How is your parents’ health? Chronic health conditions are health issues that last at least a year and require continuing medical care and assessment. Diabetes, high blood pressure, Alzheimer’s disease, and arthritis are some of the common chronic health conditions affecting the elderly. It’s estimated that around half of all adults have one chronic condition. Seniors often have two or more.
To avoid common chronic health conditions, there are several bad habits that need correcting. How many of these healthy habits are going ignored by your parents? Take a closer look at the typical problems.
Smoking
If your mom or dad smokes, it’s time to stop. Talk to a doctor about nicotine patches and gums or smoking cessation therapy. Smoking is linked to lung cancer, emphysema, and many other chronic conditions.
Lack of Exercise
Doctors urge patients to get 30 minutes of moderate activity at least five days per week. More is better. Talk to your parent’s doctor about the safest exercises based on their age and health.
Drinking Too Much Alcohol
Avoiding alcohol can be good, but most experts agree that a limited amount isn’t harmful. The problem is that the limited amounts are more than most people realize. Recommendations are to stick to one drink per day for women and up to two drinks for men.
That single drink is equal to 12 ounces for a beer with an ABV of 5 percent or lower or a 5-ounce glass of wine with an ABV of 12 percent or lower. For malt liquors or beers with an ABV of 7 percent or higher, an 8-ounce glass equals one serving. Liquors and distilled spirits are limited to a 1.5-ounce shot.
Unhealthy Diet
A healthy diet is one that includes a lot of fruits and vegetables, lean proteins that avoid pork and beef as much as possible, whole grains, and low-fat or non-fat dairy. Processed foods are usually high in saturated fat, sugar, and sodium, yet many seniors choose these items because they’re easy to prepare.
How often do your parents skip cooking meals and instead over pizzas or other takeout foods? Do they stick to old staples on a regular basis? White bread with butter and spaghetti and beef meatballs is a popular dinner. It’s easy to make. Yet, it’s not the healthiest option. If it’s the typical meal at your parents’ house, they’d benefit from dietary changes.
Home care services can help. Caregivers help your parents plan menus. They’ll take your parents grocery shopping. Back at home, they’ll put groceries away and prepare meals for them. They can also help by scheduling appointments and reminding your parents to take medication and exercise. Call a home care agency to discuss services and rates.
If you or an aging loved one needs Home Care in Davis, CA, remember Senior Home Care Services. Call us at (916) 514-7006 for more information.
Sources:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5876976/
https://www.cdc.gov/alcohol/faqs.htm#standard
