The American Diabetes Association, along with other organizations help to raise awareness of a serious disease that affects millions of Americans. November is the month that has been chosen to sound the alarm for the millions of Americans who are at risk of getting diabetes. Medical professionals recognize it is important for people to be educated about the disease and to be aware of the risks. In addition, World Diabetes Day, which was first created in 1991 by the International Diabetes Foundation and the World Health Organization, is observed each year on November 14.
Experts say that knowing the symptoms of type 1 diabetes can be life-saving and lead to getting the care you need. For individuals with risk factors for developing type 2 diabetes, having an awareness of the disease, may help to prevent or delay the progression. While sometimes known as juvenile diabetes, type 1 diabetes is a chronic condition without a cure that occurs when a person’s pancreas produces little or no insulin. The disease usually appears during childhood or in adolescence but sometimes adults get it. Treatment for the disease includes insulin as well as diet and lifestyle changes. Type 2 diabetes used to mainly affect adults but in the last several years more children are afflicted with the disease due to the rise in childhood obesity according to the Mayo Clinic. They explain that type 2 diabetes is a chronic condition that affects the way the body metabolizes sugar (glucose) — an important source of fuel for the body. Moreover, while there is also no cure for the disease, the Mayo Clinic recommends people alter their lifestyle by losing weight, exercising and eating well in order to better manage the disease. Symptoms for both type 1 and type 2 diabetes have many similarities including the need to urinate frequently along with feeling very thirsty and drinking a lot, very hungry, and fatigued. The person may additionally complain of blurry vision or have slow-healing sores. Doctors say if you or a loved one has experienced any of these symptoms, you should see your healthcare provider. MorningStar at Jordan Creek offers the very best in senior living with our distinct mission statement of “to honor, to serve, to invest.” Our foundation is built on honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve to create a true “home” for residents. Please visit our website for the most trusted senior living Des Moines – West Des Moines has to offer.
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Along with 45 assisted living suites, MorningStar at Mountain Shadows has another 19 secure suites in our Reflections Neighborhood devoted to caring for those with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia. Starting with the actual physical design right through to our holistic, compassionate care, every aspect of our memory care is designed to provide the best for our most tender residents including our food service.
Many individuals suffering from Alzheimer’s disease have trouble using a fork and knife to eat with, which is why many memory care homes resort to serving finger foods like chicken nuggets, fish sticks, french fries and purees. The problem with this is while the food may be easy to eat; it is not very nutritional and lacks variety. This is why the MorningStar communities have modified our memory care food service to one that avoids overly processed meals, and is both tasty and nutritional. Our menus consist of foods like pastas and other edible items wrapped in puff pastry sheets, egg roll wrappers and turnovers that are easy for residents to pick up and eat. Our Chef also utilizes techniques such as mixing and molding soft, pureed food to resemble its pre-blended form. For example, residents might be served something that looks like blueberry French toast but is really a French toast puree that has been shaped and molded with binding agents. Also in normal times, we routinely welcome families to come and join us for a meal, and hopefully will be able to resume this tradition soon. We want you to know that our entire team is honored to walk alongside the memory-impaired (and their families) on this unexpected journey. As dementia specialists, we recognize that the essence of the person still exists – our job is to find ways to connect with that essence regardless of the level of memory loss. Please contact us or visit our website for more information. MorningStar at Mountain Shadows’ mission statement of “to honor, to serve, to invest” sets us apart from other senior living communities. We have built a foundation on honoring God, valuing our seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve. Set in a warm, loving atmosphere with beautiful surroundings and resort-style amenities, we provide the finest memory care and assisted living Colorado Springs offers. If you are a senior or have a parent or other loved one that needs more daily help to ensure their safety and wellbeing, it may be time to look into senior living communities offering assisted living. When you begin your search, please add MorningStar at Mountain Shadows to the top of your list. Located at the foot of the Rocky Mountains in beautiful Colorado Springs, we are convenient to hospitals, medical offices, and other services.
Too often a senior worries that moving into assisted living will result in a loss of independence and freedom. They are afraid that assisted living communities are cold, institutional places that feel more like a hospital or nursing home. Moreover, many mistakenly believe it will mean a loss of privacy and the ability to make their own decisions. At MorningStar at Mountain Shadows, this could not be further from the truth. What sets MorningStar apart from other assisted living Colorado Springs has to offer? Along with beautiful private suites in a range of configurations and floor plans, a whole host of resort-style amenities, and 5-Star dining, our community also provides care services that help our assisted living residents maintain their sense of independence and dignity. As we define health and well-being holistically, and offer services and programming that supports the whole person: body, mind and spirit, we believe it makes MorningStar a destination for successful aging. In addition, we have a staff that feels it is a privilege to serve seniors and believes in our core values of love, respect, honesty, fairness, goodness, and kindness. They also support our mission statement that honors God in our business practices and relationships and values all seniors as gifted and contributing individuals. In fact, our goal is to provide a true home for our residents by creating a MorningStar family that includes residents and their families as well as our team members. In addition to our 45 suites for assisted living, our community has 19 secure suites devoted to the individualized care of residents with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia. Please contact us to learn more about our amenities, care services, availability and pricing. MorningStar at Mountain Shadows’ mission statement of “to honor, to serve, to invest” sets us apart from other senior living communities. We have built a foundation on honoring God, valuing our seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve. Set in a warm, loving atmosphere with beautiful surroundings and resort-style amenities, we provide the finest assisted living Colorado Springs offers. No one wants to have a vehicle breakdown in freezing weather or an accident on icy roads due to poor tires. By winterizing your family’s vehicles before heading into demanding driving conditions like blizzards and ice storms, you may help avoid such incidences. Experts offer several tips to help keep you and your family safe and ensure your vehicle is ready to meet the challenge.
Consumer Reports recommends starting with visibility as extreme winter weather impairs our ability to get a good look at what is going on in front of us. If the wiper blades are leaving streak marks, feel stiff, or cracked, replace them. It is a cheap fix and will provide better visibility when you need it. Fill your windshield fluid reservoir with a solution that contains an antifreeze agent. Periodically check and refill throughout the winter as you use much more of it than during mild weather. Now it also the time to do an inspection of your vehicle’s lights to make sure they are in working order and replace broken bulbs. If headlights appear foggy, try cleaning them with soap and water and then buff with toothpaste; or buy a kit made for cleaning headlights. Experts suggest checking the car’s heater to ensure it is putting out heat as you need the defroster to keep windows clear. If your area experiences lots of heavy snow and slippery conditions, it’s a good idea to have winter tires put on even if you have all-season tires or drive a 4X4 or all-wheel drive. Tests show winter tires can cut a car's stopping distance in half at higher speeds and improve the vehicle’s handling in cold weather as the tires not only have deeper treads but are made with softer rubber. Some mountain roads may require chains so be prepared if you plan to travel in those areas. Additional winterizing tips include checking the vehicle’s battery. Many of today’s batteries are sealed (refer to your owner’s manual), and do not require adding distilled water but rather have a window on the top of the battery that indicates the charge. If it doesn’t show a full charge, have it checked out at an auto service center, and replace if needed. Experts also say waxing the exterior before winter will help protect the finish especially if your area uses salt. When washing it, don’t forget to clean underneath. Once you are done, you are ready to take on the weather regardless of what it brings! MorningStar at Jordan Creek represents the best in assisted living and memory care with a unique mission statement “to honor, to serve, to invest.” Our foundation is built on honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve to create a true “home” for residents. If you are looking for exceptional senior living, Des Moines area MorningStar at Jordan Creek may be your answer. Source: consumerreports.org/cro/2015/11/winterizing-your-vehicle/index.htm Now may be the time to consider moving your parent into assisted living as a way to ensure they get the daily support they need in a safe, comfortable environment. Assisted living communities such as MorningStar of Wheat Ridge provide all of the comforts and care residents need to thrive!
Assisted living also provides peace of mind if your mom or dad has poor balance or failing eyesight, which can increase the likelihood of a fall, and not having help close at hand can be dangerous. In addition, if a parent no longer drives, it may be difficult for them to get groceries and other necessary supplies including prescription medications or to see a doctor. MorningStar of Wheat Ridge provides assisted living residents help with the Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) to help maintain their independence. Residents and their families take comfort knowing our trained care managers are there to help them navigate through any changes in their health condition. And if you wondered, couples can live together in their own suites, surrounded by their own treasured possessions, or a suite can be shared by friends who enjoy one another’s company. Another thing you will no longer have to worry about is whether mom or dad is getting enough good, healthy food to eat. MorningStar’s daily meals feature the freshest ingredients and are prepared using the highest quality produce, often homegrown and locally sourced as we know there is nothing like fresh foods to stimulate the senses and the appetite. Finally, MorningStar wants you to know that during this time of the coronavirus outbreak, our highest priority is the safety and wellbeing of our residents, their families and our staff; and we could not be more vigilant in our defensive approach. We are staying abreast of its real time status and closely following guidelines set by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) to ensure the health and well-being of all beneath our roof. Please see our website for more information. The unique mission statement of MorningStar of Wheat Ridge, “to honor, to serve, to invest,” sets us apart from other senior living communities. Our foundation is built upon honoring God, valuing all seniors, and investing in staff with a felt calling to serve. Dedicated to creating a real home for residents within a beautiful setting, we encourage you to learn more about loving assisted living and memory care in Wheat Ridge, CO. A fall can result in serious injuries especially for the elderly, who make up the majority of cases, and can take a long time to heal. Many even lead to permanent mobility issues that limit the person’s freedom. The CDC reports that each year 3 million older adults are treated in the emergency room for a fall injury and over 800,000 patients are hospitalized due to their injuries.
Experts explain there are several reasons why the elderly are more vulnerable to falling and include medical conditions such as Parkinson’s and heart disease, arthritis, osteoporosis, hypoglycemia, diabetes, and blood pressure fluctuations. In addition, physical disabilities that affect strength and balance, poor eyesight, inner ear problems, and dehydration can also put a person more at risk for a fall. Common situations that can result in a fall include wet or recently polished floors, poorly lit areas, rugs not properly secured, stairs, and uneven sidewalks. There are some changes you can make to fall-proof your home such replacing light bulbs in dimly lit hallways or stairways with higher wattage bulbs. Clean up clutter and make sure each room in your home has a clear, clean path to walk through and install grab bars and handrails where needed. Use a non-slip mat in the bathtub or shower and do not wear socks or loose, floppy slippers but rather a good walking shoe with support and cushioning. If a loved one is unsteady on their feet, talk to their doctor about using a walker or cane. Also, ask if any of their medications can cause dizziness or light-headedness, and if so, is there an alternative. Doctors say if not, it is even more important to make the appropriate lifestyle changes. At MorningStar of Littleton, our assisted living and memory care community is designed to accommodate our residents’ limitations. All of our spacious private suites come with wall-to-wall carpeting, fully handicapped-accessible bathrooms and emergency call systems. Suites are available in a variety of well-designed floor plans and have details reflective of those found throughout our beautifully appointed home. Please visit our website for more information as well as pricing and availability. MorningStar of Littleton proudly provides the very best in senior living with our unique mission statement of “to honor, to serve, to invest.” With a foundation built on honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve, we create a true home for residents amid a beautiful setting. Please contact us to learn more about the finest assisted living Littleton, CO has to offer. While most of us have heard about the 1918 flu pandemic, sometimes called the Spanish Flu, that caused approximately 40 million deaths worldwide according to the World Health Organization (WHO), we may not know much more about it. Scientists explain this strain of flu was an H1N1 virus with a similar genetic structure of viruses derived from avian origins. Experts also say the methods for preventing the spread of the flu was much the same as preventing COVID-19 from spreading – handwashing, mask wearing, and avoiding close contact with others.
On October 6, 1918, a Greek newspaper published an announcement from the government that read: “The disease germs enter the body through the mouth and generally from the respiratory system. […] The disease spreads by coughs and [is] transmitted by air. Therefore, it is recommended the avoidance of [mental] stress and overwork. […] All schools must be close[d], and meticulous maintenance of cleanliness of lingerie and hands is proposed. In particular, it is highly recommended to avoid close contact with every person who displays flu symptoms.” Moreover as with today’s pandemic, the virus has its various misconceptions and myths that spread throughout the general public. One such conspiracy theory widely circulated in the US and the United Kingdom was that the pandemic was caused by aspirin, which was produced by the German Bayer Company. Medical professionals believed the story was probably propagated by the fact that the flu emerged right at the end of World War I, which involved the US and England fighting against the Germans. Another myth written up in a Brazilian paper involved German submarines spreading the virus. A similar story spread to the US’s East Coast where many believed German boats had come ashore and released the infection into the air. Experts say that like today, myths and misinformation spreads when scientists and doctors do not have solutions and people are anxious for answers. If you are looking for the best senior living Des Moines and the surrounding area has to offer, we encourage you to consider MorningStar at Jordan Creek. We take the job of protecting the health and safety of those who dwell beneath our roof very seriously including our extensive COVID-19 protocols. Please visit our website to see pictures of our home, read about our amenities, and to inquire about pricing and availability. MorningStar at Jordan Creek represents the best in assisted living and memory care with a unique mission statement “to honor, to serve, to invest.” Our foundation is built on honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve to create a true “home” for residents. If you are looking for exceptional senior living, Des Moines area MorningStar at Jordan Creek may be your answer. Source:medicalnewstoday.com/articles/the-flu-pandemic-of-1918-and-early-conspiracy-theories#Why-did-these-misconceptions-catch-on Are you the adult child or spouse of someone who is suffering from Alzheimer’s disease or another form of dementia? At MorningStar of Wheat Ridge senior living community we understand the anguish and heartache that families go through seeing their beloved mom, dad, or spouse change before their eyes.
If the diagnosis is recent, you are most likely wrestling with lots of questions including what will the future bring and who will be there to provide the level of care the person will probably need. We hear you and want you to know our experienced team is here to help with holistic memory care that focuses on nurturing and supporting the essence of the individual regardless of the extent of the memory loss. As dementia care experts, we provide specialized, individualized care to each resident and are equipped to care for the person from the onset of the disease to the most advanced stages. Our Reflections Neighborhood was designed from the ground up to give residents the freedom to safely explore their surroundings. Secure private suites are available in studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom floor plans. Every aspect of our memory care is tailored to serve the needs of our most tender residents from a team of exceptional caregivers to meals, wellness programs and services. Once your loved one decides to join the MorningStar family, we sit down with your family to learn as much as we can about their personal preferences, medical history and background in order to create an individualized care plan. Every resident receives 24-hour care, daily health monitoring, access to a full-time nurse, and participates in daily activities. Visit our website for contact information and give us a call, email, or use our Virtual Assistant for immediate help. The unique mission statement of MorningStar of Wheat Ridge, “to honor, to serve, to invest,” sets us apart from other senior living communities. Our foundation is built upon honoring God, valuing all seniors, and investing in staff with a felt calling to serve. Dedicated to creating a real home for residents within a beautiful setting, we encourage you to learn more about loving assisted living and memory care in Wheat Ridge, CO. Most of us have heard the CDC and other health professionals stress the importance of everyone getting a flu shot this year. However, you may not have heard about another important vaccine recommended for anyone over the age of 50. Shingrix is a vaccine designed to prevent shingles and was introduced to the public in 2017. The CDC reports Shingrix is the preferred shingles vaccine as it offers more than a 90 percent success in preventing shingles. However, for the last couple of years, there have been shortages of the vaccine and it was not available to many older adults.
While you should always check with your healthcare provider before getting any vaccine including the shingles’ vaccine, as of July 2020, a company’s spokesman said GSK's Shingrix is no longer on the CDC's shortages list, and there is now a supply “available to meet demand across all distribution channels.” They still suggest you check with your drugstore or doctor to make sure they have the vaccine available. The CDC says the reason so many older adults are eager to get the vaccine is that “nearly one in three people in the U.S. develops shingles at some point.” They add that symptoms include pain, rash, itching, and first fluid-filled, then eventually crusting blisters that can lead to permanent scarring. It is recommended that anyone over the age of 50 gets the Shingrix vaccine even if they are uncertain whether they have had chickenpox in the past or have a history of shingles. The CDC also says you should get the Shingrix vaccine even if you got the Zostavax vaccine in the past. Zostavax is a live vaccine and is only about 51 percent effective toward preventing shingles. Medical experts explain that the Shingrix vaccine is a recombinant vaccine. “This means vaccine manufacturers created it by altering and purifying DNA that codes for an antigen to produce an immune response to fight the virus.” Shingrix requires two shots taken at least two to six months apart. Common side effects from the vaccine include pain, swelling, itching and soreness at the site of the shot, and a small number of people report headaches. The CDC says to consult your healthcare provider to learn whether a Shingrix vaccine is the right treatment option for you. The unique mission statement of MorningStar of Wheat Ridge, “to honor, to serve, to invest,” sets us apart from other senior living communities. Our foundation is built upon honoring God, valuing all seniors, and investing in staff with a felt calling to serve. Dedicated to creating a real home for residents within a beautiful setting, we encourage you to learn more about loving assisted living and memory care in Wheat Ridge, CO. Source: healthline.com/health/shingles-vaccine-side-effects#who-should-get-it If your parent lives alone and you are worried that they need more personal daily care than you can provide, it may be time to look into other options. One of those is assisted living, which focuses on providing residents the daily care they need to help them retain their independence.
Especially now, you want to judiciously make the best, safest choice for your mom or dad. To help you do so, experts offer a few suggestions of things to think about before you begin your search (obviously you want to respect mom or dad’s preferences and wishes). They recommend that while you take into account your parent’s immediate needs, you also give some thought to their future needs. So, find out if the home you are considering will allow them to “age in place” and/or if there are limitations in terms of how much care the community provides. Your questions should include the level of care services they are licensed for as well as their limitations. For instance, at MorningStar at Jordan Creek our licensing provides us with a range of available care services that makes it possible for us to extend the stay of residents even as health conditions change. Unless a resident requires round-the-clock nursing (including the management of acute pain), MorningStar is honored, with the partnership of a hospice agency, to care for a resident through end-of-life. In addition, as a licensed “Directed Level of Care” community, we care for residents within a secure environment (memory care) who, due to compromised cognitive ability, cannot recognize danger and, therefore, cannot respond appropriately and/or cannot express their needs. If you are considering assisted living, Des Moines area MorningStar at Jordan Creek encourages you to contact us or visit our website for more information about our exceptional community. We are a true home where the residents are heroes who deserve to be treated with dignity and respect; and MorningStar families know they can trust their loved ones to us. While we know there is a lot of worrisome stories in the news about COVID-19 among senior living communities, MorningStar wants potential families to understand that the care of those beneath our roof is our utmost priority. To that end we are following protocols set forth by the CDC and other organizations in our fight against the virus; and are confident in our ability to safely accept new residents. MorningStar at Jordan Creek proudly provides the very best in senior living with our unique mission statement of “to honor, to serve, to invest.” With a foundation built on honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve, we create a true home for residents amid a beautiful setting. Please contact us to learn more about the finest assisted living Des Moines-West Des Moines offers. |
Offering a lifestyle of comfort, wellness and community, MorningStar is committed to giving residents a quality of life surpassing that of other senior living communities. To experience firsthand the finest in senior living, contact us to schedule a tour. Archives
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