Chicago Home Care

Gluten-Free: Fad or For the Better?

admin — Tue, 15 May 2012 14:42:32 +0000

In 2010, Americans spent $2.6 billion on gluten-free products, amounting to a 30 percent increase in spending from four years earlier. Why the spike in gluten-free products? Gluten is a protein found in wheat, oats, rye, or barley. For some, it seems to be one of the newest dietary fads gaining momentum by improving digestion among adopters. Others are born with celiac disease or developed an allergic reaction to gluten over time.

There are nearly three million Americans with celiac disease, a disease of the digestive system where the lining of the small intestines becomes damaged. The symptoms vary from person to person but often present themselves in the form of gas, bloating, stomach pains, abnormal stools, weight loss, fatigue, and weakness and vomiting.

Even if individuals don’t have celiac disease, eliminating gluten from their diets has been proven to make many people feel better. “Those people may be legitimately gluten-sensitive. Or perhaps they’re simply eating a healthier diet,” says Mayo Clinic gastroenterologist Joseph Murray, M.D., who notes that junk food tends to have high amounts of gluten. To see if you benefit from a gluten-free diet try eliminating gluten completely for two weeks, then reintroduce it and see if you feel any difference.

If you are a caregiver for a family member or loved one in the Chicago North Shore area, an outside caregiver may be an excellent option for relief to ensure you also have some time for yourself. Home Care Assistance Chicago certified caregivers are available 24/7 to provide experienced, trustworthy caregivers to help with all your home care needs: transportation, healthy meal preparation, companionship, socialization, activities, personal care, medication reminders, and specific Alzheimer’s and dementia care services. Located North of Chicago in Kenilworth (430 Green Bay Road, Kenilworth, IL 60043) we serve Chicago and all of the North Shore, including Kenilworth, Winnetka, Wilmette, Glencoe, Evanston, Highland Park, Northbrook, Northfield, Deerfield, Lake Forest, Libertyville, Buffalo Grove, Glenview, and more! Call 847-853-7777 or visit www.HomeCareAssistance.com

Secrets to Longevity from 5 Experts

admin — Mon, 07 May 2012 18:25:18 +0000

There are many experts on health and longevity throughout the world; all with varying beliefs and viewpoints on best practices for aging, longevity and nutrition. But what are their secrets for improving health and increasing lifespan? Let’s find out.

1. Thomas Perls, 49: Director, New England Centenarian Study at Boston University Medical Center

Perls donates blood about every eight weeks because he believes that moderate iron deficiency may be good. Iron stimulates cells to churn out free radicals and molecules that may contribute to cancer and other diseases of aging. Women tend to outlive men and are generally better at postponing the onset of age-related diseases. One theory involves iron loss due to menstruation.

2. Mark Mattson, 52: Chief, Laboratory of Neurosciences, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health

He limits calories to around 2,000 per day. Research by Mattson and others suggests that restricting calories (and occasionally fasting) can stimulate “adaptive stress response mechanisms” in the body, which may boost its resistance to injury and disease.

3. Cynthia Kenyon, 55: Geneticist, Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of California San Francisco

She follows a “low glycemic index” diet which limits foods that the body quickly converts to sugar. Foods she limits are: pasta, potatoes, bread, rice and she completely cuts out dessert. Sugar promotes insulin, which turns off the “longevity gene”.

4. David Sinclair, 40: Professor of pathology, Harvard Medical School

Since 2003, he has taken resveratrol, a compound found in the skin of red grapes, because it may activate a family of longevity-related cells.

5. Felipe Sierra, 56: Molecular biologist, director, Division of Aging Biology, National Institute on Aging

He laughs a lot. “I really think that’s the best we can do for a while,” he says. After all, they say laughter is the best medicine.

What is your secret to aging gracefully?

10 Habits; Live Happy to 102!

admin — Wed, 02 May 2012 17:15:10 +0000

How well we age, like our genes, is somewhat predetermined. In fact, recent research suggests that those with family members who are centenarians are 20 times more likely to live past 100 as well. However, longevity does not completely boil down to just nature, but nurture as well. Healthy eating habits and exercise can be the beginning steps to keeping you living happy and healthy into the triple digits.

1. Don’t retire: Evidence shows that in societies where people stop working abruptly, the incidence of obesity and chronic disease skyrockets after retirement,” says Luigi Ferrucci, Director of the Baltimore Longitudinal Study of Aging. Instead, volunteer or find hobbies to keep you active and alert.

2.    Floss: Flossing everyday might keep your heart healthy. A 2008 New York University study showed that daily flossing reduces the amount of gum disease which causes bacteria in the mouth. Bacteria entering the bloodstream can result in inflammation in the arteries, which is a major risk factor for heart disease.

3.    Move: Your body is a well-oiled machine and needs to keep moving to stay strong, even if its only 30 minutes a day. Exercise is the only real fountain of youth that exists, according to Jay Olshansky, a professor of medicine and aging researcher at the University of Illinois at Chicago.

4.    Eat fiber: Maintaining stable blood sugar levels throughout the day with fiber and whole grains can keep diabetes at bay.

5. Sleep: Getting at least six hours of sleep a night can add years to your life. Sleep is one of the most important factors that our body uses to regulate and heal cells.

6. Eat food, not vitamins: People who have high levels of certain nutrients like selenium, beta-carotene, vitamins C and E, age much better and have a slower rate of cognitive decline than those who do not. Unfortunately, there’s no evidence that taking vitamins containing these nutrients provides anti-aging benefits. Avoid eating bland foods with no nutritional content, the more colorful the better.

7. Don’t stress: Find a good way to deal with stress, like yoga, meditation, or exercising. There is a new study coming out that shows centenarians tend not to internalize things or dwell on their troubles, according to MD Thomas Perls.

8. Keep a routine: Consuming the same diet and participating in the same activities for the majority of one’s life keeps the immune system healthy and strong. To keep your body in equilibrium, try going to bed and waking up at the same time.

9. Connect: Regular social contact can be helpful for avoiding depression. Some psychologists think that one of the biggest benefits older adults get from exercise is the social interaction that comes from walking with a buddy or taking a group exercise class.

10. Be conscientious: The book The Longevity Project, by Howard Friedman, describes a study that followed 1,500 children for eight decades, collecting exhaustive details about their personal histories, health, activities, beliefs, attitudes and families. The children who were prudent and dependable lived the longest because conscientious types are more inclined to follow doctors’ orders, take the right medicines at the right doses and undergo routine checkups. Being prudent, persistent and well organized, according to the study, will help increase your lifespan.

The Top 5 Ways to Spend your Tax Refund

admin — Mon, 30 Apr 2012 15:15:28 +0000

Some of us think of our tax refund as “free money” and tend to spend it on wants, not needs, like vacations, new gadgets, clothing, entertainment, etc. Putting this money toward something you have wanted for a long time, but have been unable to afford, is alright. However, you might also consider using this money as an investment and spend it in a smarter way that will benefit you more in the long run.

Here are 5 ways to get started:

1. Eliminate Debt
If you owe anything on your credit card(s), use all, or a good portion of your refund to pay it down. If your credit card is paid for, you can put this money toward other bills or expenses you may have like your mortgage. Reducing debt lowers your monthly expenses and boosts your credit score.

2. Put it Away
With the economy the way it is these days, financial stability is not necessarily guaranteed. Put your money into an emergency savings fund for a rainy day or continue saving for retirement.

3. Invest in You
Why invest in others when you can invest in yourself. Take time to get additional education and certifications in your field. Use your tax refund to pay for tuition. Alternatively, you can take the money to make a more personal investment by hiring a personal trainer or joining a gym.

4. Fix your House
Invest in energy efficient upgrades for your home. Installing solar panels (with a larger tax refund) or switching out all of your light bulbs to more efficient LED lights (with a smaller tax refund) will save money by cutting your monthly energy bill down.

5. Charity
Invest in someone else’s future. If you have grandchildren help them out by paying for part of their college tuition. Want a tax deduction? Find a charity that you are passionate about and make a donation.

However you choose to spend, or not spend your tax refund, it’s always nice to have a little extra cash on hand.

Happy Earth Day from Home Care Assistance!

admin — Thu, 26 Apr 2012 17:40:17 +0000

“When we try to pick out anything by itself, we find it hitched to everything else in the universe.” -John Muir

We are all connected to our environment as it provides us with the essentials in life: air, water, food and sunlight, and therefore, we must do what we can to keep it clean and livable for all. Earth Day serves as a day to educate the general public about the impact our society has on the environment.

Earth Day was started by founder Gaylord Nelson in 1969, a U.S. Senator from Wisconsin. After witnessing a massive oil spill in Santa Barbara, California that year, he called for a national “Environmental Teach-In” to invoke public consciousness about air and water pollution, specifically targeted at college students on campuses throughout the U.S.

As a result, on April 22, 1970, 20 million Americans took to the streets and parks and publically rallied for a healthier and more sustainable environment. Thousands of colleges and universities organized protests against the deterioration of the environment, highlighting issues like oil spills, pollution caused by factories and power plants, raw sewage, toxic dumps, pesticides, freeways and the extinction of wildlife. Earth Day in 1970 achieved a rare political event; it gained support from both Republicans and Democrats, rich and poor. The first Earth Day led to the creation of the United States Environmental Protection Agency and the passage of the Clean Air Act, Clean Water Act and the Endangered Species Act.

Even though Earth Day only comes once a year, it reminds us to be more conscientious about the environment and what we are doing to it. These eco-friendly practices should be applied throughout the year, not just on one day:

o Plant a vegetable garden if you have a yard. Growing vegetables instead of grass uses water and energy more wisely. If you live in an apartment, plant vegetables in containers on your balcony, or a community plot.

o Eat! Eat local, seasonal and organic food. Even becoming vegetarian for a day can help. Avoid processed food as much as possible. Processed foods mean someone else manufactured it. That takes energy.

o Plant or donate a tree.

How did you observe Earth Day on Sunday?

Dr. Denholm Weighs in on Caregiving for Your Spouse:

admin — Thu, 19 Apr 2012 19:16:05 +0000

More than 40 million women are primary caregivers for an aging loved one, many times to the man they are married to. Since caregiving is still viewed as the wife’s expected role, most accept it as their duty and a time to express love, settle financial and legal matters and sometimes, right past wrongs.

However, women who are primary caregivers face far more unglamorous duties and disruptions in their work, sleep habits, and financial situations. In addition to a loss of intimacy, the wife may be stuck with such unglamorous tasks as cleaning up bathroom accidents, servicing medical equipment and fulfilling challenging dietary needs.

As one expert put it, for some wives, caregiving is “a roller coaster ride from hell,” with each day bringing new challenges, demands and adjustments. What others see as a gift, the wife may be experiencing as “a dirty little secret,” Diana B. Denholm wrote in The Caregiving Wife’s Handbook, recently published by Hunter House. She also states that the challenge is especially difficult when the marriage was a rocky one to begin with. Husbands who were abusive when they were healthy can become tyrants when seriously or terminally ill, she learned from wives.

In her book, Dr. Denholm discusses coping strategies that she developed with her husband during his long illness. “The most important of these strategies is to adopt communication tools that avoid red flags, accusations and self-pity, and instead “create expectations, agreements and understandings, including some that may involve agreeing to disagree,” she said. She also provides a list of 50 dos and don’t to help make the task of caregiving easier.

Here is a sampling from that list:

•   Don’t let your husband take advantage of you or be abusive in any way.
•   Ask for help when you need it.
•   Don’t assume roles and jobs just because somebody thinks you should.
•   Recognize that he’s the one who is ill, not you, and that your journeys will be different.
•   Realize that sacrificing yourself completely will not make him well.
•   Speak up for yourself and take a hard line on safety issues.
•   See the humor in situations and try to laugh rather than criticize.
•   Learn relaxation techniques.
•   Give your husband a whistle, bell or call button to help him call you.
•   Take advantage of the time remaining and have fun with your husband however you can.
•   Have fun yourself, even if he can’t participate.
•   Stay active and social, and spend time with people who make you feel better.
•   Take care of yourself by eating well, exercising and arranging a way to get needed sleep.
•   Take breaks and trips to visit friends, offering your husband care alternatives during your absence.
•   Get help if you become depressed, feel excessively guilty or angry, or fear becoming abusive toward your husband.
•   Protect yourself physically. Don’t try to catch your husband if he’s falling. If you are injured, you won’t be able to care for him.

If you are the primary caregiver for a family member or other loved one and find that you are experiencing symptoms of depression, dissatisfaction, decreased energy or lower resistance to illness you may be experiencing what is known as “Caregiver Burnout”. It’s equally as important to protect your health and wellbeing so that you can provide the best care possible to the one you are looking after.

We are hosting a free, public webinar on caregiver burnout and how to protect your health on Tuesday, May 1st at 11am Pacific, 2pm Eastern. The webinar will be presented by Dr. Hoblyn, Professor at Stanford School of Medicine and chief medical officer of eTherapi.com. Space is limited, so reserve your spot here today!

14th Annual Aging Well Conference:

admin — Wed, 18 Apr 2012 17:32:41 +0000

“A conference for older adults, their families, and professionals which focuses on strategies for healthy aging.”

Join us on Friday May, 4 from 8:00 a.m.-12:30 p.m. for a conference on aging well with keynote speaker Lucia West Jones, the executive director of the Northeastern Illinois Area Agency on Aging. In addition to Ms. Jones’ presentation, there will also be a plethora of workshops including:

Never stop laughing: a discussion on the benefits of laughter for managing stress
Legal Protections for Peace of Mind: a discussion of various legal protections available to older adults.
Fit and Strong: an award-winning, multi-component, physical activity program for older adults.
Before I forget: A Memory Workout: A discussion on how memory works and how to enhance your brain power.
Financial Street Smarts: A discussion of the latest scams and strategies to protect yourself and your finances.
A many more….

There is no fee for the conference. Registration and a free continental breakfast will begin at 8:00 a.m. at the North Shore Retirement Hotel, 1611 Chicago Avenue in Evanston. Follow this link to register: http://www.cityofevanston.org/senior-services/aging-well-conference-film-festival.

8 New Superfoods You Should Be Eating

admin — Fri, 06 Apr 2012 17:50:19 +0000

At Home Care Assistance we are big on seven Superfoods that include blueberries, dark chocolate, salmon (high in omega-3 fatty acids) green tea and more. We are excited to share that we have discovered eight new Superfoods with cancer fighting properties that have similar health benefits and will help boost your energy level as well as make you look and feel young.

1. Jicama: This root vegetable has probiotic properties to boost healthy bacteria and aid in digestion. It is also high in Vitamin C which can help fight wrinkles.

2. Chia: This tiny edible seed has a nutty taste and is an excellent source of fiber, calcium, iron and omega 3s. These seeds are great for your bones and heart so sprinkle some on cereals, salads or soups for added nutrients.

3. Kefir: The creamy texture makes this food product comparable to yogurt, but with less sugar and more protein. Kefir has a tangy taste that makes it a great substitute for salad dressing. A probiotic, it helps boost healthy bacteria in your body, keeping your immune system strong and helping to prevent colon cancer.

4. Sprouts: These are germinating seeds that can be eaten raw or cooked and can come from different beans like soybeans, alfalfa, or even vegetables like broccoli. Broccoli sprouts contain about 50 times more of the anti-cancer agent, sulforaphane, than its fully mature stalks.

5. Black Garlic: The fermentation process gives this garlic varietal a sweet, clove and caramel flavor. Black Garlic packs in nearly double the antioxidants compared to a regular raw bulb of garlic and has properties that can help lower an individual’s cholesterol.

6. Nutritional Yeast: A single serving of this yeast has as much as nine grams of protein and is packed with Vitamin B to help keep energy levels high and stress levels low. Nutritional Yeast can be used as a dairy free substitute for Parmesan cheese and be sprinkled popcorn, potatoes, or even pasta.

7. Kelp: This powerful plant, despite its small size, is loaded with Vitamin K and calcium. Certain studies have shown that it can help decrease a women’s risk of developing breast cancer. In a powder form, Kelp can be added to soups or meatballs for added nutritional value.

8. Barley: This grain is filled with niacin to help keep your skin and hair healthy. It also contains lignans, which can help fight cancer and keep your cholesterol levels under control. Barley is the perfect substitute for oatmeal, pasta or rice.

Start incorporating these Superfoods into your diet today to live a longer, happier life !

Brain Fitness; 10 Tips to Stay Sharp

admin — Fri, 06 Apr 2012 17:38:23 +0000

According to a recent study by the University of California of San Francisco, reducing risk factors such as being overweight, smoking and low physical activity by 25 percent could prevent up to half a million cases of Alzheimer’s and other dementias in the United States.

To help keep your brain fit in the coming years and throughout the remainder of your life, implement the following techniques into your daily routine:

1. Exercise: The best way to keep your brain young is through physical activity and exercise. Individuals who are active tend to maintain better cognitive memory. Higher exercise levels are also linked to reducing the risk of developing dementia up to 40%, according to neuroscientist at the University of Illinois.

2. Weight train: Lifting weights can have a greater impact on your brain health, especially for women. “Resistance training may increase the levels of growth factors in the brain such as IGF1, which nourish and protect nerve cells,” according to the head of Aging, Mobility and Cognitive Neuroscience Laboratory.

3. Learn new skills: Stepping out of your comfort level and learning new things such as knitting or Tai Chi, for example, can grow new brain cells. When the brain is challenged, the number of brain cells increases along with the connection between those cells.

4. Meditation: Chronic stress floods your brain with cortisol, which leads to impaired memory. Meditation is a great way to stay focused and calm, thus reducing harmful stress hormones.

5. Eat healthy: Researchers at Columbia University have conducted studies that show eating a healthy Mediterranean diet rich in fish, vegetables, fruits, nuts and beans can reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s by 34 to 48 percent. Further, studies have suggested that older people who eat a diet primarily of fruits and vegetables, especially leafy greens, may have a slower rate of cognitive decline and a lower risk for dementia than meat lovers.

6. Keep it spicy: Adding herbs and spices to your meals is easy and beneficial for your brain. The spices that have the highest amounts of antioxidants are: black pepper, cinnamon, oregano, basil, parsley, ginger and vanilla.

7. Find purpose: Having a clear set of goals is important as we age. Purpose and direction have been shown to help older adults reduce their risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease.

8. Have friends: Cultivate a close network of friends and relationships. A support network may help to protect against dementia by providing emotional and mental stimulation, says Laura Fratiglioni, M.D., of Sweden’s Karolinska Institute.

9. Reduce risks: Diabetes can double the risk for Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia.

10. Check your vitamins: Sometimes we don’t always get all of the nutrients we need from our foods, which is why it is important to take vitamin supplements to avoid being deficient in an area. Research from Rush University Medical Center says that adults at risk for vitamin B12 deficiency have smaller brains and scored lowest on tests that measured thinking, reasoning and memory.

Older, Wiser = Happier

admin — Mon, 02 Apr 2012 18:38:47 +0000

One of the biggest myths about aging is that as we get older we are more prone to loneliness and unhappiness. The truth: as we age, older adults view happiness differently than someone in their 20’s or 30’s.

Laura Carstensen, a renowned field expert in the study of aging, and director of the Stanford Center on Longevity, has found new correlations between aging and happiness. “I’ve spent the last thirty years investigating the psychology of aging,” Carstensen writes. “My research consistently shows that, in terms of emotion, the best years come late in life.” With age comes wisdom and the ability to deal with negative emotions better, which can reduce lingering unhappiness.

Evidence of physical differences between young adults and older adults was illustrated in several studies that monitored both groups’ reactions to disturbing images. Researchers used eye-tracking techniques, which follow participants’ eye movements as they view evocative or disturbing images and then rates their reactions with a mood dial.

Derek Isaacowitz, professor of psychology and director of the Lifespan Emotional Development Lab at Northeastern University, also determined older adults tend to manage negative emotions better than young adults and report higher levels of happiness and satisfaction. His research demonstrated that the younger participants actually spent more time looking at the disturbing images, while the elderly looked away sooner. Isaacowitz believes that young people are “looking at the unpleasant parts and crafting a story that will help them understand the story in a way that’s less upsetting to them. Older adults short circuit that by not looking at it as much.”

Carstensen’s research suggests that as we age we tend to live more in the moment and care less about social pressures that can take a hold over young adults. She writes, “As we age we sense the clock winding down and our attention shifts to savoring the time that is left, focusing on depth of experience, closeness, a smaller set of goals and a highly selected group of loved ones. This change in perspective seems to bring with it a new way of evaluating what is worth one’s time, attention, worry or wrath.”

Savoring the good times in life becomes more important and surrounding oneself with a support network of friends and loved ones can bring clarity and a new perspective on life.