Grills, Guys, & Good Health

 The following is courtesy of Home Helpers of Lake Norman & Central NC.  Visit our website at www.homehelpers.cc/lkn58445 , or call us at 704.909.7958 .

 

 This summer, take the time to enjoy, kick-back, throw a ball around, and fire up the grill!  Worrying about your health can make life difficult to enjoy, so make sure that this summer, and every season, you are working to help prevent and lower your risk for disease.  Here are some quick bits of advice to help you stay healthy...

BBQ smoke only!

  Stop smoking.  Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death among men, and is mostly due to smoking.  Smoking also has very damaging effects on the immune system, and overall body function.

  If you've tried but failed to stop, try getting some help.  Family, friends, as well as your doctor or clinician will usually be happy to assist.

Game On!

   Get moving.  Exercise is essential for overall body function, weight management, lowering 'bad' cholesterol, working the heart & lungs, reducing stress, better sleep, etc.

  Watching the game on TV is great, but getting in the game is even better.  Aim for 30 minutes of exercise each day.  From a light jog to sit-ups in the gym to a brisk walk, it all adds up!!

Healthy Grilling!

  Try to avoid 'bad' foods, including processed and refined items, those with high fat, sugar, and salt content.  These tend to suppress the immune system, lead to high blood pressure, unhealthy weight gains, and overall reduce body function.

  Eat more salads, soups, fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean meats, fish, and low-fat dairy products.  Here are a few healthy BBQ Alternatives...

• Turkey Burgers instead of Beef
• Whole grain buns
• Veggie dogs or 100% beef hot dogs
• Baked sweet potato instead of French Fries
• Grilled veggies
• Fresh salad instead of cole slaw
• Chicken or fish kabobs instead of red meat or sausage

  Men tend not to think about their health, but they should.  Don't wait until it's too late to do something about it!  Making small, positive lifestyle changes will ensure many healthy summers.

  Glenn Holden - Home Helpers & Direct Link of Lake Norman and Central N.C.

10 Reasons to Invest in a Med-Alert/Personal Emergency Response System

 The following is courtesy of Home Helpers of Lake Norman & Central NC.  Visit our website at www.homehelpers.cc/lkn58445 , or call us at 704.909.7958 .

Making the decision to invest in a personal emergency response system (PERS) is not a decision that should be taken lightly. But, if you’re sitting on the fence about whether or not to take the leap these ten reasons might be just the nudge in the right direction you need.

1) The longer a fall is left untreated the greater damage it has the potential to do. With so many lasting injuries to the elderly being the direct result of falls it’s important to have immediate access to care if or when a fall happens to you.

2) Seconds matter when an accident occurs. Falls are the most common accidents experienced by the elderly. Many hospitalizations and even some deaths happen as a result of these falls. When it is you or a loved one that has fallen the longer it takes to get proper care, the longer it will take for recovery and the greater the odds of permanent injury or even death. Getting help quickly is the primary difference between a full recovery and permanent damage.

3) Peace of mind. Not only will you enjoy the peace of mind that comes with knowing there is someone out there who can help you get the care you need in the event of an emergency but it will also remove a huge burden from the shoulders of family members and loved ones who worry about you living on your own.

4) Allows you to maintain your own independence a little longer. If nothing else it will remove some of the sense of urgency your family feels to get you to move in with them or into an assisted care facility of some sort. The longer you can live on your own the greater your quality of life is likely to be.

5) You have more important things to worry about than “what if?” Seriously, life is short. Who has time to worry about “what if I fall in the shower or slip when getting out of the bed and can’t get to the phone?” You can quit worrying with a medical alert system because you will already have it covered.

6) Gives you an around the clock backup plan for when things go wrong. This is help that is available when you need it. It’s there on your schedule. No matter what time of day or night, the right service will have you covered for all manner of life’s little emergencies that we never seem to be prepared for no matter how much we plan.

7) You love someone who could benefit from around the clock monitoring. You don’t have to be the one using the service in order to benefit from it. If you have a loved one that is desperately clinging to independence you can give them the greatest gift available by purchasing a personal emergency response system for them.

8) As part of your emergency plan for friends and family. A good medical alert system is more than just a lifeline in a time of crisis (though that would certainly be worth every penny you pay for the service), it is also an emergency plan that contacts friends and family members when the crisis has happened and coordinates efforts to make sure you are cared for and not just receiving medical attention.

9) Provides instant and easy access to help in a time of crisis. Whether it’s a medical emergency, a personal safety issue, or any other crisis the medical alert system and monitoring are in place to serve you.

10) You never know when disaster will strike. It is always best to be prepared in a time of emergency. Since there is no crystal ball that will tell you every single emergency you’ll face in life this is one more component in your own personal safety net.

Blow the whistle on Skin Cancer

The following information provided courtesy of Home Helpers of Lake Norman and Central NC. Visit our website at www.homehelpers.cc/lkn58445 , or contact us at 704.909.7958 .

Do you love the warm feeling of the sun on your skin, that warmth you feel all the way to your bones? Do you like being outside walking, gardening, or just reading a book on a park bench? OF COURSE YOU DO! Everyone enjoys being outside and living an active and vibrant life. But what about the harmful effects? Did you know that up to 90% of skin changes that people think are related to aging are actually from the sun?

By now we all know that too much sun can cause skin damage. But what is "too much"? "Too much sun" equals a lot of sun exposure over your lifetime, or more than one bad sunburn. That's right, ONE.

Skin damage, called photo-aging, not only contributes to wrinkles, but can also cause loose skin, a loss of elasticity, as well as lack of firmness. It may also cause your skin to have a leathery texture as well as spots and unevenness in color.

The good news is that your dermatologist has treatments to help you actually repair skin damage. Some options are: laser treatment, dermabrasions, chemical peels, and wrinkle fillers. A dermatologist can also prescribe topical creams or serums that help to reverse some sun damage.

While appearance of your skin may be your primary focus, you should always remember that excessive exposure can lead to skin cancers. There are three common types of skin cancers:

1. Basal cell carcinoma. The most common, rarely fatal, but can be dis-configuring.
2. Squamous cell carcinoma. Another common form with about 250,000 cases and 2,500 deaths per year.
3. Melanoma. The most serious skin cancer, and less common than the first two. Melanoma occurrences are growing faster than any other type. Often found on white males, but affects anyone with fair skin and moles. Early detection can produce a 99% survival rate.

Protect your skin when you are outdoors!
Always check your skin for new moles. A dermatologist can "map" your moles by taking photographs of your skin, and then comparing these over time for changes.
Avoid too much sun. Always use a sunblock with at least SPF 15, wear a hat and long sleeves.
Finally, get a check by a professional and ask questions about your risk, skin type, and any treatments that may be right for you.

Until next time, enjoy your summer!!