Are You A "Healthy Ager"?

A new study finds that exercise among older adults helps ward off depression, dementia and other health problems, such as heart disease, cancer and diabetes.

The researchers found that exercise increased the odds of healthy aging as much as sevenfold. Even better news, it's never too late to start: Even adults who begin exercising later in life could increase their odds of healthy aging threefold.

The report was published online Nov. 25, 2013 in the British Journal of Sports Medicine.

"In a growing elderly population, it is important to encourage healthy aging. Physical activity is effective in maintaining health in old age," said lead researcher Mark Hamer, from the department of epidemiology and public health at University College London, in England. "Encouraging physical activity in older adults is of benefit, and small changes are also linked to healthier aging." 

Samantha Heller, a senior clinical nutritionist and exercise physiologist at NYU Langone Medical Center in New York City, said it's no secret that physical activity and exercise are good for us. "What this study emphasizes is that the 'I'm too old' excuse doesn't fly, because it is never too late to get your fanny off the couch and out the door for some exercise," she said.

The benefits of exercise include improved bone, muscle, cardiovascular and organ health. Even better circulation and brain benefits like an increase in communication between neurons. In fact Heller confirmed that exercise may slow the brain tissue loss associated with aging and mental decline.

"The question we face now is, How do we motivate and support people of all ages to get moving and keep moving? There is an undeniable resistance among non-exercisers to the notion of motion," Heller said. "On an individual level, we can gently insist that family and friends join us in regular walks, a dance or yoga class, a game of tag, or an exercise DVD."

Partnering with someone is a real motivator or even investing money so the money isn't "lost" if the membership or equipment goes untouched. 

For the study, Hamer and his colleagues collected data on nearly 3,500 people with an average age of 64 who participated in the English Longitudinal Study of Aging. The researchers kept track of their exercise, along with serious health problems, such as heart disease, stroke, diabetes, emphysema and Alzheimer's disease. They also monitored the participants' mental health and physical strength. 

Over eight years, almost one in 10 participants became active and 70 percent remained active. The others stayed inactive or became inactive.

By the end of the study, almost 40% of the participants developed a chronic medical condition, almost 20% were depressed and one-third had a disability.

1 in 5, however, was considered by the researchers to be a "healthy ager," an obvious association being between healthy aging and exercise. 

The researchers found that people who partook in moderate or vigorous physical activity at least once a week were 3-4 times more likely to be healthy agers, compared with those who remained inactive. People who were active at the start of the study were 7 times more likely to be healthy agers than people who were inactive and remained so. 

The CDC recommends 2 hours and 30 minutes of moderately intense exercise a week, or 1 hour and 15 minutes of vigorously intense exercise, along with two or more days of muscle strength training. If you're not already, this may be a great New Years Resolution (*hint* hint*).    

Reference:
Hamer, M., Lavoie, K., Bacon, S. (2013). Taking up physical activity in later life and healthy ageing: The English longitudinal study of ageing. Br J Sports Med doi:10.1136/bjsports-2013-092993

Alzheimer's Disease: Meet Rick Phelps of Memory People

Meet Rick Phelps.

Rick worked 24+ years in law enforcement and as an EMT in Coshocton County, Ohio. He is a husband, father and grandfather. In June of 2010 at the age of 57, Rick was diagnosed with early onset Alzheimer's disease.

Of all the people who have Alzheimer's disease, just about 5 percent develop symptoms before the age of 65, sometimes as early as their 30s.

Alzheimer’s Disease is stomping onto the radar of public health organizations, home health agencies, and hospitals. In 2012, Alzheimer’s disease became the 6^th leading cause of death in the United States. In fact, 1 in 3 seniors die with Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia. It’s estimated that Alzheimer's will cost the nation $203 billion in the year 2013. This number is expected to rise to $1.2 trillion by 2050.

When Rick was given this devastating diagnosis, he saw the need for action. Using a platform that millions were already familiar with, Facebook, he created a group called Memory People. This Alzheimer's and dementia support group invites patients, caregivers, advocates and family members to share their journey, find comfort and understanding, and receive support. That was in November of 2010. Memory People is now approaching their 5,000th member.

In 2012 he co-wrote the song "While I Still Can" with his long time friend, Dan Mitchell. "While I Still Can" was written as a tribute to all those affected by dementia as it describes the love and loss that has come into his life since his diagnosis. Rick has also released a book, his story, under the same title, which takes the reader on a roller-coaster ride as he describes the years following his diagnosis. Rick has become a strong advocate for Alzheimer's Awareness, and he continues to change lives, one person at a time.

This Monday, December 2nd of 2013, I will have the pleasure of speaking with two of Rick's assistants: Mrs. Leeanne Chames and Mrs. Michele DeSocio. We will be discussing stories behind Alzheimer's Disease, available resources, and means of raising awareness of early onset Alzheimer's disease, Alzheimer's, and various types of Dementia. Meet us Monday, at 4pmPT/7pmET at #Nurseup. 

If you or a loved one have been touched by Alzheimer’s or another dementia-related disease, we encourage you to join us. 

When it hits home

They say, “Practice makes perfect.”

As a nurse, it’s my job to connect with older adults and their families. I read and hear their stories all day. I've been trained to "speak doctor" and understand the weight of the conversation down to the numbers. My professional career is all about aging – the good, the bad, and the ugly. 

Nothing could have prepared me for being a caregiver. 

I’ve written before about my grandfather and the day both our lives changed. At the end of the story though, our lives did go back to normal--a new normal. Physically, he rebounded. Time in an assisted living with daily physical therapy brought back most of his strength. We were all looking forward to having him back home when...

I walked into my grandmother’s hospital room. She was there after she fell backwards onto the concrete sidewalk while fixing the garden. As I leaned over to give her a hug, she yelled, “Don't you touch me! I saw you kissing that other man. What are you going to tell John!?”

Her hallucinations only increased as she sat in an empty room speaking with her "visitors".  I'd walk in quietly, not to interrupt, and shortly after get blamed for "scaring away friends". As she slept, my eyes would darn between her heart monitor, to her, to the number on the IV pump, back to her. The two roles inside me, all nurse yet all granddaughter, drove both into over drive.    

I fought to catch my breath and hold back the tears, all the while trying to keep a smile on face for Grandma. Why wasn’t I prepared for this? I knew what to expect. I knew how to handle this. Yet the thousands of stories, the countless talks with the doctors, and all my research and training, could have never prepared me for the emotions of actually being a caregiver.

Today,  I applaud you caregivers as a nurse and I empathize with you as a caregiver. Our journey may differ greatly, but now when I look into the eyes of another caregiver to teach them about their "new normal", I allow them to look into my eyes. With just a glance, those who have been there, know. The dreaded call, the late night in the emergency room, the torture of waiting for that result or that doctor, that shred of hope that still holds on.

Fellow caregivers and healthcare workers, I'd like to invite you personally to join me Monday nights on twitter. I'll be hosting a TweetChat at #Nurseup at 4pm PST or 7pm EST. Topics will center around caregiving and available resources.

Our first meeting, Monday November 18th, will cover challenges of being a caregiver and helpful resources. I would like to partner with you to bring to light the true role of a caregiver and put the best resources into the right hands.

Looking forward to meeting you and hearing your story. 

A Terminal Diagnosis Does Not Terminate Living: Tips for Injecting Living into Dying

When my father began our phone conversation with the words, "Are you sitting down?" I knew the news to follow would not be good; but I never in my wildest dreams imagined he would tell me my 73-year-old mother was terminally ill with metastatic lung cancer. I had not even begun to prepare myself for the day I would lose either one of my parents. A lucky gene pool had caused me to believe confidently that both would live well into their nineties. No such luck.

Every day a daughter or son somewhere, or a sister or brother or parent, gets the news that a cherished loved one has been diagnosed with a terminal disease. The shock, accompanied by a ferocious sense of foreboding and a powerful dose of premature grieving, can be overwhelming and paralyzing. Yet we need not be consumed by the depths of despair; and for the ones we love and will lose, it is vital that we climb out of the depths as quickly as possible so they won't fall in themselves. 

Two days after getting my father's call, I suddenly had a moment of clarity and an epiphany: my mother's life was going to end sooner than we expected or wanted, but it hadn't ended yet. So I committed myself to helping my mother live, and live joyfully, until I found myself in the position of helping her die.

If you receive the dreaded call, what can you do?

How can you inject living into dying?

How can you let the sunshine break through the menacing cloud overhead?

1. First, reel yourself in from that place of anticipatory grief to which the diagnosis catapulted you. No one has died yet, so stop grieving a loss that hasn't occurred. Rather than anticipating death, we can choose to embrace and enjoy life. The story of my mother's life was still being written, and so there was no need to allow our minds to fast-forward to the story's ending. We were intent upon writing quite a few more chapters.

2. Realize that while there is nothing you can do to keep your parent or loved one from dying, there is much you can do to help him or her keep living. For us, tomorrow was a day to look forward to because of the possibilities and happiness it could bring, rather than a day to dread because it would bring us one day closer to death. Make what time remains a period filled with purpose and passion.

3. Stay in the moment. Don't focus on what lies ahead. It is possible, and good, to crowd out thoughts about dying by injecting acts of living. You can keep thoughts of what's to come at bay by being intentional about savoring every aspect of what you are experiencing while you are experiencing it. And shouldn't every one of us do this every day anyway, whether we know our days are numbered or not? 

4. Don't expect miracles, but don't stop believing in what is possible. While the disease will eventually render certain things impossible, focus on all that is still possible. Even though we were subconsciously or privately aware that we might be celebrating certain holidays or milestones together for the last time, we chose to look forward to what came next. And rather than focusing on last times, we opted to find things we could do or enjoy for the first time. For example: a first mother-daughter side-by-side mani-pedi. Unforgettably wonderful!

5. Don't stop planning. My mother and I did not use a calendar to cross off, with relief, days that had been survived. Rather, we used the calendar to record, with anticipation, plans that were being made—appointments, outings, get-togethers, trips—for next week, next month, and even next summer.

6. Have fun. Make fun. Be happy! It is OK to laugh while hearts are breaking; in fact, it's critical. Laughter is good medicine. So laugh—with abandon. Take pictures. Lots of them. We filled two photo albums. Who would ever have imagined how much my mother would do, where she would go, whom she would meet, and how many people she would touch after her diagnosis? Who could ever believe how happy she was that last year? The photos provide evidence...and also many wonderful reminders of life, love, and laughter.

7. Help your parent or loved one retain things that matter most to someone facing death: routines, relationships, a sense of self, and, above all, a sense of dignity. Keeping a calendar, carrying a pocketbook, getting dressed, getting together with friends, shopping for holiday gifts, making the grocery list—little routines like these inject a semblance of normalcy into an existence that feels anything but normal or routine, especially as disease takes its toll. And remember that we feel good when we look good. My mother was never without lipstick or earrings on the days I was with her; we kept our nails polished and we shopped for new clothes for the coming season. Why not?!

8. Gently nudge, but don't push. There will be days, and there will come a point, when certain things just aren't possible or when your parent simply won't feel physically (or mentally) up for what you think she might want to do and enjoy. Although I was intent on helping her find joy in every day, I did not want my mother to be afraid to say "I can't" or "I don't want to." I didn't want her ever to feel as though she was disappointing me or anyone in the family if she succumbed to her fatigue or anything else she struggled to overcome.

9. Allow as much opportunity for your loved one to be doing rather than always being done for or done to. A dying person needs and deserves to be treated and valued as a human being, as a person rather than a patient. The notion of being helpless and a burden to loved ones is as demoralizing and demotivating as anything can be. Whether folding some laundry or putting the tape on Christmas presents that I was wrapping or opening the mail or looking up a phone number or wheeling herself to the refrigerator to pull out a yogurt for herself, it was important for my mother to feel she was still "good for something" and still the lady of the house—her house, even when it seemed overtaken by caregivers.

10. Welcome hospice as a companion and guide on the journey of life as the journey comes to an end. Hospice staff and volunteers are angels on earth. Thanks to them, when we reached the final destination we all—my mother and those she was leaving behind—experienced peace and gratitude we had not imagined possible at such a sorrowful time in our lives.

My mother lived, fully and joyfully, for a year and one day from her diagnosis.

A diagnosis of "terminal" cancer does not terminate living. In reality, each of us has already received a terminal diagnosis; we just don't know how close we are to the finish line. Without denying the reality that someone we love is going to be leaving the party sooner than we expected or want, it is possible to suppress that reality and go about the business of enjoying the party while it lasts. And it might last much longer than you expect. Or it might not, but it can still be a lot of fun.

By: Linda Campanella. When All That’s Left of Me Is Love, Linda Campanella’s first book, was published in August 2011 (Tate Publishing & Enterprises), and it is an inspiring story of love and loss, family and faith, hope and hospice, grief and gratitude. Written very soon after her terminally ill mother’s death in 2009, the memoir takes readers on an intimate and emotional journey from day of diagnosis through moment of death and into the few months of Linda’s being a motherless daughter. The memoir has earned numerous awards that include being named a 2013 National Indie Excellence Book Awards finalist, a first-place winner as best memoir in the 2012 ReaderViews literary awards program, and a 2012 Nautilus Silver Award winner; the Nautilus book awards “are given to print books of exceptional merit that make a literary and heartfelt contribution to spiritual growth, conscious living, high-level wellness, green values, responsible leadership and positive social change.” More information about Linda and her moving memoir can be found at When All That’s Left of Me is Love and on Facebook. The book is available for purchase on amazon.com and bn.com.

Twitter Talk on Burnout

Join Leah Korkis, Founder of Healthy Now and Later, 
and Andrew Lopez on Twitter!

Sunday November 10th, at 6pm PST at #NurseUp we will be discussing burnout, compassion fatigue, and secondary traumatic stress disorder. 

In case you missed this tweetchat, here are the transcripts to our conversation.

As of 2012, just over a quarter of all adults within the United States are caregivers for their elder parents, costing an average of 3 trillion dollars a years in lost wages, pensions, and social security as a result of their tardiness, absenteeism, or leaving the workforce all together. This is because 1 in 6 caregivers in America hold full-time or part-time employment. Given the aging population and increase in the need for caregivers, an understanding of the risk of compassion fatigue among nurses and other healthcare professionals who care for elderly relatives is particularly urgent. 

Family Caregiver Month: Now More Than Ever

Family caregivers are the silent heroes of our society... 

...and their numbers are growing every year. There simply aren’t enough services to support caregivers in their compassionate quest to care for others while desperately trying to find some balance in their own lives.

“Now More Than Ever,” is this year’s theme for National Family Caregivers Month. It couldn't be more appropriate. 

In 1994, The National Family Caregivers Association (now called The Caregiver Action Network) initiated this annual honor by creating National Family Caregivers Week. In 1997, President Clinton signed the first official proclamation, and every president since has followed suit by issuing an annual proclamation celebrating family caregivers. Eventually, National Family Caregivers Week became National Family Caregivers Month.

Here are some ways to honor caregivers:

• Tell a caregiver that you appreciate what they do in the name of caregiving. 

• Offer to spend time with a friend or loved one so that their caregiver can get a little break. Even a few hours a week can make a world of difference in a caregiver’s well-being and happiness.

• If the caregiver you know appreciates prayers, pray for them, and let the person know you did.

• Offer a listening ear. Sometimes caregivers feel they have no one to talk to. Even though you may not completely understand what it’s like, listening with concern is often enough.

• Write a letter to your local paper that expresses why you think caregivers deserve our attention and support. This will raise local support and in turn hopefully 

What else? I know there are readers out there with even better ideas. How do I know this? Because caregivers read this blog, and they are some of the most creative people I know. Feel free to share your ideas in the comments section. I'd love to hear your ideas. 

Nursing Home vs Assisted Living

Recently, PBS came out with a chilling report that looking deeper into the Assisted Living cooperation Emeritus and found horrific cases of wrongful placement of seniors within it's facilities that lead to tragic endings. It's well worth your time to watch the 53 minute report, here.

It's an impasse that leads to big decisions and uncomfortable conversations, and yet so many families are struck with the fact that they can no longer care for their mom, dad, or loved one. 

Lots of emotions surround this topic; namely guilt. 

I've been there. 

Usually people turn to group homes of some kind. “That’s everyone’s first thought,” said Lisa Gwyther, the veteran social worker who directs the Duke Family Support Program in Durham, N.C. “Everyone says, ‘My mom doesn’t belong in a nursing home,’ so they think assisted living, regardless of her medical needs or prognosis.”

But assisted living is not for everyone, either. Ms. Gwyther and Dr. Hawes are now speaking out to give guidance on which older people are likely to do well at such facilities and which will need the greater supervision and higher staff ratios that nursing home can offer.

“Nursing homes have gotten a bad rap,” Ms. Gwyther said. There are good ones, and there are seniors who need them.

For instance, “anyone with moderate to severe cognitive impairment and problem behaviors like resisting care or becoming alarmed if someone tries to help them shower generally belongs in either a dementia unit with well-trained staff or in a nursing home,” Dr. Hawes said. In assisted living, “there’s not enough staff to help.”

This also goes for seniors with complicated medical conditions that require frequent monitoring. Assisted living doesn’t provide much health care, so residents risk becoming what Ms. Gwyther calls “frequent fliers — they’re going in and out of hospitals for conditions that could perhaps be treated in a nursing home.” This not only increases costs for the family, but also increases the change of their loved on being  exposed to the harmful bugs (various contagious illnesses, antibiotic resistant bacteria, etc.) within the hospital. 

Assisted living can pose a problem for seniors with incontinence as well. Although most assisted living facility will accept someone who’s incontinent, what they mean is 'as long as they can change their own briefs'. Dr. Hawes cautions against assisted living,  "(If) what you mean is, ‘She needs help getting changed four times a day and needs the sheets changed every other day.’” Housekeeping staff in assisted living typically change linens weekly.

Furthermore, federal regulation provides greater protection for nursing home residents. State regulations govern assisted living but they vary widely. 

Nevertheless, assisted living can work well for people with mild cognitive problems, who particularly cherish privacy, and who are sociable and alert. They usually offer interactive programs that create an environment for socializing and the creation of new hobbies. 

I urge you, for the sake of your loved one, regardless of their location (including home) don't ignore the warning signs. If you notice that they smell of urine or feces, if they're becoming increasingly (and unusually  anxious or lethargic for a length of time, or simply just not themselves; speak up.

It won't hurt to ask questions. It certainly won't hurt to get a second opinion. If anything, it may even prolong their life or save it.     

~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~    
Share this report and increase the awareness of the differences between assisted living and nursing homes. This post is not intended to discourage or encourage one or the other. It's purpose is to simply inform, so your loved ones don't become like one of the grim stories from the PBS report. 

To your wellness, 
Leah Korkis, BSN, RN

Announcement: Giveaway Winner

Congratulations...

to the winner of our first giveaway here on 

Healthy Now and Later. 

If you, or someone you know, would like to have your product hosted as our next product giveaway 

 contact me. 

Click here to view the details of the product or the winner

Nursing Home Costs on the Rise: Be Prepared

Over the past five years, the median annual cost of privet nursing home care has jumped 24% from $67,527 to $83,950, according to Genworth's 2013 Cost of Caring Survey, base on data from nearly 15,000 long-term care providers. From 2012-2013 alone the price jumped 4%. 

The following breakdown was given for long-term care costs in the Central New York area: Home-maker services (44 hours a week) :$44,472; home health aide ( 44 hours a week) :$48.620;  adult day care (eight hours a day, five days a week): $15,600; assisted-living facility, private room: $38,712; nursing home, semi-private, $109,500; private, $113,150.

For some, a nursing home may be their only option or the best option. What can you do to be prepared if you or someone you know will be entering a nursing home community?

1. 1. Make sure you have consulted a professional in the field,such as a Professional Geriatric Care Manager, to be made aware of your options and to help assess your specific situation and needs.  
2. 2. Consult with a financial planner or elder law attorney who can advise you on your financial status and what you can do to better position your assets so they can be available when you need them.  
3. 3. Lastly, a Long Term Care Insurance policy may be the best way to prepare for the long term needs you will have as you age.

Reduce Depression Symptoms in Elderly and Adult Grandchildren

The number of grandparents raising grandkids surged during the Great Recession. In 2011, according to a Pew Research Center report, grandparents were the main caregivers for more than 3 million children. There are still many reasons why this is necessary today – military service, untimely death, incarceration, substance abuse, mental illness or problems with layoffs and foreclosures.



The second Sunday in September is always Grandparents’ Day. But every day is a good time to celebrate caring across the generations. For many of us growing up, our grandparents were the ones who gave us whatever we wanted, as long as we didn’t tell our parents. And as the grandma of five grandsons, I’d say that still applies today.

There’s a buzz about Granny leave for women caring for elderly parents. American businesses stand to lose close to $34 billion a year due to employees taking time off to care for aging loved ones. As the number of family members available to care for loved ones decreases and the number of those in need increases, our society is facing serious social issues. 

How do we honor intergenerational relationships, highlight aging with dignity and demonstrate the growing need to support caregivers?

Lots of Millennials, with huge student loans and no jobs are boomeranging back home. As the first generation to grow up with terrorism, the Internet and globalization, they’ve developed a thoughtful approach to navigating a chaotic world. According to the 2011 Millennial Impact Report, three quarters of them donate money to charitable causes and almost two thirds volunteer their time.

So how about reconciling the growing need for caregiving by pairing available millennials with grandparents who would love the emotional connection. The bonus? A new study shows that a good relationship between grandparents and their adult grandkids may bring emotional benefits – specifically fewer depressive symptoms – to both.

Grandparents in the study who were able to give back tangible support had the biggest boost in mental wellbeing. Of course, we all like to have a sense of purpose and feel needed, worthwhile, and independent.

So let grandma share her best recipes, write a birthday check, give you that family heirloom. Ask grandpa about life and learn as he tells you stories about his successes and failures. You’ll see that a two-way supportive relationship can be a win/win for everyone.

Post by: Phyllis Goldberg, Ph.D. and Rosemary Lichtman, Ph.D. are consultants in family dynamics. Whether you're coping with marital stress, acting out teens, aging parents, boomerang millennials or difficult in-laws, we have practical solutions. Log on to http://www.HerMentorCenter.com - sign up for a free ezine, “Stepping Stones,” and download complimentary eBooks, “Reaching Your Goals” and “Taking Control of Stress.”

9 Tips For Moisturizing Your Feet

Skin is an important barrier that prevents infections in the body. Skin that is dry is more prone to itchiness, rashes and infection. Extremely dry skin, especially in the heel area, can develop painful cracks called fissures. These fissures are susceptible to bleeding and becoming infected.

Source: McDermott Footcare

Dry skin is also more prone to developing painful calluses.

For these reasons, moisturizing the feet is very important. Here are 9 tips for adding much needed moisture to the skin:

1. Wash feet daily with a mild soap and warm water.

2. While feet are still damp use a pumice stone to gently scrub areas that are dry and flaky, especially the heels and callused areas.

3. Dry the feet and immediately apply moisturizer. For moderately dry skin, a regular moisturizer is effective. For extremely dry skin, including skin that has cracks (fissures), use an extra rich moisturizer that contains urea. These moisturizers are available over-the-counter in well-stocked drug stores and department stores.

4. Do not apply moisturizer between the toes. Excess moisture that builds up between the toes encourages the development of athlete’s foot fungal infection.

5. Soaking the feet once to three times a week in a solution of 1/4 cup white vinegar in a shallow basin of lukewarm water helps to improve the condition of the skin. Soak for only 10 -15 minutes since soaking for long periods dries out the skin. Apply moisturizer after towel drying.

6. For an effective night treatment try this: apply a rich emollient moisturizer to your feet and put on breathable cotton socks. The heat from the socks will help skin soak in the moisture.

7. For people who have difficulty reaching the feet, try this trick: put some moisturizer on a plate or other suitable tray. Move your feet around the plate or tray being careful to rub the moisturizing cream into the feet. Step on a towel and gently blot your feet to wipe off excess cream.

8. Alternatively, apply moisturizer to feet using a long-handled paint brush. Wipe off excess cream.

9. Ask your certified foot care nurse to recommend an effective moisturizer.

Related posts:
Vinegar is GOOD for your feet?
8 Tips for Dry, Cracked Heals


Post by: Terry McDermott, RN, Certified Advanced Nursing Foot Care and Diabetic Foot Care Owner of McDermott Footcare

Live in the Toronto area? McDermott Footcare nursing foot care offers clients a moisturizing foot rub as part of their services. 

5 Silent Heart Symptoms You Should Know

You may know the well-publicized signs of heart attack. But are other forms of heart disease creeping up on you or a loved one?

"When we think about heart disease, most people jump right to heart attack -- waking up clutching the chest with chest pains. But that's only the tip of the iceberg when it comes to heart disease," says cardiologist Lawrence Phillips, MD, assistant professor in the Leon H. Charney Division of Cardiology at NYU Langone Medical Center in New York.

It's a myth that all symptoms of heart disease are obvious. The following stealthy symptoms might seem far from your heart, but they way warrant a trip to your doctor.

1. New Aches and Pains

You've probably said to yourself, "I used to be able to....(fill in the blank), but now I have to stop because I get (fill in the blank)." Though this sounds benign, this could be your body's way of telling you something.

A change in function from what's normal for you is one of the key symptoms of heart trouble. Look at it this way: Your heart is your body's engine, pumping blood to fuel all your movements. If you notice a different reaction to an everyday activity, consider it like a warning light on your car dashboard, but in this case a sign of something potentially amiss with your heart's valves or electrical system.

Next steps: Don't dismiss a change in your response to physical exertion by saying, "Oh, I'm getting old" or "I must be out of shape." Find out for sure what the cause is. Especially if you see a pattern, get a physical exam. "There has to be a reason for the change," says Dr. Phillips.

2. Erectile Dysfunction

Trouble getting an erection is often blamed on age or disinterest. Often, however, the problem is an issue of adequate blood flow. Men who have this symptom are far more likely to have another kind of artery problem concerning the heart.

In 2013 a study done in Australian tracked more than 90,000 men. The study found that the worse the erectile dysfunction, the more heart disease and risk of early death a man had. Even those with mild or moderate erection problems were found to be at greater risk of heart attack or early death. Other studies have echoed this: Men with erectile dysfunction are twice as likely to also have cardiovascular disease or to die of a heart attack, according to a study of more than 1,500 men published in the journal Circulation in 2010.

"Arteries are arteries -- problems with blood vessels can affect blood flow to the heart as well as the penis," says cardiologist Lawrence Phillips.

Next steps: Don't be shy about getting erectile problems checked out by your doctor. Viagra treats the symptom but doesn't resolve the underlying issue. (Women: Unfortunately there is less research on sexual response and heart health.)

3. Holiday-Heart Syndrome 

Many people notice a sudden jump in heart rate during exercise, which is normal. However, have you ever had that feeling of a fluttery heart following a bout of drinking? So-called "holiday heart syndrome" -- overdrinking, overeating, and getting too little sleep -- can lead to atrial fibrillation or an irregular heart beat. 

"You might feel it that same evening, or within the next 12 hours," Langone Medical Center's Lawrence Phillips says. Atrial fibrillation is an irregular heartbeat that can cause fluttering in the chest and dizziness that lasts more than a few seconds.

Next steps: If you notice this happening repeatedly, mention it to your doctor. Try to find a pattern of when the symptoms start and report that to your doctor as well. 

4. Swelling Feet and Ankles 

Notice puffy ankles and feet after a long day at the office? Do your shoes seem tighter than they were earlier in the day? The accumulating fluid is an excess that is being pushed out from your vessels and into the skin.

While the swelling can be a temporary problem caused by things like hormonal changes (including pregnancy), a salty diet, or medications, it may also reflect faulty pumping action of the heart. When blood can't be pushed forward, it tends to back up into the veins. Gravity then brings it to the legs.

Next steps: Keep an eye out. If swelling is a change for you and you aren't sure why, get it checked by your doctor. People with diabetes should take special caution; since diabetics are at increased risk for heart disease.

5. Dizziness

While feeling dizzy can happen for many reasons, heart disease is actually close to the top of the list. An irregular heart beat or more advanced valve disease may be the cause. The valves of the heart need to open and close to move blood, however when calcium deposits narrow the aortic valve it can't open more than a crack. This lack of sufficient blood to the brain can lead to feeling light-headed.

Some people feel especially feel dizzy when they stand up (a rapid drop in blood pressure called "orthostatic hypotension"). People with orthostatic hypotension are more likely to develop heart disease, according to research in the journal Hypertension in 2012.

Next steps: Pay close attention to whether you're also having these other symptoms along with your dizziness. Things like shortness of breath, feeling faint with physical exertion, passing out, or having chest pain. Although a one time bout may not be any cause for worry, an ongoing pattern is worth a visit to the doctor. 

Seeing Pink? It's Breast Cancer Awareness Month!

Websites, networks, blogs and social media pages around the globe are gearing up and going Pink for October!  It's our way of helping out and spreading the word about breast cancer. 

This video gives some background information on what to look for and who is most at risk:

Want to know what you can do to help?

Check out Nationbreastcancer.org! They have programs seeking volunteers, an easy way to donate towards research, even a link to get involved with friends and family to start or join a fundraiser. There's even a program that provides women with free mammograms, education, and support for early detection. 

Breast cancer affects 1 in 8 women. So spread the word. You may save a life.  

Other sites that may be helpful:

Susan G. Komen: ww5.komen.org

Cancer.org

PinkForOctober.org

   

Simple tips for Healthy Eyes

Your eyes are an important part of your health. There are many things you can do to keep them healthy and make sure you are seeing your best. Follow these simple steps for maintaining healthy eyes well into your golden years.

Have a comprehensive dilated eye exam. You might think your vision is fine or that your eyes are healthy, but visiting your eye care professional for a comprehensive dilated eye exam is the only way to really be sure. When it comes to common vision problems, some people don’t realize they could see better with glasses or contact lenses. In addition, many common eye diseases such as glaucoma, diabetic eye disease and age-related macular degeneration often have no warning signs. A dilated eye exam is the only way to detect these diseases in their early stages.

During a comprehensive dilated eye exam, your eye care professional places drops in your eyes to dilate, or widen, the pupil to allow more light to enter the eye the same way an open door lets more light into a dark room. This enables your eye care professional to get a good look at the back of the eyes and examine them for any signs of damage or disease. Your eye care professional is the only one who can determine if your eyes are healthy and if you’re seeing your best.

Know your family’s eye health history. Talk to your family members about their eye health history. It’s important to know if anyone has been diagnosed with a disease or condition since many are hereditary. This will help to determine if you are at higher risk for developing an eye disease or condition.

Eat right to protect your sight. You’ve heard carrots are good for your eyes. But eating a diet rich in fruits and vegetables, particularly dark leafy greens such as spinach, kale, or collard greens is important for keeping your eyes healthy, too.iResearch has also shown there are eye health benefits from eating fish high in omega-3 fatty acids, such as salmon, tuna, and halibut.

Maintain a healthy weight. Being overweight or obese increases your risk of developing diabetes and other systemic conditions, which can lead to vision loss, such as diabetic eye disease or glaucoma. If you are having trouble maintaining a healthy weight, talk to your doctor.

Wear protective eyewear. Wear protective eyewear when playing sports or doing activities around the home. Protective eyewear includes safety glasses and goggles, safety shields, and eye guards specially designed to provide the correct protection for a certain activity. Most protective eyewear lenses are made of polycarbonate, which is 10 times stronger than other plastics. Many eye care providers sell protective eyewear, as do some sporting goods stores.

Quit smoking or never start. Smoking is as bad for your eyes as it is for the rest of your body. Research has linked smoking to an increased risk of developing age-related macular degeneration, cataract, and optic nerve damage, all of which can lead to blindness.ii, iii

Be cool and wear your shades. Sunglasses are a great fashion accessory, but their most important job is to protect your eyes from the sun’s ultraviolet rays. When purchasing sunglasses, look for ones that block out 99 to 100 percent of both UV-A and UV-B radiation.

Give your eyes a rest. If you spend a lot of time at the computer or focusing on any one thing, you sometimes forget to blink and your eyes can get fatigued. Try the 20-20-20 rule: Every 20 minutes, look away about 20 feet in front of you for 20 seconds. This can help reduce eyestrain.

Clean your hands and your contact lenses—properly. To avoid the risk of infection, always wash your hands thoroughly before putting in or taking out your contact lenses. Make sure to disinfect contact lenses as instructed and replace them as appropriate.

Practice workplace eye safety. Employers are required to provide a safe work environment. When protective eyewear is required as a part of your job, make a habit of wearing the appropriate type at all times and encourage your coworkers to do the same.

Source: Mahalife.com