Yearly Archives: 2010

Prostate Cancer – 11 Signs & Symptoms

Posted on by

NJ Senior Health

Prostate cancer is the most common type of cancer found in American men, other than skin cancer.

Although men of any age can get prostate cancer, it is found most often in men over 65 –

in fact, more than 8 of 10 men with prostate cancer are over the age of 65.

For unknown reasons, African-American men are at higher risk than Caucasian men. Men with a family history of prostate cancer are at higher risk, too. In this case, family history means that your father or a brother had prostate cancer.  Men who are obese and eat a diet high in fat are also at a higher risk for prostate cancer.

Possible Symptoms of Prostate Cancer

Prostate cancer, especially in its early stages, often does not have any symptoms. Symptoms are more likely to appear as the cancer grows.

Call your doctor if you have any of these symptoms:

  • Difficulty starting to urinate
  • Less force to the stream of urine
  • Dribbling after you finish urinating
  • Frequent urination, especially at night
  • Blood or pus in the urine
  • Blood in the semen
  • Pain while urinating
  • Pain with ejaculation
  • Hip and lower back pain that does not go away over time
  • Pain in the lower part of your pelvis
  • Unintended weight loss and/or loss of appetite

Posted by: Frank Esposito, Vice President of Expert Home Care.  New Jersey’s Expert Home Care provides professional and reliable home health care and companion care for NJ elderly, helping them with their daily living activities since 1984. Please call us toll free at 800-848-2336 when you have home care related questions or need assistance for a loved one. Get a Free Home Care Assessment (a $375 value!) when you mention this post.

Planning a Healthy Meal for Your Senior

Posted on by

Senior Health & Lifestyle

What’s for dinner?  Here are a few things to consider when planning a menu for a senior:

Easy to chew and swallow: Our digestive processes changes with age and seniors tend to produce 30% less saliva then they did while younger. Foods that are dry can be difficult to chew and swallow. Many senior citizens wear dentures, so tough meats and raw vegetables can be difficult to chew. When planning a meal, it’s best to select softer foods that are easy to eat.

Lower in salt: Most seniors have salt restrictions to reduce the risk of water retention and high blood pressure. Cooking with low or no salt is best, while processed foods and salted meats should also be avoided.

Make it tasty: Prescription medications can affect the flavor of foods and as we age our sense of smell and taste also changes. Foods that once were tasty may taste bland to the elderly. When preparing a meal for a senior adding savory (but not spicy) seasonings will make a meal taste more flavorful.

Use recipes with lots of nutrition: Most seniors tend to have smaller appetites which can contribute to weight loss. Instead of preparing light & lean meals, meals that are high in nutrition and calories can help a senior maintain a healthy weight.

Ask: Sometimes the simplest way of planning a meal for a senior is to ask him/her what they might enjoy eating. Most seniors know what kinds of foods are agreeable and what might lead to indigestion. Instead of deciding on your own what type of entree to prepare for a senior, it’s really best to ask first what he or she might prefer eating.

Posted by: Frank Esposito, Vice President of Expert Home Care.  New Jersey’s Expert Home Care provides professional and reliable home health care and companion care for NJ elderly, helping them with their daily living activities since 1984. Please call us toll free at 800-848-2336 when you have home care related questions or need assistance for a loved one. Get a Free Home Care Assessment (a $375 value!) when you mention this post.

Tips for the Elderly to Stay Warm in Winter

Posted on by

NJ Senior Tips

Winter is a difficult time for cold area people – most especially for elderly seniors.  Here are some things to consider (while keeping costs down):

  • Create a “warm room” in areas where you frequently spend time. Turn down thermostats in closed-off rooms, but remember during frigid weather to provide enough heat to rooms to prevent frozen water pipes.
  • Try out different furniture arrangements to move the furniture you use most away from drafts. You might enjoy your favorite chair more if it’s placed in the warmest spot in a room.
  • Moving your bedroom to a south facing room may allow you to take advantage of  solar warmth and light
  • When getting ready for bed, use a hot water bottle to warm up your bed and consider adding an extra blanket.
  • Reverse the spin on your ceiling fan and set it on low to re-circulate warm air down into the living area. Many ceiling fans have a reverse switch on them that will push down the warmer air on the ceiling to help you stay warm.
  • Wear several layers of thin clothing (wool, silk, or polypropylene inner layers will hold more body heat than cotton) indoors, which will serve to help insulate your body by trapping warmth in the air pockets between the layers. Multiple thin layers that can be easily removed also help prevent overheating. Wearing appropriate clothing to bed to maintain body temperature while you sleep is just as important as dressing for the outdoors.
  • Use a throw blanket to place across your lap or to cover your feet and shoulders to help you stay warm. Throws and shawls made of fleece are particularly useful because they are not only warm, but also lightweight and less bulky than other fabrics.
  • Wear fleece slippers around the house to help keep your feet warm. Look for non-skid bottoms to help prevent slips and falls. Wear a warm, comfortable hat to keep your head warm.
  • Use insulated drapes and close them at night and on cloudy days to reduce heat loss through windows.
  • Prune any trees or shrubs near windows that block the sun.
  • Block drafts blowing into your home through mail slots, floorboards, and electrical outlets or the damper on your fireplace when not in use. If you have an attached garage, keep your garage door closed.
  • Vacuum heat registers and check to make sure registers, radiators and cold air returns aren’t blocked by furniture or drapes. Air must circulate through and around them for full efficiency.
  • Investigate daytime activities in heated buildings such as senior centers, libraries, churches, and adult day programs, or look for opportunities to volunteer in your community.
  • Light cleaning, walking on a treadmill, playing with a pet and other simple exercise activities can increase circulation and make you feel warmer without undue strain.
  • Hot meals and beverages can provide both warmth and energy during the cold winter months. A cup of your favorite hot beverage will even do double duty, warming the hands as you hold it and the body as you drink it.

Posted by: Frank Esposito, Vice President of Expert Home Care.  New Jersey’s Expert Home Care provides professional and reliable home health care and companion care for NJ elderly, helping them with their daily living activities since 1984. Please call us toll free at 800-848-2336 when you have home care related questions or need assistance for a loved one. Get a Free Home Care Assessment (a $375 value!) when you mention this post.