We care for a large number of aging adults at Home Care Walnut Creek and we know that heart disease is a common health concern for most seniors. While there is no guarantee that any one person will not be affected, there are some things that can be done to reduce the risks. Below is a list containing some ways to alter a daily diet. These changes can improve over-all health as well as reduce the chances of heart disease.

1. Reduce the intake of cholesterol and unhealthy fats. This is one of the most important steps to lower cholesterol as well as the risk of heart disease.

2. Eat foods with low-fat protein. This can include fish, poultry and egg whites. Flaxseed, walnuts, beans and peas are high in protein and low in fat.

3. Increase the intake of fruits and vegetables. These foods are rich in fiber and low in calories. They also contain substances that can reduce the risk of heart disease.

4. Eat whole grains instead of bread with refined flour and cereals with sugar.

5. Reduce salt intake. Don’t forget that processed foods contain high amounts of salt. Reduce the intake of processed foods and avoid the addition of salt while cooking and eating at the table.

6. Eat in moderation and avoid filling your plate. Keep portions of food balanced.

7. Create daily menus to help you plan ahead.

Source: mayoclinic.com

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Home Care Walnut Creek, CA delivering home care and elderly services to seniors in the Contra Costa area including Concord. Call us 925-280-9688.

Sadly, seniors can be the most likely victims of financial scams, risky investments, and unscrupulous financial brokers. Normally seniors have no idea they have even been scammed. There are several resources seniors and senior caregivers can look to for help when dealing with financial investments.

• If it sounds too good to be true it probably is— One of the best questions a senior can ask is simply about the investment itself, questioning if the broker or product is registered with the state or national regulatory authorities. Be cautious of broker claims that their certificates of deposit (CDs) earn above average interest rates. Many companies trying to scam seniors will say the pay will yield much higher rates of return than normal.

• Be extremely skeptical of salespeople—Scammers target seniors by going door-to-door or pestering them with phone calls.

• Research, research, research—Check the U.S. Securities & Exchange Commission’s list found at www.sec.gov/investor/oiepauselist.htm of unregistered entities with consumer complaints. Also, make sure you do not agree to an investment without consulting family and friends.

• If you have been scammed, all is not lost—Financial crimes against seniors often go under reported, with seniors feeling ashamed or they do not know where to report the company. To file a complaint against a broker or firm, visit www.finra.org/complaint. Read about a seller’s background, at www.SaveandInvest.org or call 888-295-7422. For more on brokers or firms, call 800-289-9999 or log onto www.finra.org/brokercheck.

Source: ConsumerAffairs.com

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Home Care Walnut Creek, CA delivering home care and elderly services to seniors in the Contra Costa area including Concord. Call us 925-280-9688.

With Christmas right around the corner, it’s down to crunch time when it comes to holiday shopping! To help you pick up some final gift items, here are some ideas of what to buy for seniors this holiday season:

• Items that allow them to pamper themselves – seniors on a budget are not likely to splurge on things they consider non-essentials. Buy them candles, soaps and body lotions that allow them to feel pampered at home. Gift cards to restaurants or spas are added luxuries

• Gift baskets – gift baskets with a combination of items, including some of the above, as well as seasonal foods, books, and craft supplies that they will enjoy and make use of are all great things to include! Gift baskets can be bought pre-fabricated or can be created at home

• The gift of companionship – seniors will most appreciate the company of their loved ones. If this is not possible, senior care services can be gifted for companionship and assistance at home

• Take an elderly loved one out for the day – a trip out for lunch around the holidays to see a movie or a musical event can be a very enjoyable way for them to spend a day and it will be memorable!

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Home Care Walnut Creek, CA delivering home care and elderly services to seniors in the Contra Costa area including Concord. Call us 925-280-9688.

If you are a senior, or are a caregiver, you will understand how important it is to remain active. Seniors often live on a fixed income which limits them when planning trips. There is some great news! The list below will offer a few suggestions for day trips that do not cost a thing! These types of trips are a great way to get seniors out of the house, while providing some exercise and socialization.

1. When was the last time you visited the State Capitol? Probably many years ago, if ever. The State Capitol is open to the public and offers guided tours. This is a wonderful way to learn new things about the state you live in as well as a great way to spend the day without having to worry about what it will cost.

2. When going on a day trip to the State Capitol, or anywhere else, pack your own lunch. The buildings are usually situated on landscaped grounds that make for the perfect picnic location.

3. Do not forget to inquire about other public buildings. These buildings are paid for by your tax dollars, so feel free to enjoy them. The same goes for state parks and forests.

4. If you are still searching for a unique day trip, try a guided tour of the Governor’s Mansion!

Via: ehow.com

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Home Care Walnut Creek, CA delivering home care and elderly services to seniors in the Contra Costa area including Concord. Call us 925-280-9688.

Though gift exchanges tend to be a major focus of the holiday season, they should not take away from the holiday celebrations. Instead of focusing upon purchasing large gifts that seem to put the importance of status gift-giving first; choose holiday gifts for your elderly loved one that they are really likely to appreciate. This year, instead of spending a lot of money on something that your family member doesn’t really want or need, put together a practical gift basket and include the following items:

1. Purchase items that will aid in dental health – it might not sound like a glamorous holiday gift idea, but a senior’s dental health can really change their quality of life, especially over the holidays when they’d rather enjoy. In a gift basket, include a favorite toothpaste or denture cleaner, mouthwash, floss and a new toothbrush (buy electric, or one in their favorite color – something they might not splurge on!).

2. Stock up on other personal items – splurge a little bit and include personal items that are more than just the basics. If you know that they prefer a certain kind of scented soap or body wash, but typically stick to a cheaper bar soap, pick some up! Bubble bath, body lotion and other items they wouldn’t necessarily buy for themselves would also be appreciated

3. Include nutritious snacks – crackers, preserves, tea and coffee are all great things to include in a senior’s gift basket. Try to buy the items you know they love, but won’t get for themselves!

Via: Well Sphere

Home Care Walnut Creek, CA delivering home care and elderly services to seniors in the Contra Costa area including Concord. Call us 925-280-9688.

If you’re dreaming about an early retirement, you might want to think again, because studies have proven that seniors who remain in the work force part-time and transition from full-time career to retirement actually have better health. Since so many seniors are forgoing retirement around age 65 there was a study conducted to see how this is likely to affect their health. The results were rather surprising, since it indicated that there are actually extensive benefits. Seniors can work for as long as they want, and rest assured that they are not doing themselves any harm; with health benefits like these, they might just live a little bit longer!

Benefits of Work on Senior Health:

• With a transition period from full-time work into retirement with part-time work, temporary work or work at home, seniors find it’s less of a shock to their mental health. Seniors who immediately retire from full-time work can find that feelings of loss of purpose can cause anxiety and depression

• Seniors who remain in the workforce longer, even part-time are more functional, and often have greater mobility while remaining active members of society

• Instances of high blood pressure, diabetes, cancer, lung disease, heart disease, and stroke are some of the common medical problems that are reduced in working seniors

Via: Home Instead Senior care

Home Care Walnut Creek, CA delivering home care and elderly services to seniors in the Contra Costa area including Concord. Call us 925-280-9688.