Seniors go through many physical changes as they age. Some of these, such as the loss of muscle mass, make it difficult to maintain a healthy weight. Obesity also increases the risk for obstructive sleep apnea, cancer, arthritis and poor physical functioning which all increase the risk of falls and hospitalization for seniors. In addition; statistics show that a high percentage of seniors either do not have enough income to cover the expenses of their health care or they do not have insurance that provides comprehensive coverage to assist them with the increased cost of their medical coverage.

Unfortunately, some seniors also face weight bias when they go to the doctor, attend community events and engage in other activities that affect how they perceive their health as well as interactions with health care providers and other community members and professional care givers. Moving to a senior living community like the one at carltonseniorliving.com/community/pleasant-hill-downtown/ or tiffanycourt.com/vip-respite-care-and-short-term-stays/ may benefit older adults with obesity.

There is evidence that adequate staffing can prevent pressure ulcers and prevent premature deaths among the residents of nursing home facilities who also have chronic illnesses and/or disabilities in addition to experiencing pain related to these illnesses on a regular basis. Seniors who don’t drive and have a hard time getting transportation to local stores may rely on frozen dinners and other convenience foods, making it difficult to control their caloric intake and lower body weight as well the occurrence of other diseases associated with inadequate nutrition among aging adults including Type-2 diabetes.

A lack of physical activity also plays a role in the development of obesity (and many other health conditions) in many senior adults and a variety of other conditions that can affect a senior’s level of wellness and ability to participate in many of the activities that make living in local communities enjoyable and rewarding and contribute to overall health status. Furthermore, senior living communities and other healthcare facilities can now use digital health care solutions that may help them better monitor the health of their patients and recommend activities to improve their condition.

If you want to lose weight and live a healthier life, it’s important to find a senior living community such as those found at arborpalmsseniorliving.com/our-community/ or residencesatplainview.com/apartments/independent-living/ that offers access to nutritious foods and programs to help you stay physically active and build social relationships with other residents and families in your community to increase your overall happiness and quality of life in your later years of life “moving to a warmer climate” may also help you stay healthy and help you keep control of your health and manage your weight. They can let you experience assisted living at its finest. If you’re convinced of how senior living like Orchard Park of Kyle senior living community or this senior living community in Kerrville, TX can help with weight management, then you can learn more about assisted living options through sites like www.summerfieldredlands.com/memory-care/ or pioneerplacememoryhaven.com/.

When it comes to well-being, urinary health is a topic often overlooked but undeniably vital. Our urinary system plays a significant role in maintaining our overall health and comfort. Let’s dive into this comprehensive guide to unlock the secrets of optimal urinary health.

Understanding the Urinary System

The urinary system comprises the kidneys, bladder, ureters, and the urethra. Its primary function is to filter and eliminate waste and excess fluids from the body. The kidneys act as the filtration units, removing waste and toxins from the bloodstream, which are then excreted as urine. From there, the urine travels through the ureters to the bladder, where it is stored until it’s expelled from the body via the urethra.

Hydration is Key

Staying well-hydrated is essential for urinary health. Water helps flush toxins from the body, preventing the buildup of waste products that could lead to kidney stones or other issues. Aim for at least 8 cups (64 ounces) of water per day, and more if you’re physically active or in hot weather. You can also look into treatments such as IV therapy – Priority You MD for additional hydration and supplement.

Dietary Impact

Your diet significantly influences urinary health. Diets high in sodium, caffeine, and acidic foods can irritate the bladder and contribute to urinary problems. On the other hand, a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins can promote urinary health.

Common Urinary Problems

1. Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs): UTIs are more common in women and can cause symptoms like frequent urination, a burning sensation, or cloudy, bloody, or strong-smelling urine. Proper hygiene, adequate water intake, and urinating regularly can help prevent UTIs.

2. Kidney Stones: These hard mineral and salt deposits can form in the kidneys and can be extremely painful when they move through the urinary tract. Staying well-hydrated and maintaining a balanced diet low in oxalates (found in foods like spinach and nuts) can reduce the risk of kidney stones.

3. Incontinence: Incontinence, the loss of bladder control, can be a common issue, especially in aging adults. Pelvic floor exercises, behavioral techniques, and medications can help manage incontinence effectively.

4. Prostate Issues: For men, the prostate can be a source of urinary problems. Prostate enlargement (BPH) or prostate cancer can lead to urinary symptoms, including frequent urination and difficulty starting and stopping the flow. Regular prostate screenings are essential for early detection and treatment.

Preventing Urinary Problems

Prevention is the best strategy for maintaining urinary health. In addition to staying well-hydrated and adopting a balanced diet, here are some further steps:

Maintain Good Hygiene: Proper personal hygiene can help prevent UTIs. Wiping from front to back and urinating before and after sexual activity can be particularly helpful for women.

Limit Alcohol and Caffeine: Both alcohol and caffeine can irritate the bladder and exacerbate urinary symptoms. Reducing your intake can help.

Exercise Regularly: Physical activity can promote healthy circulation and reduce the risk of urinary problems. Kegel exercises, in particular, can help strengthen pelvic muscles.

Regular Check-ups: Don’t skip those annual check-ups with your healthcare provider. Regular exams can help identify and address potential urinary health issues early.

Avoid Smoking: Smoking is a risk factor for bladder and kidney cancer. Quitting smoking can reduce this risk.

Maintain a Healthy Weight: Excess weight can put pressure on the bladder and exacerbate urinary issues. Maintaining a healthy weight can alleviate these problems.

Urinary health is not something to take lightly. By adopting a balanced diet, having regular check-ups with the help of a urologist, staying hydrated, and practicing good hygiene, you can reduce the risk of urinary problems. If you experience persistent urinary symptoms or discomfort, it’s essential to visit a urology center or consult a Male Urologist for a thorough evaluation and guidance on the best approach to maintaining your urinary health. Remember, a healthy urinary system is a vital part of overall well-being.

Greetings and Happy New Year! I discovered shirataki noodles from a book entitled “Wheat Belly Cookbook” by William Davis, MD. A friend of mine made a wild rice soup recipe from it that was low in carbs and delicious so I bought the book and read about shirataki noodles. Shirataki is made from the root of a plant called the Konnyaku Imo. It is virtually free of calories and carbs. So, we ordered some online….”linguine” “rice” and “angel hair” shirataki. We made the “linguine” with home made spaghetti sauce and I was not too impressed. They are ok but have a rather odd texture. I think the “linguine” is too chewy so we will try the “rice” next and will let you know what we think. In the meantime, if you’d like to find out more, check out miraclenoodle.com.

The “Wheat Belly Cookbook” is very interesting reading and Dr. Davis is obviously against ALL THINGS WHEAT! There appear to be some good recipes and when we try some of them, will let you know how they taste. I already know the wild rice soup is delicious and I made cheeseburger soup which was ok…its base is cauliflower! Till next time, have a happy, healthy low carb weekend! Melanie

Greetings and Happy Holidays!

It’s close to Christmas and if you’re looking for an alternative to bread, Dr. Quigley shared a low carb biscuit recipe from food.com. According to Dr. Quigley, “these biscuits turn out buttery, delicious and all-around amazing! Best part of all, they weigh in at about 1 net carb per biscuit. One of my best low carb recipes….”

Just go to http://www.food.com/recipe/buttery-garlic-and-sharp-cheddar-biscuits-low-carb-467871

Hope you enjoy! Till next time, wishing you and yours a Healthy, Happy Holiday and a Low-Carb New Year!

See you in 2017! Warm regards……..Melanie

Greetings! It’s the day before Thanksgiving and I’d like to share a few tips to help with your Turkey Day eating…..

Please keep to your plan as much as possible and remember not to starve yourself.
Drink plenty of water.
If you are going to a restaurant, check out the menu beforehand so you can plan what you will eat and decide what you’ll stay away from.
If you are going to someone’s home, make sure to eat something on your plan before you leave your house so that you will be less tempted to grab the first food you see when you get there.
If you are eating at home, make sure to cook up something on your plan that you love.
For snacking, eat veggies like celery, carrots, edamame, etc. and make up one or two of your own wonderful dips to go with them.
Stay away from areas with food that you don’t want to eat….like a table filled with just desserts.
For those foods you don’t usually eat but since it’s the Holiday….take a spoonful or one or two bites.
Wine and spirits don’t have lots of carbs but remember moderation and drink a glass of water in between.
Hope these tips will help! Wishing you all a Happy, Safe and Fun Turkey Day! Till next time…….Melanie

Greetings and Happy Holidays! The Holidays are almost upon us….and during the next 7 weeks or so we may be exposed to foods not on our plan. So what do we do???? Should we just eat them and hope to not gain too much weight? Should we stay away from all of them and deprive ourselves completely? Should we increase our exercise? Do we need to take supplements and protein powders? What to do….what to do???

Here are some ideas which may help. #1 have a plan, yes a plan. If you plan for eating and know what you will and won’t do, I think you can get through the Holidays and feel in control. HOWEVER, here’s the catch….if you make a plan, CARRY IT OUT. It’s awesome to create a plan, but if you don’t follow it through, you’ll feel worse!

#2 be realistic…you know yourself and your limits so plan accordingly. For example if you plan on not eating any bread at all and know that there are certain bread items you, your family and friends make that you simply can’t resist, don’t put zero bread in your plan. Instead, you want to set a limit, like selecting 2 or 3 of your most favorite.

#3 stick to your meal plans as much as possible and identify when and where are you most likely to want to eat non-plan foods.

#4 activity helps. What I mean by that is adding a little more activity to your exercise regime: for example, parking the car a few more feet away from the store or walking up the stairs instead of taking the elevator or deciding to walk one or two more days per week. Activity helps so consider adding it to your plan. Along with exercise, you can combine it with weight loss treatments such as Semaglutide injections in San Antonio, TX or semaglutide in Cedar Rapids, IA to help with weight loss.

#5 ask for help from the experts, preferably ones that have attended conferences like a SCALE conference….they are there for YOU! You can look into weight loss management plans like this weight loss program in Fort Lauderdale, FL and weight loss program in Bourbonnais, IL or ask professionals about a CoolSculpting treatment like coolsculpting in OKC that can help tone your body. For example, treatments and surgeries like body contouring in Portage, MI or cellulite treatment in Richardson, TX can help you feel more confident about your body after weight loss.

I hope these ideas will give you a good start to a happy, healthy and low carb eating this Season. I will continue to offer tips, ideas and recipes to help us all get through the Holidays. Till next time……Happy Thanksgiving!

Greetings! Here is a recipe I found in a magazine that is delicious as well as low carb. The ingredients are: 2 medium shallots chopped, 3 poblano peppers seeded and sliced, 1 lb. large deveined shrimp, 6-8 ounces of mixed greens, 2 tsp chile powder, 1 TBL canola oil, 3 TBL lime juice, 1 thinly sliced avocado and salt and pepper to taste.

The directions are: Toss the shallots, peppers and chili powder with the canola oil and arrange on a baking sheet. Bake for 20 minutes at 450 degrees. Remove the baking sheet, add the shrimp and roast for another 5 minutes. Remove from oven and cool slightly then combine the shrimp mixture with the lime juice, salt and pepper to taste and the mixed greens. Top with the sliced avocado.

This recipe serves 4 and has only 7 net carbs! You can add radishes or olives as options.

Happy low carb eating! Till next time………………….Melanie

Greetings! Not too long ago, I wanted to make the cauliflower casserole I mentioned in a previous blog. Well, I did not read the label as I should have at my local supermarket and purchased a cheaper what I thought was “real” cream. The casserole didn’t taste as good as it usually does so I looked at the label and realized what a mistake I made. This store-brand product did have some cream in it, but it also had other ingredients that I couldn’t pronounce as well as lots more carbs per serving. Boy did I learn a lesson! My first mistake was in thinking that cheaper didn’t matter and my bigger mistake was NOT reading the label prior to buying the product. So, bottom line: READ THE LABEL BEFORE PURCHASING THE PRODUCT! I know I’ve mentioned label-reading in a previous blog and didn’t follow my own advice – shame on me! Well, never again. I will ALWAYS be sure to read the label and please, please, please do the same. Your food will taste better, be better for you and your carb count will be lower!

Wishing you a happy, healthy, nutritious and low-carb week! Till next time………Melanie

Greetings! Are you going to a Super Bowl Party and want to stay on your eating plan? Here are a few tips. Eat something on your plan before you go so that you won’t be tempted to just grab the first food you see when you arrive at the party. Bring a food that you can munch on like a vegetable tray or turkey roll ups. A cheese tray would work too! Or maybe you make a yummy low carb dish that you can take to the party. If your plan allows alcoholic beverages, stick with low carb beer and wine or champagne and limit your intake. Sip slowly and drink a full glass of water in between each drink. Champagne spritzers work well! Scan the entire food display at the party and focus on the tasty delights you know you can eat (and completely avoid the ones you should not eat). If you find there is something so delicious that you can’t pass it up, take a small piece or share it with someone else. Most importantly, I think, is to have a positive outlook and feel confident that you can stick to your plan. It’s easier to stick to your plan when you have good food at your fingertips. Enjoy the party and I hope your team wins! Wishing you a happy, healthy and low carb week. Till next time………………Melanie

Greetings! Here’s a healthy, low carb soup recipe you’re sure to love, courtesy of the Peak Health Team: 4 cups diced cauliflower (about one large head), 3/4 cup diced onion, 3/4 cup diced celery, 1 diced carrot, 3 TBL butter, 4 cups chicken bouillon (Knorres) or canned broth, 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, 3/4 cup heavy cream. Salt/pepper, 3 slices cooked and diced bacon, 1 diced green onion.
Directions:
Melt butter and saute onions and celery; combine with chicken broth, cauliflower and carrots and simmer until tender. Use immersion blender (or stand blender) pulse till desired smoothness then return to pot. Add cream and cheese a little at a time whisking until melted. Salt and pepper to taste. Top soup with crumbled bacon bits and diced green onion.

Note: cooked chicken is a good addition as well as some broccoli. If you add broccoli, also add 1/4 tsp baking soda when you simmer the cauliflower mixture. The baking soda removes any bitterness and lets the nutty broccoli flavor shine through. A 1/4 tsp of cayenne added to the mixture gives the soup a hint of spiciness.

Enjoy! Till next time…………Melanie