and sleeping pills - Many sleep aids have side-effects and are not meant for long-term use.
• Combine sex and sleep – Sex and physical intimacy, such as hugging and massage, can lead to restful sleep.

No matter what your age, sleeping well is essential to your physical health and emotional well-being. As we age, a good night’s sleep is especially important because it improves concentration and memory formation, allows your body to repair any cell damage that occurred during the day, and refreshes your immune system which helps to prevent disease.

Myth: A nursing home is like a hospital.

Reality: A nursing home is not a hospital. Many people enter a nursing facility after a hospital stay and tend to think of the nursing facility as an extension of hospital care. However, a nursing facility is much different. Medical, rehabilitative and nursing care is provided as needed by health care professionals and dedicated caregivers. Yet at the same time, nursing facilities try to be homes - where people can feel comfortable, find familiar faces, and continue life's activities appropriate to their age and capabilities.

Nursing facilities do not have restrictive visiting hours like hospitals. Family members and friends are encouraged to visit. Whenever possible, patients eat in dining rooms rather than in their rooms. Various activities and outings are offered each day to stimulate and entertain patients mentally, physically and socially.

Myth: Nursing home patients are all confused.

Reality: Most people slow down physically as they age and perhaps get easily tired. Some may slow down mentally as well. In fact, many people enter a nursing facility, in part, because poor memory makes caring for themselves difficult or impossible. However, with adequate nutrition, exercise, social stimulation and properly controlled medication memory problems often can be improved. It is important to take into consideration that a nursing facility has professional caregivers that are extraordinarily capable of interacting with the elderly or persons with a disability in a variety of situations.

It is true that a large number of nursing home residents have Alzheimer's, an irreversible disorder that causes progressive mental difficulties. In many cases, Alzheimer's patients live in distinct units where they can be among people having the same limitations and receive the specialized care they require in a secure setting.

Myth: There's no privacy in a nursing home.

Reality: Nursing homes must strike a balance between providing security and adequate supervision while respecting a person's privacy. Common areas in nursing facilities tend to be open, while patient rooms are considered private. Staff members respect patient privacy by being courteous and by knocking before entering the room.

Myth: Nursing home patients never leave.

Reality: A primary goal of the nursing facility staff is to rehabilitate patients so that they can return home or to an assisted living setting. Those who cannot return home permanently may be able to make short visits, health permitting. In most states, Medicaid-certified nursing facilities will hold beds for patients while they make a short visit home. Check on how your state government regulates a home visit by asking the admissions person at the nursing home that you are considering.

Myth: I will not be able to make my own decisions.

Reality: Nursing home staffs strive to maximize independence and honor patient preferences. It is a patient's legal right to make choices about activities, schedules, health care and other aspects of their life. Yet it is important to recognize that the facility must ensure an environment where people can live together safely and harmoniously. Whatever an individual's physical condition, the over-riding objective for the facility is respecting an individual's rights and wishes and providing a supportive environment and quality care.

Resident councils, which are self-governing bodies in nursing homes, provide an opportunity for patients to become actively involved in addressing their concerns to staff and to one another. When it comes to treatment decisions, some patients choose to shift decision-making responsibilities to their children or others. Patients, if they have not already done so, are encouraged to prepare an advance directive. An advance directive is a legal document designed to express an individual's wishes for treatment should he/she be unable to communicate his/her preferences.

Myth: Nursing homes have unpleasant odors.

Reality: Today's nursing homes should not have persistent odors. In fact, with the effective cleaning products available, a properly sanitized nursing facility should smell pleasant. However, because some patients are incontinent, an occasional odor may be noticeable, especially in the morning, though it should not linger.

Myth: Nursing homes do not provide quality care.

Reality: Family members are encouraged to participate in care planning meetings with the staff and patient. By being involved in care decisions, the information you can provide will help ensure quality and satisfaction of care.

Keep in mind that nursing facilities are expected to meet government-quality standards, and they are inspected to ensure that they do. When a problem is found, a plan for correcting it is put into place promptly. In addition, most areas have an active, government-supervised, Ombudsman program that provides advocates for patients.

Family and friends also serve as an important safety net by being regular visitors. If you feel that proper attention or care is not being given to a specific situation, bring it to the attention of the appropriate staff person, for example, the director of nursing, social worker or administrator. If you are not satisfied with their responses, you may wish to contact the facility's Ombudsman or other authorities.

Myth: Husbands and wives must live apart in a nursing home.

Reality: This is simply not true. Many couples enter nursing facilities together and may share a room if they so choose. Some couples have even met at the nursing facility and decided to marry. Staff members respect the privacy of couples living in nursing facilities.

Myth: Nursing home patients are not visited regularly by family and friends.

Reality: In some cases this is true even though the facility staff does everything possible to encourage visitation. Staff members often become surrogate family members and friends to patients. However, as hard as they try, the staff cannot fully offer the same social and psychological support as friends and family. Staff members recognize this and try to encourage visits and to make visitors feel welcome. Many facilities encourage and facilitate communication via email and the web.

Myth: Meals are not appetizing.

Reality: The dietary staff makes every effort to ensure that meals are nutritionally balanced, varied and appetizing. The fact is, however, it is difficult to meet everyone's expectation of home cooked meals. Another impacting factor is that many patients are placed on restrictive diets that may limit salt, fat, cholesterol, or sugar. Some may require that their food be pureed due to difficulty in swallowing or chewing. Because proper nutrition is so important, discuss this matter with the facility's dietary manager.

Myth: Patients are controlled by medications.

Reality: Every person has the right to know what medication he or she is taking, to refuse any or all treatment, and to be free of medication inappropriately used to control behavior. Tranquilizers, pain relieving medications, sleeping pills, and anti-depressants are all drugs that must be prescribed by a physician for treating a medical condition. Properly prescribed, and administered, these medications help individuals. For example, drugs are often very beneficial to the elderly if they suffer from depression, which is common.

Use of drugs in nursing facilities is closely monitored. Government regulations require that a consultant pharmacist review drug regimens monthly and state inspectors also review medications. Patients and families are encouraged to participate in care planning sessions to discuss pharmacy issues and ask questions about prescription medications, especially if it is felt they are having a negative effect.

Myth: Physical restraints/restrictive devices are common.

Reality: Nursing homes have made great strides in promoting and fostering the maximum physical potential of everyone in their care. Restrictive devices are used only when necessary to treat medical symptoms under a physician's order. In accordance with federal regulations, a family's desire to use a restrictive device must also be medically indicated and ordered by a physician. As more care options are developed and physical independence strategies are enhanced, more patients are enjoying the freedom of movement while also achieving improved functioning and safety. Long term care professionals use devices as medically needed, and not as restraints.

For example, if a person who has had a stroke has difficulty balancing while sitting, a therapeutic position enabler may be prescribed to facilitate sitting, positioning for eating or participation in activities or therapy.

Myth: Nursing homes are expensive.

Reality: Skilled Nursing Facility care is expensive, and the cost continues to rise. The average daily cost of a private room in a Nursing Home was $192/day or $70,080 a year, according to the 2004 MetLife Market Survey of Nursing Home and Home Care Costs. This is a more than $4,000 annual increase over the prior year. The cost of a shared Nursing Home room averaged $169 a day, or $61,685 a year.

In addition to a private or semi-private room and the care options you choose, where you live also affects how much you'll spend for Nursing Home care. Alaska reported the highest rates for a private room in a Skilled Nursing Facility, at $204,765 a year or $561 a day on average. The lowest rates were found in Shreveport, Louisiana, at $36,135 a year or $99 a day.

Payment options for Skilled Nursing Facilities include:

• Private pay
• Long-term care insurance
• Medicaid (called “MediCal” in California)
• Medicare

Myth: Medicare or my health insurance will pay for a lengthy stay in a nursing home.

Reality: Because many people mistakenly believe that Medicare or health insurance will cover their long term care costs, they are forced to spend down their savings to cover the cost of care.

Consumers should be aware that the government provides little financial assistance for nursing facility care unless a person is impoverished and qualifies for Medicaid. Nursing facility coverage falls under Part A of Medicare and is very limited. If certain stringent conditions are met, Medicare pays for 100 percent of the first 20 days of care in a skilled nursing facility (SNF) if that many days are needed. For the 21st through the 100th days, the patient must share the cost of care by paying a daily co-insurance rate that changes yearly. In 2002, the co-insurance payment was just over $101 per day. Medicare Part B may help pay for covered services received from a doctor in a SNF, if the person has chosen to participate in the Part B medical insurance program. If they have used up their Part A coverage for a spell of illness, Part B also covers a portion of services received in a SNF, such as physical and occupational therapy.

Under the Part B program, they must pay an annual premium and a deductible for all Part B services including physician services, after which Medicare pays 80 percent of the reasonable charges for covered services.

Long term care insurance offers a more viable solution to accessing the facility or setting of your choice, paying for it while preserving personal assets. However, due to lack of public awareness about long term care and who pays for it, long term care insurance is used by only five percent of the public.

Financing nursing facility care should be approached with as much thought and preparation as any major expense. Obtain in writing what the basic charge will be and understand clearly all financial arrangements before signing a contract.

1. Nurse Anesthetist

Job Description

A certified registered nurse anesthetist is someone who administers anesthesia to patients. They collaborate with surgeons, anesthesiologists, dentists and podiatrists to safely administer anesthesia medications.

Median Salary

$134,820

Education Requirements
Successful completion of a CRNA program (24-36 months). Prior to admission into a CRNA program, applicants should have already completed the following: BSN or other appropriate baccalaureate degree, hold a current RN license, and have one year’s experience in critical care nursing.

Job Outlook
Like most nursing specialties, nurse anesthetists are in high demand. Competition for positions is a bit more intense since these professionals’ average earnings are much higher than the average RN.

2. Clinical Nurse Specialist

Job Description
Clinical Nurse Specialists develop uniform standards for quality care and work with staff nurses to ensure that those standards are being met. They are required to possess strong managerial skills and an ability to anticipate potential staff/patient conflicts.

Median Salary
$76,209

Education Requirements
Master’s or Ph.D in a clinical nursing specialty. There is also a CNS certification process provided by the American Nurses Credentialing Center

Job Outlook
The need for clinical nurse specialists is expected to grow.

3. Travel Nurse

Job Description
Travel nurses are licensed nurses who travel to areas of the country that are most affected by the nursing shortage. Most of these positions fill staff nurse roles in critical care settings. These nurses may work through an agency, registry, or as an independent contractor. Travel nurses must have at least 1-2years of work experience and a valid nursing license in the state he/she plans or working.

Median Salary
$60,010

Education Requirements
Travel nurses may either be Licensed Practical/Licensed Nurses or Registered Nurses. LPN/LVNs require a one-year certification program or an Associate Degree. A Registered Nurse may hold either an Associate Degree in Nursing or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. Both must pass the NCLEX exam in order to become licensed.

Job Outlook
Travel nursing, and nursing in general, is one of the fastest growing occupations in the country. As the nursing shortage grows, travel nurses will be needed more than ever in order to fill vacant staff positions around the nation. Despite the shortage, there is an increasing desire for Registered Nurses with Bachelor degrees.

4. Pediatric Nurse

Job Description
Pediatric Nurses provide care and consultation to children of all ages and their families. These nurses are often skilled in sub-specialties such as oncology or immunology. Pediatric Nurses must not only love kids, but understand the ways in which a child’s body is different than an adults. Children’s bodies are delicate and the onset of symptoms can come on like a flash flood, therefore, Pediatric Nurses must think on the ball and be able to make quick and correct medical decisions.

Median Salary
$53,000

Education Requirements
RN license; a certification process is available through the Pediatric Nursing Certification Board.

Job Outlook
Employment is expected to grow much faster than the average for all nurses.

5. Licensed Practical Nurse

Job Description
Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) work under the direct supervision of RNs and physicians but are capable of performing most patient care tasks. These tasks include taking patients’ vital signs, temperature, blood pressure, and patient bathing. The only RN-specific tasks that LPNs are not able to do are to administer IVs, push pharmaceuticals, and hang the first unit of blood. LPNs are called Licensed Vocational Nurses (LVNs) in Texas and California.

Median Salary
$40,000

Education Requirements
Most LPNs complete a one-year LPN program usually offered at a vocational or technical school.

Job Outlook
Like most nursing specialties, licensed practical nurses are in high demand and job growth in this specialty is expected to remain steady over the next ten years.

6. Correctional Nurse

Job Description
Correctional Nurses provide healthcare to inmates of correctional facilities such as juvenile detention centers, halfway houses, municipal jails, and state/federal penitentiaries. In many jurisdictions, correctional nurses earn more than their hospital counterparts. Due to a lack of full-time medical doctors in correctional facilities, correctional nurses also enjoy a high degree of independence.

Median Salary
$62,000

Education Requirements
RN license with AD, diploma, or BSN. Many correctional nurses also go through a certification process provided by the National Commission on Correctional Healthcare to become Certified Correctional Health Professional.

Job Outlook
As the number of prisoners increases, the need for correctional nurses will grow.

7. Nurse Administrator 

Job Description
Nurse Administrators are responsible for overseeing the nursing staff of particular nursing units or entire hospitals. This specialty also includes First-line Managers/Head Nurses, Nurse Supervisors, and Nurse Administrators.

Median Salary
$72,000 (First-line Manager); $64,000 (Nurse Manager, Head Nurse); $55,000 (Nurse Supervisor); $45,000 (Nurse Administrator)

Education Requirements
RN license plus BSN, MSN, or Ph.D in Nursing

Job Outlook
As the nursing industry grows, the need for nurse administrators may increase to meet demand. 

8. Registered Nurse

Job Description
Registered nurses (RN) are one of the fastest growing occupations in the country. It is estimated that almost 1 million new nurses will be needed by 2020. Registered nurses care for patients under the supervision of medical doctors. They may draw blood, give injections, or prepare patients for surgery, among many other things. RNs may also specialize if fields such as pediatrics, forensics, or critical care.

Median Salary
$60,010

Education Requirements
There are two major paths to becoming an RN. First, you can get an Associate Degree in Nursing from an accredited community college which takes roughly two years. Next, you could complete a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree at a four-year college or university. Finally, you can attend an accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing program which may be completed in just one year. No matter the school, you must pass the NCLEX exam in order to get your license.

Job Outlook
Nursing careers are expected to grow faster than ever. Fueled by a the aging Baby Boomers and high number of nurses retiring, the nursing industry needs staff like never before. Despite the shortage, there in an increasing desire for nurses who hold a Bachelor of Science Degree.

9. Critical Care Nurse

Job Description
Critical care nurses deal with human responses to life threatening health situations. They typically work in intensive care units, (including medical, surgical, neurological, pediatric, and cardiac-centered units). Some of these nurses may also work in emergency departments and can act as transport nurses when critically ill patients need to be transferred to other facilities. A critical care nurse usually has a smaller patient load (1-2 patients) because the care of an acutely ill patient tends to be complex. A critical care nurse is also expected to attend to the psychosocial and emotional needs of the patients and their families.

Median Salary
$61,853

Education Requirements
RN license.

Job Outlook
Like most nursing specialties, critical care nurses are in high demand and job growth in this specialty is expected to remain steady over the next ten years.

10. Forensic Nurse

Job Description
Forensic Nurses aid law enforcement officials in the investigation of crimes including, sexual assault, homicide, abuse, and assault. These nurses should possess strong analytical abilities that aid them in evaluating the causes of victims’ injuries and the precise methods that should be used to alleviate them.

Median Salary
$56,000

Education Requirements
Most forensic nurse have either an Associates Degree in Nursing (ADN) or a Bachelors of Science in Nursing (BSN) and a valid RN license.

Job Outlook
Like most nursing specialties, forensic nurses are in high demand and job growth in this specialty is expected to remain steady over the next ten years.

11. Hospice Nurse

Job Description
Hospice and palliative care nurses provide care for, and help ease the pain of, terminally ill patients outside of hospitals. They advise other clinicians on how to best care for the dying patient. Some may also run debriefings for other nurses who have been upset by a patient’s death.

Median Salary
$66,000

Education Requirements
RN license, with associates or baccalaureate degree. Some master’s programs exist, but an advanced degree is not considered a prerequisite. There is also a voluntary certification process offered by the National Board for Certification of Hospice and Palliative Nurses.

Job Outlook
As the American population continues to age, hospice nurses are in especially high demand and job growth in this specialty is expected to see strong growth over the next 20 years.

12. EMT/Paramedic

Job Description
Paramedics are first responders who provide advanced life support for medical and trauma emergencies throughout a first response area, usually as part of an emergency medical service or fire and rescue department. Paramedics possess advanced certifications above and beyond what a basic EMT would possess.

Median Salary
$35,210

Education Requirements
The most advanced level of training for this occupation is EMT-Paramedic. At this level, the caregiver receives training in anatomy and physiology as well as advanced medical skills. Most commonly, the training is conducted in community colleges and technical schools over 1 to 2 years and may result in an associate’s degree. Such education prepares the graduate to take the NREMT examination and become certified as a Paramedic. Extensive related coursework and clinical and field experience is required. Refresher courses and continuing education are available for EMTs and paramedics at all levels.

Job Outlook
Employment of emergency medical technicians and paramedics is expected to grow by 19 percent between 2006 and 2016, from 201,000 to 240,000 positions.

13. Community Health Nurse

Job Description
Community Health Nurses, also known as Public Health Nurses, provide medical care to specific populations, many of which are underserved by the overarching healthcare system. Community nurses often work for government agencies or privately funded clinics.

Median Salary
$56,000

Education Requirements
A current RN license is required, with either an ADN or BSN.

Job Outlook
Employment for community health nurses is expected to grow faster than average, especially in under-served areas of the country. Employment is predicted to grow much faster than average, especially in urban and rural areas of the country. An increased emphasis on rural health means nurses willing to work in rural areas will be in high demand.

14. Nurse Educator

Job Description
Nurse Educators are responsible for preparing nursing students enrolled in various nursing vocational, Associate’s, undergraduate, and graduate degree programs for careers in nursing. They are responsible for developing lesson plans rooted in nursing theory and adequately preparing students for licensing and certification programs.

Median Salary
$66,000

Education Requirements
Nurse educators need a Bachelor of Science in Nursing or higher as well as an RN license. The level of education needed will depend upon the facility and program. Nurse educators may also want to invest in acquiring teaching credentials.

Job Outlook
Nurse educators are one of the most in-demand nursing occupations. While the nursing shortage affects hospitals and clinics, is also has a drastic impact on nursing programs. As nurse educators retire, there is an increased need for teachers in these programs. Without nurse educators, fewer nurses are able to complete nursing programs and go on to their careers as nurses. Job prospects should be very good, especially in the places hardest hit by the nursing shortage.

15. Case Manager

Job Description
The primary role of a case manager is to coordinate patient care. They review the patient’s chart and plan of care to optimize the patient’s healthcare experience. They assess, plan, implement, and evaluate, in order to provide a better outcome for the patient. Case managers specialize in particular areas such as rehabilitation or geriatrics.

Medial Salary
$56,508

Education Requirements
Case managers are required to be Registered Nurses, with either an ADN or BSN. Case managers are typically have experience supervising others, and expertise in their particular field of nursing.

Job Outlook
Like other nurse occupations, employment is expected to grow immensely through 2016. The demand for case managers will increase as the Baby Boomers age and the nursing industry grows.
 

16. Medical Assistant

Job Description
Medical assistants perform administrative and clinical tasks to keep the offices of physicians, podiatrists, chiropractors, and other health practitioners running smoothly. They should not be confused with Physician assistants, who examine, diagnose, and treat patients under the direct supervision of a physician.

Median Salary
$31,290

Education Requirements
Postsecondary medical assisting programs are offered in vocational-technical high schools, postsecondary vocational schools, and community and junior colleges. Programs usually last either 1 year and result in a certificate or diploma, or 2 years and result in an associate degree. Courses cover anatomy, physiology, and medical terminology, as well as typing, transcription, recordkeeping, accounting, and insurance processing. Students learn laboratory techniques, clinical and diagnostic procedures, pharmaceutical principles, the administration of medications, and first aid. They study office practices, patient relations, medical law, and ethics. There are various organizations that accredit medical assisting programs. Accredited programs often include an internship that provides practical experience in physicians’ offices, hospitals, or other health care facilities.

Job Outlook
Employment is projected to grow much faster than average, ranking medical assistants among the fastest growing occupations over the 2006-16 decade. Job opportunities should be excellent, particularly for those with formal training or experience, and certification.

Alzheimer's Association made a list of 10 warning signs of Alzheimer's disease:

1. Memory loss that disrupts daily life: One of the most common signs of Alzheimer's is memory loss, especially forgetting recently learned information. Others include forgetting important dates or events; asking for the same information over and over; relying on memory aides (e.g., reminder notes or electronic devices) or family members for things they used to handle on their own.
 

What's normal? Sometimes forgetting names or appointments, but remembering them later.

2. Challanges in planning or solving problems: Some people may experience changes in their ability to develop and follow a plan or work with numbers. They may have trouble following a familiar recipe or keeping track of monthly bills. They may have difficulty concentrating and take much longer to do things than they did before.
 

Reality: In the past people believed memory loss was a normal part of aging, often regarding even Alzheimer’s as natural age-related decline. Experts now recognize severe memory loss as a symptom of serious illness.

Whether memory naturally declines to some extent remains an open question. Many people feel that their memory becomes less sharp as they grow older, but determining whether there is any scientific basis for this belief is a research challenge still being addressed.

• Myth: Aspartame causes memory loss

Reality: This artificial sweetener, marketed under such brand names as Nutrasweet and Equal, was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for use in all foods and beverages in 1996. Since approval, concerns about aspartame's health effects have been raised. 

According to the FDA, as of May 2006, the agency had not been presented with any scientific evidence that would lead to change its conclusions on the safety of aspartame for most people. The agency says its conclusions are based on more than 100 laboratory and clinical studies.

• Myth: Silver dental fillings increase risk of Alzheimer's disease

Reality: According to the best available scientific evidence, there is no relationship between silver dental fillings and Alzheimer's. The concern that there could be a link arose because "silver" fillings are made of an amalgam (mixture) that typically contains about 50 percent mercury, 35 percent silver and 15 percent tin. Mercury is a heavy metal that, in certain forms, is know to be toxic to the brain and other organs.

Many scientists consider the studies below compelling evidence that dental amalgam is not a major risk factor for Alzheimer's. Public health agencies, including the FDA, the U.S. Public Health Service and the World Health Organization, endorse the continued use of amalgam as safe, strong, inexpensive material for dental restorations.

      - March 1991, the Dental Devices Panel of the FDA concluded there was no current evidence that amalgam poses any danger.

      - National Institutes of Health (NIH) in 1991 funded a study at the University of Kentucky to investigate the relationship between amalgam fillings and Alzheimer's. Analysis by University statisticians revealed no significant association between silver fillings and Alzheimer's.

      - October 30, 2003, a New England Journal of Medicine article concluded that current evidence shows no connection between mercury-containing dental fillings and Alzheimer's or other neurological diseases.

• Myth: There are treatments available to stop the progression of Alzheimer's disease

Reality: At this time, there is no treatment to cure, delay or stop the progression of Alzheimer's disease. FDA-approved drugs temporarily slow worsening of symptoms for about 6 to 12 months, on average, for about half of the individuals who take them.

• Myth: Flu shots increase risk of Alzheimer’s disease

Reality: A theory linking flu shots to a greatly increased risk of Alzheimer’s disease has been proposed by a U.S. doctor whose license was suspended by the South Carolina Board of Medical Examiners. Several mainstream studies link flu shots and other vaccinations to a reduced risk of Alzheimer's disease and overall better health.

      - A Nov. 27, 2001, Canadian Medical Journal report suggests older adults who were vaccinated against diphtheria or tetanus, polio, and influenza seemed to have a lower risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease than those not receiving these vaccinations.

      - A report in the Nov. 3, 2004, JAMA found that annual flu shots for older adults were associated with a reduced risk of death from all causes.

• Myth: Alzheimer’s disease is not fatal

Reality: Alzheimer's disease has no survivors. It destroys brain cells and causes memory changes, erratic behaviors and loss of body functions. It slowly and painfully takes away a person's identity, ability to connect with others, think, eat, talk, walk and find his or her way home.

• Myth: Only older people can get Alzheimer's

Reality: Alzheimer's can strike people in their 30s, 40s and even 50s. This is called younger-onset Alzheimer's. In 2009, it is estimated that there are as many as 5.3 million people living with Alzheimer’s disease in the United States. This includes 5.1 million people age 65 and over and 200,000 people under age 65 with younger-onset Alzheimer’s disease.

• Myth: Drinking out of aluminum cans or cooking in aluminum pots and pans can lead to Alzheimer’s disease

Reality: During the 1960s and 1970s, aluminum emerged as a possible suspect in Alzheimer’s. This suspicion led to concern about exposure to aluminum through everyday sources such as pots and pans, beverage cans, antacids and antiperspirants. Since then, studies have failed to confirm any role for aluminum in causing Alzheimer’s. Experts today focus on other areas of research, and few believe that everyday sources of aluminum pose any threat.

Clinicians measured hemoglobin A1c levels, which give a picture of a person's blood glucose control over several weeks or months. The reviewers found that levels decreased by 0.5 percent with a low GI diet, noting that the findings were significant, both statistically and clinically.

The highest GI is 100, based on consuming foods like white bread or straight glucose, according to the American Diabetes Association. Low GI foods have a score of 55 or less. Glycemic load is a combined measure that takes into account the amount of carbohydrate in a food, as well as its GI score, and represents the overall glycemic effect of the diet.

The point for people is to lower the GI or GL of the diet, rather than to follow specific diet plans, which over the longer term can be very difficult to maintain. By knowing which foods to eat and which to avoid, low GI rye bread instead of high GI white bread, or basmati rice instead of white rice - a person can gradually adapt their diet to become more low GI. Every diabetic can get the information from the endocrinologist or a dietitian.

Since childhood obesity and long-term obesity are also strong risk factors, keeping weight down is also important in diabetes prevention and management.

The aim of diabetes management is to normalize blood glucose levels, since individuals with improved blood glucose control have fewer complications and less disease progression.

Phoenix Senior Living accepts insulin diabetic patients at no extra charge. Visit our website here Phoenix Senior Living

 Affordable Diabetic Supplies

Anual Period to make changes in your Medicare coverage is open from November 15 to December 31, 2009.

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is encouraging senior citizens and other Medicare beneficiaries to take advantage of this period and check the Medicare handbook and make sure that they have the best coverage for their individual needs for 2010. Attention should be paid to both,  Medicare prescription drug and health coverage.

Only an average of 7 percent of the 17 million seniors on Medicare drug plans switch plans each year, according to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, the federal agency that runs Medicare. Experts on Medicare say this suggests that millions of beneficiaries could be paying more than they should for their drug coverage.

Medicare customer service representatives are available 24-hours a day/7 days a week with multiple language options and resources for people with disabilities. Call Medicare at 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) (TTY#: 1-877-486-2048) or visit www.medicare.gov.

Home health care agencies were being unfairly targeted in the legislation, noting that they account for 3.7 percent of the Medicare budget but would absorb 9.4 percent of the cuts to Medicare in the Senate bill. The percentage is even higher in the House version of the legislation, which passed last month. These are truly some of the most vulnerable Americans that receive these services and the cuts are placed directly on their backs.

Democrats said those cuts, and others to Medicare private insurance plans and providers, would reduce overpayments, inefficiency and waste in the popular program, thereby strengthening it. They noted repeatedly that AARP supports the overall cuts, and also produced a letter from the National Association for Home Care and Hospice in support.

The overhaul legislation would provide coverage to more than 30 million more people over the next decade with a new requirement for nearly everyone to purchase insurance. There would be new marketplaces, lower-income people would get subsidies, the federal-state Medicaid program for the poor would grow, and there would be a ban on unpopular insurance company practices such as pulling coverage when someone gets sick.

The reason: With dozens of drug plans on the market, many seniors get overwhelmed at the prospect of changing plans, even if a different one would better suit their needs and lower their costs. But with the average premium for a Medicare drug plan increasing 11 percent in 2010, consumer advocates say seniors have even more reason to check out the options and consider their costs. Only an average of 7 percent of the 17 million seniors on Medicare drug plans switch plans each year, according to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, the federal agency that runs Medicare. Experts on Medicare say this suggests that millions of beneficiaries could be paying more than they should for their drug coverage.

Medicare's easy-to-use "plan finder" allows seniors to plug in their medications and see which plan would have the lowest overall annual costs. But many seniors are uncomfortable going online or unable to use computers to sort through the different policies. Last year, only 688,000 seniors, or 2.5 percent, went online to enroll in Medicare drug or health plans. The rest did it the old-fashioned way: by telephone or letter.

The average premium for the most popular drug plan -- UnitedHealthcare's AARP Medicare RX Preferred, which has nearly 3 million customers -- has jumped 50 percent to $39.39 in 2010 from $26.31 in 2006, according to the Kaiser Family Foundation. (Kaiser Health News is a part of the foundation.) The average premium for Humana's PDP Enhanced, the second most popular plan with 1.6 million customers -- will be $41.53 next year, 182 percent higher than in 2006. The actual premiums vary by state.

George Burns 

 "I do wish I could tell you my age but it's impossible. It keeps changing all the time."

Greer Garson.

 "Retirement at sixty-five is ridiculous. When I was sixty-five I still had pimples."

George Burns 

"Another good thing about being poor is that when you are seventy your children will not have declared you legally insane in order to gain control of your estate." 

Woody Allen 

George Burns. 

Except for an occasional heart attack I feel as young as I ever did."

Robert Benchley

"Blessed are the young, for they shall inherit the National Debt."

Herbert Hoover

Bob Hope

"I don't plan to grow old gracefully. I plan to have face-lifts until my ears meet."

Rita Rudner

"At my age I do what Mark Twain did. I get my daily paper, look at the obituaries page and if I'm not there I carry on as usual."

Patrick Moore

She was a little taken aback, but she decided to tell him the truth. 'It's called sexual intercourse, darling.' Little Tony said, 'Oh, OK,' and went back outside to play with the other kids.

A few minutes later he came back in and said angrily, 'Grandma, it isn't called sexual intercourse. It's called Bunk Beds. And Jimmy's mum wants to talk to you.'

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