2015 Health Resolution #1: Strengthen the Mind
Five tips to help your mind stay sharp throughout 2015.
Are Your Older Loved Ones Really Ready for Winter?
It’s December and winter is in full force! The temperatures are dropping, snow will soon fall and harsh winds will move in. When preparing your home for winter, think about the older adults in your life who may need help getting their homes ready as well. There are many preventative measures you can take to […]
Our Favorite Online Resources for Family Caregivers
Many family caregivers feel overwhelmed, underprepared, alone, and stressed as they face the great responsibility of taking care of their loved one. As we celebrate National Family Caregivers Month, we wanted to share our favorite resources to help the compassionate people who step into the family caregiver role every day. Elderwerks Elderwerks serves as a […]
Top 10 Things to Look for When Choosing an Inpatient Rehab Center
When you are looking for a short-term rehabilitation for yourself or a loved one, there are many things to consider. Here are 10 important things to look for when searching for the right place: 10. Provider networks: It’s important to have the best coverage possible so you can take full advantage of your rehab experience. […]
6 Little Known Facts About the Real Life of Caregivers
The vast majority of caregivers for seniors in the U.S. aren’t nurses or trained professionals. They are the spouses, partners, family members, friends and neighbors of the older adults who need care. They are people like you. These caregivers humbly choose to care for their loved ones day in and day out, and they don’t […]
An Open Thank You Letter to Family Caregivers
Dear Caregivers, The month of November is National Family Caregiver Month – when we recognize the 90 million family caregivers in the U.S. today. Chicagoland Methodist Senior Services (CMSS) is proud to have gotten to know many of you who selflessly dedicate your time, energy, and attention to caring for your loved ones. You play […]
Sharing Caregiver Responsibilities
As family members age, the responsibility of their care often falls on the younger generation, usually their children and grandchildren, and according to a study done by the National Alliance for Caregiving in 2009, that includes more than of 65 million Americans. Managing a loved one’s care is often a full-time job, as that person’s […]
In the End, Who Really Rescues Who?
Acadia, one of the many lovable cats available for adoption at Tree House Humane Society I’ve blogged before about the physical, emotional and mental benefits of owning a pet. From lowering your blood pressure to providing mental stimulation, pets not only reduce feelings of anxiety and depression, but they can also be trained to detect seizures […]
Neurologic Rehabilitation for Older Adults
Older adults who have been affected by any neurological condition, including stroke, Parkinson’s, balance disorders, Multiple Sclerosis, or even carpal tunnel, often have difficulty with day-to-day activities and require neurological rehabilitation to return to a better quality of life. Neurological rehabilitation is just as it sounds: rehabilitation for those with diseases or trauma in the […]
The Power of Habit
Habits: good or bad, we all have them. In fact, they influence every part of every single day, from what we say to how we say it to what we eat and do and even when we do those things. Why is it that some habits seem like they should be easy to control while […]
When is Inpatient Rehabilitation Care Needed for Older Adults?
Temporarily living in a rehabilitation center after a fall or trauma has become a favorable situation for older adults. This residential setting can be more convenient and less cumbersome than traveling to and from a rehabilitation center for appointments – especially if the injury is orthopedic in nature and traveling to appointments risks re-injury. Many […]
World Alzheimer’s Month – Can We Reduce the Risk?
This September, we are observing the third annual World Alzheimer’s Month, an observance designed to raise awareness and challenge stigma surrounding this illness on a global scale. Alzheimer’s disease affects an estimated 5.2 million Americans and is the leading cause of dementia in older adults. Although there is no cure for Alzheimer’s disease, there are […]
Where to get your flu shot in Chicago
With flu season rapidly approaching, it’s time to start thinking about getting vaccinated. Are you at risk for catching the flu? The Northern Illinois Public Health Consortium reports that every year, between 5% and 20% of the U.S. population contracts the flu. What’s more, 200,000 people are hospitalized and 36,000 die from complications ever year. […]
When are Retail Health Clinics the Best Option for Health Care?
Convenient care clinics – walk-in clinics that are located in places like drugstores and grocery stores – can be a great option if you need to receive treatment for minor illnesses or preventative health care. With clinics popping up at retailers across the country, such as Walgreens, CVS and Target, you may be wondering if […]
Stay Healthy and Active with Up-to-Date Immunizations
Although people often talk about vaccinations in reference to babies and young children, the truth is that staying up-to-date on immunizations is important at all stages of life. Immunizations are crucial to staying healthy as an older adult, and as this month is National Immunization Awareness Month, it’s a great time to make sure you’re […]
How to Make Flying with Seniors a Breeze
Traveling with your loved ones is one of the most special ways to spend time together. Certain aspects of traveling with older adults, including flying, can present unique challenges in your journey. In order to make travel a breeze, we suggest the following tips. Request special airport services in advance With advanced planning, a trip […]
How to Make Your Next Move More Manageable
Moving is an exciting yet challenging transition, as almost any person can tell you. Who hasn’t experienced a wide array of emotions before, during and after the process? Moving can be a daunting task, even under the best conditions, and making a move later in life can be even more stressful. If you are helping […]
Surviving Family Reunions
Family reunions are the perfect time to announce big news, celebrate wins and share your losses with the people you love the most. They can also be quite stressful. If you feel a mix of excitement and anxiety when you see the date getting closer on your calendar, you’re not alone
A Little Less Meat Can Have a Big Impact on Your Health
If you’re looking for ways to improve your health, reducing the amount of meat you eat may prove to be a simple change with big benefits. A study from the National Cancer Institute that tracked 500,000 people over 10 years found a striking result: individuals who ate at least four ounces of red meat every […]
Incorporate These Beans into Your Diet
Low in fat and cholesterol and high in fiber, iron and folic acid, beans are just about the perfect heath food.
Resilience in the Face of Life Challenges
We don’t get to choose when or how those difficult situations enter our lives. But we can choose how to respond.
Gout: A Form of Arthritis
Easily confused with bunions due to similar symptoms of pain and tenderness in the joint at the base of the big toe, gout is actually a form of arthritis.
May is Stroke Awareness & Prevention Month
Did you know May is Stroke Awareness & Prevention Month? The National Stroke Association describes a stroke as the occurrence of an artery in the brain either bursting or being blocked.
Celebrating National Blood Pressure Awareness Month
May is National Blood Pressure Month, a timely opportunity to turn our attention to the essentials of healthy blood pressure
National Arthritis Awareness Month
Did you know that May is National Arthritis Awareness Month? It’s the perfect opportunity to pause and learn more about arthritis and the medical aid available to those living with it.
