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Health Matters

This is the breakfast of champions
What, 4 raw potatoes, cactus juice and a slice of dogs breakfast pie?
Glad to not be a champion then!
😅
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Steak and eggs, the real breakfast of champions.
 

LONELINESS IN OLDER ADULTS

Many older adults are much more lonely, isolated, or disconnected than we realize. And we often get too caught up in our lives to make an effort to get together with our older friends & family members, or to check-in with our elderly neighbors.

What can make things worse is that older adults who feel most isolated struggle with reaching out in the first place. Sometimes, they don’t want to be perceived as a burden. But if they feel like others don’t seek them, they can withdraw even further. That’s why it’s up to us to reach out to them.

SPOTTING THE SIGNS OF LONELINESS

It’s important to be on the lookout for social isolation in older adults. Here are some things to consider:

  • Do they receive visits from friends or family?
  • Do you see them outside of their home often?
  • Do they complain that their children no longer call them?
  • Have they recently lost a spouse, close friend, or caregiver?
  • Do they have a chronic health condition such as depression, failing memory, or hearing loss?

DID YOU KNOW?

  • Over 40% of older adults experience loneliness and isolation on a regular basis.
  • Individuals who are isolated are 64% more likely to develop dementia.
  • A lack of social connection is as hurtful to one’s health as smoking 15 cigarettes a day
  • Feeling disconnected and alone can lead to depression and even to suicidal Thoughts

REACHING OUT TO OLDER ADULTS

Make it a practice to reach out to others throughout the year. It benefits the people we connect with — and us as well.

  • Ask to hear an elderly neighbor’s stories.
  • Text or call the relative you’ve lost touch with.
  • Stop by and chat with someone at work who has seemed a bit sad lately.
  • Invite someone new to your home for dinner.
  • Plan a phone date with an old friend who lives out of town.
  • Share something you enjoy – play music, go to a concert together, or teach someone to knit.
  • Make handmade cards with your child and send to family members or friends on birthdays and holidays, or just because you’re thinking of them.
  • Give compliments.
  • Give smiles. Warm, approachable, genuine smiles.
  • Give your full attention – put down the phone and take a break from text messages and social media.
  • Make it a habit. Reach out to someone every week or every day.
 

Some ways to stay happy are:​

1.Start exercising: There are a lot of studies on this which prove that exercising releases a hormone in the body namely endorphins. This hormone keeps you in a better mood. When you are in a bad mood it is suggested to go for a long walk or do vigorous exercise. This will make you feel good and when you follow this on a regular basis you will remain happy all day and every day.

Exercise is good not only for your body. It also boosts your mood. People who have stress, anxiety, and depression are also suggested to go for a walk daily or do some sort of exercise. This will boost their self-esteem and happiness. Even if you do a small amount of exercise, it will make a difference. You can also go for your favorite sport like bowling, dancing, etc.


2.Think positive: Thinking positively will affect your performance and happiness. Your happiness depends on the way you see the world around you. Your positive thinking raises the energy level in you; this will raise your creativity and productivity. Using your positive thinking every moment will help you to increase your happiness.

3.Put your negative thoughts in the dustbin: Some people are trapped with negative thoughts, which hinder their life in a bad way. Studies suggested that if someone experiences negative thoughts on a regular basis they should make a habit of writing it down on a piece of paper and tear that paper, throw it in the dustbin or simply burn that piece of paper. When you do this on a regular basis, it will also help in the reduction of its toxic effects.

4.Get a good amount of sleep: When you have a good amount of sleep, you will obviously have peace of mind. Getting good quality sleep is essential for your health, brain functioning, and well-being. For this, you have to get a sleep of at least 6-7 hours every day. If you are not able to get quality sleep then you should consult a psychologist.

5.Try to be grateful all the time: When you are grateful for the things around you, then you are more positive in your thoughts. Being grateful has a great impact on your hope and happiness. You can start each day by acknowledging everything you have. And as you practice this, gradually it will become a habit and will make you positive.

6.Keep a journal: When you start writing a journal, you start organizing your thoughts and analyze the feelings you are having. You just have to write down your thoughts throughout the day in a diary or a notebook. After writing your thoughts you can easily convert your negative thoughts into positive ones and you can also count on the positive thoughts and pay gratitude to them.
 
Sunlight.




Nothing new about regular amounts of sunlight being a great health issue.
Unfortunately for me, one of the medication pills I was on recently, being exposed to the sunlight was not healthy.
Long pants, long sleeves and a broad brimmed hat and dark glasses were the order of the day.
Being summer when this was happening wasn't too bad as this is my usual attire for that time of the year.
Getting off that pill was the best thing since sliced bread though, as it created some unwanted side issues.
It was taken daily to keep the INR number at the required level.
 
@farmerge

I never considered that. Now that you're off it, maybe 10 minutes a day in bright sunshine with your shirt off? That's what I aim for but often miss out. If it 's not contra-indicated, sounds to me like you could consider a supplement of 1,000 - 2,000 iu of vitamin D3 a day combined with a good vit K2 supp (to transport calcium to bones not arteries). I've been taking these daily for a few years without noticeable side effects but N=1. Maybe get your Vit D blood level checked if you've been avoiding sunlight.
Apparently though, benefits of sunlight extend beyond intrinsic Vit D production.
I've also invested in a red light lamp but don't have an opinion yet on its effectiveness in this regard.


AI
"Yes, sunlight can complicate the use of some anticoagulant medications due to photosensitivity, according to a medical journal. This means that certain anticoagulants can make your skin more sensitive to sunlight, potentially leading to sunburn-like reactions, rashes, or even increased risk of skin cancer.

Here's why and how sunlight can complicate anticoagulant use:

Photosensitivity:
Some medications, including some anticoagulants, can make your skin more sensitive to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun.

Phototoxic and Photoallergic Reactions:
Sunlight can cause both phototoxic (sunburn-like) and photoallergic (rash-like) reactions in individuals taking these medications.

Increased Risk of Skin Cancer:
Prolonged exposure to sunlight while taking photosensitizing drugs can potentially increase the risk of skin cancer.

Specific Anticoagulants:
While not all anticoagulants cause photosensitivity, some, like amiodarone (a heart medication), are known to increase sun sensitivity, according to a medical journal.

Managing Sun Sensitivity:
If you're concerned about sun sensitivity while taking anticoagulants, it's crucial to:
Limit Sun Exposure: Seek shade, especially during peak sun hours (10 am to 4 pm).
Wear Protective Clothing: Cover up with long sleeves, pants, hats, and sunglasses.
Use Sunscreen: Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a high SPF (30 or higher) regularly and reapply as directed.
Consult Your Healthcare Provider: Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about your medication and any concerns about sun sensitivity. They can provide specific advice based on your individual situation.

In summary, while not all anticoagulants cause photosensitivity, some can increase your skin's sensitivity to sunlight, potentially leading to reactions and increasing the risk of skin cancer. It's essential to be aware of this side effect and take necessary precautions to protect your skin when exposed to sunlight while on these medications."
 
They don't care too much if they slowly kill us. As long as it can't be pinned on them and they keep their jobs and survive as businesses.


One thing that is a surety in my life, I do not partake of sugar drinks and since the recent operations, alcohol is no longer on the menu either.
Once I got off the "rat poison" Warfarin things certainly changed body wise.
 
Off to have a check-up X-ray of the replaced heart valve tomorrow.
A slow recovery process, but better to be doing it this way, than being bullish and stuffing up all the repair work that was done.
 
Well done - for a small fee I'd poke her.
Just started moving around a couple of 10kg kettle bells myself - bit late in life. Fend off sarcopenia, self toilet to my day of death is my intoxicating ambition.

 
Well done - for a small fee I'd poke her.
Just started moving around a couple of 10kg kettle bells myself - bit late in life. Fend off sarcopenia, self toilet to my day of death is my intoxicating ambition.


So thre is hope yet. If this lady is 73 !!!!! wow what was she like at 25.
 
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