Health Concerns to Watch for and What to Do if They Appear
It’s easier to keep down your health insurance costs if you live healthier. However, a lot of health crises are hard to predict. They say that with age comes wisdom, but aging can also bring an increasing amount of health issues that seemingly crop up overnight.
Although the overwhelming majority of discomfort is nothing to be concerned about, there are a few symptoms that can indicate serious trouble. Here are four major health concerns to watch for and what you should do if they appear.
Heart Issues
No symptom involving the heart should ever be taken lightly. The consequences of ignoring any sort of heart issue could be dire and irreversible. Symptoms of heart disease include shortness of breath, tightness in the chest, pain, nausea and unexplainable fatigue. There are a variety of underlying conditions that could contribute to a heart condition, so it is important that you speak with a doctor immediately if you are experiencing any potentially heart-related symptoms.
Dental Problems
Dental problems can pose serious threats if not treated, and as such, if a problem arises, then it’s better and cheaper to deal with it earlier rather than later. Although the issue might start off as seemingly minor, it can quickly deteriorate to a more serious condition, such as periodontitis, a tooth abscess or receding gums. Poor oral health can also lead to a host of other serious physical afflictions if left untreated.
Stomach Pain
Although it is most likely a benign issue, recurring stomach or gastrointestinal issues should be examined in order to rule out more serious conditions. Everyone suffers from nausea or stomach discomfort every now and then. However, persistent stomach pain can be an indication of an ulcer, gallstones, appendicitis and more. Consulting with a medical professional is always a good idea if the pain continues to reappear.
Breathing Problems
Any shortness of breath not attributed to exercise should be cause for concern and warrants a visit with a medical professional. Difficulty breathing could indicate a heart issue, lung problems, or anemia. If stress or anxiety is affecting your ability to breathe normally, a doctor can provide guidance on how you can relax and regulate your body. That said, you may also experience trouble breathing with an upper respiratory infection, which is treatable with antibiotics. However, if you experience severe breathing problems or wheezing, then you should see a healthcare provider right away.
If you begin to experience consistent pains or discomfort associated with any of these areas of concern, it is important to speak with a doctor immediately. Even if the discomfort comes and goes, it is still imperative that a medical professional is consulted so that you can effectively and quickly treat any ailments and prevent them from becoming more serious.
Some of your ailments may become consistent and it may become difficult to care for yourself at home. Call us. We specialize in homecare and we want to be there for you!
The Modern Fight Against Alzheimer’s
Alzheimer’s Disease is a neurodegenerative condition that affects cognitive and behavioral skills, resulting in the damage of neurons in the brain. Few medications exist today to fight Alzheimer’s, and the effects of prescriptions on the disease are minimal. Although there is no cure yet for Alzheimer’s, millions of dollars are being allocated to studies on a global scale to help prevent and successfully treat the condition. Consider some of the ways that scientists and doctors are attempting to fight back against Alzheimer’s.
Early Awareness
One of the simplest ways that people are fighting back against Alzheimer’s is by spreading awareness. The fact that the disease can take a long time to develop causes many to develop the condition unexpectedly. Through greater awareness, many people who may be experiencing early warning signs but are unaware can gain knowledge of the emerging condition and seek treatment immediately. By educating the population on Alzheimer’s, its effects, and proper prevention, more lives can be preserved.
The Implementation of Lifestyle Changes
Scientists have discovered that consuming a healthier diet is one way to fight against the cognitive decline that leads to the development of Alzheimer’s. The Harvard Medical School declares that you can lower your risk of Alzheimer’s by engaging in regular aerobic exercise and by eating more leafy green vegetables, whole grains, lean meats, beans, and fatty fish as part of a balanced diet.
Since consistent exercise is now known to help boost cognitive power and the development of new brain cells, anyone with a history of Alzheimer’s in their family and those that wish to prevent the disease should engage in physical exercise now to protect themselves as they age.
Using CBD Oil to Treat Symptoms
Research suggests that the cannabidiol (CBD) compound extracted from the cannabis plant can decrease or eliminate inflammation and oxygen build up in the brain due to the decline in brain cells from Alzheimer’s. CBD oil is a more concentrated form of a safe, effective chemical complex found in cannabis. More research is being conducted about the effectiveness of CBD oil on patients with Alzheimer’s. It is recommended to treat Alzheimer’s symptoms without exposing the individual to other factors commonly associated with cannabis use. Other studies suggest that CBD oil can even promote the development of new brain cells.
Performing Cognitive Exercise to Fight Alzheimer’s
The Advanced Cognitive Training for Independent and Vital Elderly (ACTIVE) study confirmed that brain training exercises can decrease the risk of the developing Alzheimer’s in older patients by up to 25 percent. This intensive study shows great promise for elderly patients with no or mild cognitive decline who engage in brain training. Many research institutions are continuing to find ways to help patients using mental exercises by running long-term clinical trials on larger populations in both private and public studies.
As medical revolutions continue, more studies will be done to find the best ways to prevent and treat Alzheimer’s for patients affected. According to the Alzheimer’s Association, there are a handful of medications approved by the FDA that may treat symptoms, but they do not stop or slow the progression of the disease. Using a wide variety of treatment methods is a wise strategy to prevent Alzheimer’s and alleviate symptoms associated with the condition. Using the right methods can prevent the disease and even heal the brain. As more research is done, patients can expect a light of hope to shine in the darkness for themselves, and for family members who are impacted by Alzheimer’s.
If you have a loved one who is beginning to reach the age that they need more help than you are able to provide on your own, then make sure to look into our programs. We offer multiple different solutions to find the right one for you and your loved ones’ lives.
