Our population is getting older

 Watch this video for some food for thought about what it means when someone says our population is aging...

Alzheimer's detection research

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

 According to a report in the Associated Press, scientists in Australia and the US are getting encouraging results from initial eye tests for early Alzheimer's detection.  Although still in it's early stages, the results are encouraging.  The basis behind the tests is that Alzheimer's causes changes in the eyes as well as the brain.  In addition, it's noted that persons with the disease are 5 times more likely to suffer a fall than someone without it.  Both of these results were topics for discussion at the Alzheimer's International Conference in France recently.
 Early detection is critical to managing the disease and reducing it's impact to the sufferer.  For more information, or to read the entire article, visit the posting in Yahoo News by clicking here.

A call for help!

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

 We received a call recently from a young woman who had been caring for her mother & father, was using vacation time from work for it, and was exhausted.  The parents were content, but she admitted she could not continue this way and needed our help.

 Out of curiosity, we did some quick research for studies that might summarize the impact on providing this type of care.  What we found was surprising.  Here are some interesting statistics:

• The proportion of adult children providing personal care for parents has more than tripled in the last 15 years.
• Females are more likely to provide basic care, and males are more likely to provide financial assistance.
• In the U.S., the total aggregate cost of caregivers to parents in lost wages, benefits, etc., is over $3 trillion annually (yes, TRILLION).
• Adult children who work and provide care to parents are more likely to have health issues.
• Over the total time estimate that a female caregiver is tending to her parents, the cost in lost wages, benefits, added expense, etc., is over $320,000!

 These statistics have implications for individuals, employers, government, planners, Insurance Providers, etc.  As an individual, you owe it to yourself to closely consider your health and welfare when considering how to provide family care.  Emotions and feelings of commitment are usually strong in these situations, but making a decision that is good for everyone is always the best choice.  

 For more information, click here to visit the MetLife Caregiving Study.

Tobacco use and healing...

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

  Did you know that tobacco use is a major factor in affecting how your body heals, no matter what type you use?  Tobacco contains nicotine, which is a vaso-constrictor.  It causes your blood vessels to narrow, resulting in less room for oxygen and nutrients to flow through.  Many people have poor circulation without smoking.  When your body's organs can't get the oxygen and nutrients they need, cells die and organs don't work as well.

  Tobacco use is typically a long time habit, and stopping is no easy task.  However, consider your overall health and the benefits of healing when tobacco is removed from the picture.  If you need help stopping, consult with your physician. 

July 4th!

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

 Have a safe and happy 4th of July!