Alzheimer's disease and good health practices

Recently, several news networks have carried articles on Alzheimer's prevention recommendations.  While these health conditions are not definitive, and certainly not guaranteed to prevent the disease, they all seem to have a direct connection back into patients that suffer from Alzheimer's.  With that in mind, here are the top 7:


1. Too little exercise
Not enough physical activity is the number one preventable factor that contributes to Alzheimer's cases. About one third of the U.S. population is sedentary, so the highest risk factor is also dangerously common - time to get up and move.
2. Depression
Depressed? Maybe it's time to seek treatment - 15 percent of Alzheimer's cases may stem from depression.
3. Smoking
Need another reason not to smoke? Smoking accounts for 11 percent of Alzheimer's cases.
4. High blood pressure
How's your blood pressure? Keep it in check - 8 percent of Alzheimer's cases are linked to mid-life hypertension.
5. Obesity
Packing on the pounds as you pile on the years? Midlife obesity accounts for 7 percent of Alzheimer's cases in the U.S.
6. Idle mind
Time to go back to school - or to pick up a crossword puzzle!  Lack of cerebral exercise - or simply not using your brain enough - accounts for 7 percent of Alzheimer's cases in the U.S.
7. Diabetes
Problems with blood sugar control kick off the list of modifiable risk factors for Alzheimer's. The study suggests that 3 percent of Alzheimer's cases in the U.S. are linked to diabetes.

You may notice that these tips are pretty much basic good health practices.  So add that as another good reason to consider correcting any of the above problems!

Bringing useful news to educate our clients is one more way that Home Helpers has been making life easier for over a decade.  Call us today at 704-909-7958.  And as always, you can find us on our website,  Facebook and Google+!

New Scam Alert!

We've had several reports lately of a new scam that targets senior citizens, and this one even hit the

parents of staff in our office!  Here's how it works...

A phone call comes in to a senior, and the caller claims to be a child, grandchild, niece/nephew, or a similar type of relative.  In all of the cases we've heard of, the caller used the actual relative's name.  They then go on to say that they are in jail and need bail money to get out.  The caller then claims that the local police sergeant will explain how to send the money, and hands the phone over to the "sergeant".   This person states that the only way the incarcerated child/grandchild/etc can be released is if a credit card is provided to process the bail charge.

Obviously, this is all a scam that's intended to play on the caring hearts of a grandparent.  And while it may seem transparent when you read this, a senior that's not tech savvy or familiar with these types of ploys is likely to try to help get their child/grandchild/etc out of jail!

How are the scammers getting personal information?  Most likely from social media sites, and it's then a simple process of looking up phone numbers.  Remember, these sites are constantly trying to be hacked and personal information is often leaked!  Please share this story with family members, be cognizant of what you post online, and NEVER give a credit card to a caller!

Bringing useful news to educate our clients is one more way that Home Helpers has been making life easier for over a decade.  Call us today at 704-909-7958.  And as always, you can find us on our website,  Facebook and Google+!

Remember Mom on Mothers Day

We stumbled across this poem from an anonymous author, and thought it fitting to share in honor of

moms everywhere on Mother's Day...

  You filled my days with rainbow lights,
  Fairytales and sweet dream nights,
  A kiss to wipe away my tears,
  Gingerbread to ease my fears,
  You gave the gift of life to me,
  And then in love, you set me free,
  I thank you for your tender care,
  For deep warm hugs and being there,
  I hope that when you think of me,
  A part of you, you'll always see.

 Motherhood is not an easy job, but moms everywhere gladly accept the responsibilities. Remember your mom on mother's day.  And if she ever needs help, give us a call.  We'll be happy to do anything we can to assist and honor her.

Bringing useful news to educate our clients is one more way that Home Helpers has been making life easier for over a decade.  Call us today at 704-909-7958.  And as always, you can find us on our website,  Facebook and Google+!

Allergy Season is Upon Us!

We've left winter, and the accompanying flu season, for spring and allergies!  The Asthma & Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA) declares May to be National Asthma and Allergy Awareness Month. It's peak season for asthma and allergy sufferers, and a perfect time to educate family, friends, co-workers, etc., about this malaise.

There is no safe place from allergies in America, and some cities are more problematic than others.  The "Allergy Capitals" is an annual research project to identify the "100 most challenging places to live with allergies".  This year, Louisville, KY landed in the #1 spot, a move up from fifth last year.  If you're curious to know where your city ranks, visit www.AllergyCapitals.com.  There's a list on this site of the top 100 most challenging places to live with allergies.

What to do if you are a sufferer?  http://www.webmd.com offers some suggestions:

1. Leave your shoes at the door. When you come home from the outside, taking your shoes off at the door lessens the amount of pollen you track into the house. Wipe down your dog's coat before he comes into the house, too, because pollen clings to fur.
2. Wash your hair before bed. If you're a morning shampoo person, consider switching to shampooing and showering before bed instead. That way, pollen that collected on your hair during the day won’t rub off on your pillow.
3. Close up the house. Open windows can be refreshing, but they let in pollen.
4. Use the ''recirculate" option in the car. Keep windows and sunroofs closed. Especially on high-pollen days, recirculate the air in your car instead of using the vent, which may let in pollen.
5. Service the filters in your furnace and air conditioner. Change them at the intervals recommended by the manufacturer, or more frequently if it seems to help.

While these tips won't cure you of allergy issues, they will help to mitigate the problem.  And every little bit helps!
Bringing useful news to educate our clients is one more way that Home Helpers has been making life easier for over a decade.  Call us today at 704-909-7958.  And as always, you can find us on our website,  Facebook and Google+!