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Fall Prevention

Falling is a typical part of early childhood. Nevertheless, as we get older, even a minor fall can be detrimental. Falling as an older adult can result in serious ramifications comprising injury, disability, and possibly death. The good news is that a lot of falls can be prevented. Taking precautions, like altering your home, beginning an exercise routine, and regular check-ups with your medical practitioner, could help keep you safe.

Fall Prevention

Why Do We Fall?

Our risk of falling heightens as we get older, with an estimated thirty-six million falls happening annually in adults 65 and older. Older adults that are frail or have other medical ailments are at a higher risk for falling. The primary risk factor for falls in older adults is the history of previous falls.

One of the best ways of preventing falls is to understand why we fall. Anything that diminishes your strength and mobility, has an impact on your balance, or changes your capability to walk and stand straight could heighten your risk for falls. This comprises:

  • weakness in muscle
  • gait irregularity
  • leg or back pain
  • changes in weight
  • insufficient sleep
  • injury

Specific health issues can also result in balance issues and heighten your risk of fracture or other injury from a fall. For instance:

  • inner ear issues
  • vision issues
  • osteoporosis
  • types of dementia
  • vitamin D insufficiency
  • Arthritis
  • diseases of the nervous system, like Parkinson’s disease.

Additionally, side effects from some medications can at\dd to falls. These comprise:

Blood pressure medications, that can cause lower blood pressure when standing up too fast (postural hypotension)

Medications for sleep, anti-depressants, or anti-anxiety drugs, which could make you woozy and less aware of your surroundings

Diphenhydramine (Benadryl), an antihistamine that is an ingredient in a lot of popular OTC sleep products. Regular use is related to memory issues and a higher risk of falling.

Regular follow-up with your medical practitioner helps to identify and handle these issues can help prevent falling.

Fall Risk Assessment

It is essential to see your medical practitioner annually to go over your medical ailments and medication list. Besides other benefits, this yearly appointment is a chance to determine any risk factors for falling. You should also see your medical practitioner if you have had a recent fall, feel unstable on your feet, or are concerned about falling. Your medical practitioner may inquire about your fall history and evaluate your risk factors by questionnaire. Some other typical evaluations that can help identify an increased risk for falls include:

  • strength, gait, and balance evaluations
  • blood pressure measurements when sitting, lying down, and standing
  • visual acuity tests
  • vitamin D levels
  • examination of possible home hazards
  • assessment of your feet and footwear.

Based on these results, your medical practitioner may adjust treatment of your medical ailments and create a personalized care plan to decrease your risk factors.

Balance Test for Fall Prevention

Balance involves the capacity to both stand up straight and to expect any changes in movement. It requires cooperation from many areas of your body. Your medical practitioner may have you carry out a balance test, which evaluates your ability to hold a couple of different positions without moving or requiring support for ten seconds. A 2022 study found that an inability to balance for 10 seconds when standing on one foot was related to a considerably increased risk of passing away from any cause.

To assess your own balance, a simple balance test can be carried out at home and only requires a smartphone or a stopwatch. A failure to complete this test means you could be at increased risk for falls.

How To Carry Out A 10-Second Balance Test

Begin by standing with both your feet ankle to ankle and your arms by your sides.

Retaining one foot firmly planted on your floor, lift your other foot at a minimum of twelve inches above your floor.

Devoid of lowering your raised foot, raising your arms, or using anything for support, stay in this one-legged position for ten seconds.

Mobility Aids

An estimated 1/3 to 1/2 of adults over age 65 are impacted by restrictions in mobility — the ease in which someone can move purposefully and freely in their setting. Assistance tools are a helpful way to assist your mobility, at the same time, providing an extra cushion of safety and precaution towards falls. Speak to your medical practitioner concerning the best form of mobility aid for your requirements. Mobility devices for walking comprise:

Canes: an easy, lightweight alternative aimed at supporting about twenty-five percent of your body weight

Walkers: a better alternative for increased balance, with the capability to support up to fifty percent of your body weight

Wheelchairs: the best alternative throughout periods of mobility limitations or injury when negligible body weight can be supported.

Fall Prevention Exercises

Being physically active is essential to prevent falls in older individuals. Different from the positive effects on heart health, mental stability, and weight control, exercise can improve your strength, balance, and stamina. These aspects work in unison to improve your mobility and are deemed the most important aspects in fall prevention.

When beginning a daily exercise routine, consistency is essential. Even little changes in your daily activities could matter. Consider beginning with small exercise objectives and striving for a variety of different types of exercise.

Fall Prevention at Home

Home dangers may additionally make you more likely to fall. It is vital to go room by room for possible fall dangers that may be hidden. Guarantee your home is organized so that the things you use regularly are easily within reach. Make changes so you are able to move freely throughout your home, with all walkways clear and illuminated. Pay mindful attention to your floors, and check that they are free from spills and safe to walk through. Some changes that you can make at home comprise:

  • non-skid rugs on your floors
  • non-skid mats in your shower
  • benches, seats, and bars in the shower and above the toilet
  • lights that turn on by touch or sound
  • plush or low-pile carpets
  • handrails throughout all stairwells and the front/back steps of your home.

Fall Safely

Even with our best efforts, falls could still occur. With knowledge of what to do if you fall could help you avoid getting injured. Falling more safely with a softer landing:

  • Bend forward, having your knees inclined and your feet down — this provides you with better control of which direction you fall.
  • Fall onto your body areas that have the most “cushion” like your buttocks and thighs.
  • Lean your shoulder into the fall to safeguard your head.
  • Aim for soft areas of grass, dirt, or carpet when possible.
  • Stay calm

Retirement Community In Surprise, AZ

Chaparral Winds is a beautiful, assisted living community near Sun City, AZ. Being able to socialize with other residents becomes an integral part of many peoples’ lives and Chaparral Winds Assisted Living offers common indoor space to support that need. If a resident requires assistance moving from a bed to a wheelchair or vice versa, this facility has staff who can help.

Address: 16623 N W Point Pkwy, Surprise, AZ 85374

Phone: (623) 975-0880

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Healthy Aging

Healthy Aging

People in the US are living longer than ever, and the number of aging adults in the populous are increasing.

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As we get older, our bodies and mental faculties change. With a healthy lifestyle, it can help you address those changes. It may also hinder some health issues and help you to make the most of your life.

A healthy lifestyle for older adults includes:

Healthy Diet

As you get older, your dietary requirements may change. You may require fewer calories; however, you still need plenty of nutrients. A healthy diet includes

  • Eating foods that give you plenty of nutrients without a lot of added calories. This includes vegetables and fruits, whole grains, lean meats, reduced-fat dairy, seeds, and nuts.
  • Avoiding empty calories, like foods such chips, baked goods, candy, soda, and alcohol
  • Eating foods that are low in fat and cholesterol
  • Drinking plenty of liquids, to avoid getting dehydrated

Consistent Physical Activity

Being active physically could help you keep a healthy weight and avoid chronic health issues. If you haven’t been active, you can begin slowly and work up to your objective. How much exercise you require is subject to your age and health. Speak with your health care provider concerning what is appropriate for you.

Maintaining A Healthy Weight

Being either under-weight or over-weight can lead to health issues. Speak with your health care professional concerning what a healthy weight for you might be. Healthy eating and exercising can help you accomplish that weight.

Keeping Your Mental State Active

Plenty of activities can keep your mental state active and improve your memory, comprising learning new abilities, reading, and participating in games.

Making Your Mental Health A Precedence

Work on improving your mental health, for instance by participating in mediation, relaxation methods, or gratitude. Realize the warning signs of an issue and reach out for help if you are having a hard time.

Engaging In Activities That You Enjoy Doing

Those that are involved in hobbies and social and leisure activities could be at lower risk for some health issues. Participating in things that you enjoy could help you experience joy and strengthen your thinking capabilities.

Playing An Active Part Concerning Your Health Care

Be sure that you get routine checkups and the health screenings that you require. You should know kind of medications you are taking, why you require them, and how to take them correctly.

Not Smoking

If you are a smoker, STOP. Quitting is one of the most vital things that you can do concerning your health. It can decrease your risk of several different kinds of cancer, particular lung diseases, and cardiovascular disease.

Taking Steps for Fall Prevention

The elderly have a higher risk of “taking a tumble”. They are additionally more likely to fracture a bone if they fall. Getting routine eye exams, participating in regular physical activity, and making your house less risky can decrease your risk of falling.

Adhering to these tips can help you to stay healthy as you get older. Even if you have never done them previously, there is still time to begin taking care of your health. If you have questions concerning these lifestyle changes or need assistance figuring out how to make them, speak with your health care provider.

Retirement Community In Surprise, AZ

Chaparral Winds is a beautiful, assisted living community near Sun City, AZ. Being able to socialize with other residents becomes an integral part of many peoples’ lives and Chaparral Winds Assisted Living offers common indoor space to support that need. If a resident requires assistance moving from a bed to a wheelchair or vice versa, this facility has staff who can help.

Address: 16623 N W Point Pkwy, Surprise, AZ 85374

Phone: (623) 975-0880

623-343-4125
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What is RSV?

What is RSV?

The respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is one of the most major causes of respiratory illness in infants and younger children.  It additionally causes both mild and severe respiratory diseases in older children and adults.

  • In the US, approximately fifty percent of infants and younger children get infected with RSV every winter, with the increased rates of RSV illness and serious complications happening in infants two to six months of age. Recurring infections may occur during life, but after two to three years of age, symptoms are typically milder.
  • Approximately one hundred and twenty-five thousand children are hospitalized every year.
  • RSV infections are responsible for approximately two thousand five hundred deaths per year.
  • Infants and children younger than two to three years old are most at risk of the progressive complicated, serious, or fatal RSV infections. Undeveloped infants or infants with veiled heart, lungs, or immune issues are additionally at a higher risk.
  • RSV infections happen across the globe, most typically in yearly outbreaks that can last upwards of five months, from late fall to early spring.

Infectious Agent

RSV infections are a result of the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).

RSV is a veiled RNA virus of the Paramyxovirus order.  It is remotely related to the measles virus.

RSV viral strains can be categorized into two subsets, A and B.  Nevertheless, a lot of strain differences happen, which is believed to be accountable for the virus’ capability to continually infect people and avoid the immune system.

Transmission

RSV is a highly contagious infection.

The most general form of transmission is through person-to-person contact with infected oral and nasal fluids.

Transmission happens by breathing in airborne droplets or by contact via nose or eyes with unclean hands.

RSV infection is usually transported home by school-aged children and passed on to younger children.

Whenever RSV is introduced by an infected person, high transmission rates, up to one hundred percent have been shown in day care facilities and neo-natal units in hospitals.

The Disease

In adults and children older than two to three years, RSV is the cause of symptoms resembling a cold, with runny nose, moderate headache, sore throat, mild cough, and low-degree fever.

In children younger than two to three years of age, and particularly in those two to six months of age, RSV can be the cause of severe lower respiratory-tract illnesses like pneumonia and/or bronchiolitis that can advance to respiratory failure.  Symptoms might include high fever, serious cough, wheezing, unusually rapid breathing, respiratory distress, and a blue like color to the nails or lips caused by decreased oxygen in the blood.

Children born prematurely or those born with veiled heart, lung, or immune issues have very extended illness and higher complication rates.

Elderly individuals and adults with chronic lung disease or diminished immune systems may also develop severe illness.

Treatment

There is no vaccine available for the prevention of RSV infection.  Antibiotics are ineffectual against viruses.

RSV infection in children or adults that have mild disease is typically treated only with OTC medicines (like acetaminophen) for fever and cold-like symptoms.

Children or the elderly with serious disease might require hospitalization.

In patients with serious disease, the anti-viral agent ribavirin could be used as an aerosol in breathing medication to treat the virus straight in the lungs.

Immune globulin purged from people with higher degrees of immunity to RSV might be utilized to treat individuals with jeopardized immune systems at higher risk for complications after exposure.

Chaparral Winds Offers The Finest Retirement Living In Surprise, Arizona

Chaparral Winds is a retirement facility in Surprise, Arizona offering assisted living, independent living, and memory care services. For more information about our senior living facility, SLS Communities or to schedule a tour, please call us today at 623-343-4125.

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When is it Time For Memory Care?

When is it Time for Memory Care?

Making the hard choice of moving a loved one to a memory care facility could represent a significant change in lifestyle. It’s challenging to think about a transition out of independent living.

However, Alzheimer’s disease and dementia advance after some time. Several relatives are not qualified to care for somebody with advanced forms of these afflictions. The time to have this conversation is prior to their symptoms worsening.

It’s much easier to do your homework and make these decisions when you are calm and best prepared than when you are in a crisis. Eventually, those with dementia might require 24-hour care. Memory care might be the foremost, safest, and more comfortable choice for both them and their health professionals.

What Is Memory Care?

Different than conventional assisted living facilities or nursing homes, memory care accommodates those with issues with memory and cognitive impairments (thinking). Experienced staff at these facilities care for those dealing with dementia, final levels of Alzheimer’s, or other memory loss afflictions.

Memory care facilities also provide residents with preparation of meals, housework, and clothes washing in addition to social activities, a lot of which are aimed at benefiting their physical and mental well-being. These communities have extra safety protections, such as secure doors. They might use visual cues, such as signage or photos, to aid residents in doing things freely.

Memory care communities can be included in assisted living residences, nursing homes, or retirement communities. They could also be stand-alone facilities.

8 Signs It’s Time for Memory Care

There are no specific guidelines for when someone requires 24-hour care. Medical practitioners can conduct tests to ascertain if their cognitive impairment has worsened. If you or your loved one is presently in a nursing home or an assisted living facility, staff there may observe signs that they require a higher degree of care. And specific changes in their behavior, appearance, and setting can offer clues:

  1. They are forgetting to pay their bills. Whereas anybody can forget payment from time to time, it’s cause for concern if you begin to get confusing phone calls questioning why the satellite or phone was suddenly shut off.
  2. They disregard personal hygiene and housework. They might have forgotten how to do housework or have problems bathing and getting themselves dressed.
  3. They become careless in their present home. They could leave the refrigerator open, slip and fall, or wander away.
  4. They are no longer taking good care of their health. They might forget to take their medication or take an excess of it. They do not schedule doctor’s appointments. They miss meals.
  5. They could forget the tracking of time passing. In the beginning stages of dementia, they could forget what day it is and then recall it later. Nevertheless, forgetting what year it is or season it is, is a matter of concern.
  6. They pull themselves out of hobbies and social situations. Research has shown that being socially isolated makes dementia symptoms worse. Most memory care facilities provide activities and promote socialization.
  7. You are worried about your own bell being. Some progressive forms of dementia can result in abusive and aggressive behaviors.
  8. Taking care of a loved one has taken a physical and mental toll on you. You are stressed, exhausted and disregarding your own needs.

Chaparral Winds Offers The Finest Retirement Living In Surprise, Arizona

Chaparral Winds is a retirement facility in Surprise, Arizona offering assisted living, independent living, and memory care services. For more information about our senior living facility, SLS Communities or to schedule a tour, please call us today at 623-343-4125.

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Chronic Kidney Disease

Chronic Kidney Disease

Chronic kidney disease, also known as chronic kidney failure, entails a slow loss of kidney function. Your kidneys filtrate waste and overabundance of fluids out of your blood, which in turn are removed through your urine. Progressive chronic kidney disease could cause risky levels of fluid, electrolytes and waste to accumulate in your body.

In the initial phases of chronic kidney disease, you may notice a couple of symptoms or signs. You might not be aware that you have this disease until the ailment is progressive.

Treatments for chronic kidney disease focus on slowing the advancement of kidney damage, typically by managing the cause. However, even managing the cause might not keep kidney damage from advancing. This disease can develop to end-phase kidney failure, which is deadly without man-made filtering (dialysis) or a new kidney.

Symptoms of Chronic Kidney Disease

Symptoms and signs of chronic kidney disease advance over time if kidney damage advances at a slower rate. Kidney function loss can cause a buildup of fluids or bodily waste or electrolyte issues. Subject to how serious it is, loss of kidney function may be the cause of:

  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Appetite loss
  • Fatigue and frailty
  • Sleeping issues
  • Going to the bathroom more or less
  • Decreased mental sharpness
  • Muscle spasms
  • Swelling of feet and ankles
  • Itchy, dry skin
  • High blood pressure (hypertension) that’s challenging to control
  • Shortness of breath, when fluid builds up in the lungs
  • Chest pain, when fluid builds up around the hearts lining

Symptoms and signs of kidney disease are usually indeterminate. Meaning they can also be caused by other illnesses. Since your kidneys can make up for lost functionality, you might not develop symptoms and signs until irreversible damage has happened.

When To See Your Medical Practitioner

Make an appointment with your medical practitioner if you have symptoms or signs of kidney disease. Pre-diagnosis might assist in preventing kidney disease from advancing to kidney failure.

If you have a medical disorder that increases your risk of kidney disease, your medical practitioner may oversee your kidney function and blood pressure with urine and blood tests during office appointments. Ask your medical practitioner whether these tests are required for you.

Prevention of Chronic Kidney Disease

To decrease your risk of developing kidney disease:

  • Adhere to instructions on OTC medications. When using non-prescription pain relievers, like acetaminophen, aspirin, and ibuprofen adhere to the instructions on the package. Taking excessive pain relievers for a long period could result in kidney damage.
  • Sustain a healthy weight. When you are at a healthy weight, sustain it by becoming physically active a lot of days of the week. When you are required to lose weight, speak with your medical practitioner concerning approaches for healthy weight loss.
  • Don’t smoke. Smoking cigarettes can damage your kidneys and make current kidney damage even worse. When you are a smoker, speak to your medical practitioner concerning approaches for quitting. Support groups, therapy and medications can all aid you in quitting.
  • Oversee your medical ailments with your medical practitioner’s assistance. When you have diseases or ailments that escalate your risk of kidney disease, collaborate with your medical practitioner to manage them. Ask your medical practitioner concerning tests to look for symptoms of kidney damage.

Chaparral Winds is a retirement facility in Surprise, Arizona offering assisted living, independent living, and memory care services. For more information about our senior living facility, SLS Communities or to schedule a tour, please call us today at 623-343-4125.

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When is it Time for Assisted Living?

When is it Time for Assisted Living

As medical developments allow for a lot of people to live a longer, more healthy life, there usually still comes a point when living by themselves is not an option. It is gloomy for a senior to think about leaving the family home, so they might not want to discuss it.

When is Assisted Living Necessary

Families never enjoy answering the question “when is assisted living necessary?”. Nevertheless, there are some indications to look out for that are going to help make the decision obvious.

  1. Chronic Health Problems

Chronic health conditions are going to continue to worsen as someone gets older. Additionally, they can also weaken the immune system to be more possible to fall ill more frequently and stay unwell longer.

  1. Turning Aggressive

It is an unfortunate truth that some individuals with dementia are going to turn more aggressive as the disease advances. This is not a demonstration of the way they are being cared for, but simply a crushing effect of the disease.

Attempting to care for someone that is physically or verbally abusive is more than a lot of people can take on. Individuals that suffer from aggression require a safe place to live with qualified professionals that understand how to handle these situations.

  1. Recent Falls

Another indicator that assisted living is necessary is the repeated happening of falls. Mobility problems are common among the elderly, and there are so many areas within the home in which they can trip.

If your loved one has recently fallen and there is a worry they might be unable to get themselves up or call out for help, it might be time to examine the benefits of assisted living in which they can be looked after.

  1. Not Remembering to Take Medicine

Everybody forgets to take their medicine occasionally; nevertheless, if your loved one does this frequently, it is going to soon become a serious issue.

Their medicine routine is vital to keep their health conditions in check. There are systems in place that try to help them remember, but this is definitely an indication it’s time for memory care.

  1. Unable to Manage Day-to-Day Life Activities

Oftentimes even simple tasks can be overpowering. When a family member has a problem with housekeeping, cooking, or other day-to-day activities it might be time for a change.

Yard work is a huge job that usually is the first thing they are unable to finish. Don’t let them bear the weight of too much day-to-day work. Find a place where they can sit and relax and enjoy their final years with those duties done for them.

  1. Isolation and Sadness

If your family member is displaying symptoms of depression and feeling lonely, it may be time to start discussing if it is time to move to assisted living. The facilities provide a wide range of activities and chances for social interaction.

  1. Poor Eating Habits

If someone cannot cook, their eating habits are going to likely decline also.

Good nutrition is vital in retaining good mental and physical health. Moving to a long-term care facility is going to provide them with consistent and nutritious meals prepared with their particular needs in mind.

  1. Poor Hygiene

For someone that feels bad, or has the beginning of dementia, one of the initial things to go is personal hygiene. They don’t wash themselves as frequently, and when they do it might not be as good as it needs to be.

  1. Caregiver Stress

Perhaps you’re doing all the work, and you simply can’t do it anymore. A lot of people that choose to care for their family members on their own do so with great love and intentions.

Regrettably, a lot are not truly prepared for the demanding challenges both emotionally and physically. There is nothing shameful in admitting that you have done all you could, but now it is merely time for a different course.

  1. Sundowning

Sundowner’s syndrome is an ailment in which an individual that has dementia becomes more flustered at the days end. They’ve exhausted all their mental energy for the day.

  1. Wandering Off

If your loved one lives by themselves and you worry about their mental perception, you are most likely afraid of them losing their way.

That is a legitimate fear, and it happens more often than not. Perhaps they believe they know where they are going but get lost. Or maybe, they just want to get out of their house.

However, should this become an issue, or you are concerned it could be, don’t wait for something disturbing to happen. Begin the discussion today.

Chaparral Winds Offers The Finest Retirement Living In Surprise, Arizona

Chaparral Winds is a retirement facility in Surprise, Arizona offering assisted living, independent living, and memory care services. For more information about our senior living facility, SLS Communities or to schedule a tour, please call us today at 623-343-4125.

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How Much Does Independent Living Cost Youngtown, AZ

How Much Does Independent Living Cost in Glendale, AZ?

The average cost of independent living in Glendale, AZ is $2,330 per month. Average prices ranged from $770 to $3,890 per month in Arizona for 2019 according to multiple sources. There are a lot of premier services, locations, and areas that will cost more.

• Low Cost: $770 per month
• Average Cost: $2,330 per month
• High Cost: $3,890 per month

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Average Independent Living Cost in Glendale, AZ by Source

Seniorly.com states the average monthly cost for a independent living in Glendale, AZ is $3,080 per month, but prices range from $2,618-$3,542 per month.

According to SeniorHomes.com costs of independent living in Glendale, AZ range between $770 per month and $3,890 per month.

As reported by Caring.com the average cost of independent living in Glendale, AZ is $2,197 per month.

Read More About Independent Living Costs in Arizona

Chaparral Winds is an Independent Living Facility Near Glendale, Arizona

Chaparral Winds is a beautiful independent living facility near Glendale, AZ. Being able to socialize with other residents becomes an essential part of many peoples’ lives and Chaparral Winds Independent Living Facility in Surprise offers common indoor space to support that need.

Address: 16617 N W Point Pkwy, Surprise, AZ 85374

Phone: (623)544-4777

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What is Anxiety?

What is Anxiety?

Anxiety is a natural human emotion in regard to feelings of concern, nervousness, or apprehension about something with an uncertain consequence. It is a general reaction to stress, and it can manifest itself in different ways, like physical symptoms or psychological symptoms.  Whereas mild anxiety can be a typical part of life, unrelenting or persistent anxiety can impact day-to-day activities and may require professional involvement.

Anxiety disorders, like generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), social anxiety disorder, and panic disorder, are characterized by exaggerated and persistent worry or fear that can considerably interfere with a person’s quality of life. Treatment for anxiety disorders could include therapy, medication, changes in lifestyle, or a combination of these recommendations.

What Causes Anxiety?

Anxiety can be caused by several reasons, including genetics, brain chemistry, personality, and personal history. Some people may be more susceptible to developing anxiety disorders because of genetic factors, whereas others may have variations in neurotransmitters, like dopamine and serotonin, which can add to anxiety. Personality traits, like being highly sensitive or tending to worry a lot, can also make individuals more vulnerable to anxiety. Also, stressful or traumatic life occurrences, like a breakup, loss of work, or the passing away of a loved one, can set off or intensify anxiety symptoms.

Other factors, like chronic illness, addiction, or a history of abuse or abandonment, can also escalate the risk of developing anxiety disorders. It’s vital to note that anxiety is a complex and multifaceted ailment, and its causes can differ widely from individual to individual.

What Are the Signs of Anxiety?

General signs of anxiety include excessive uneasiness or dread, restlessness, irritability, inability to pay attention, muscle stiffness, and sleep disruptions. Physical symptoms, like rapid heartbeat, sweating, shaking, breathing difficulties, and gastrointestinal issues, may also be present. In more severe situations, individuals might undergo panic attacks, which are abrupt and intense episodes of fearfulness or discomfort that can include symptoms like chest pain, dizziness, and a sense of imminent doom.

It’s important to remember that experiencing infrequent anxiety is normal, but when these symptoms linger or interfere with day-to-day activities, it may be indicative of an anxiety disorder that requires professional assessment and treatment.

What Does Anxiety Feel Like?

Anxiety is typically described as a sense of uneasiness or concern that can range from mild to serious. Physically, it could manifest as a rapid heartbeat, shaking, sweating, or muscle stiffness. Mentally, it can cause overactive thoughts, challenges concentrating, and a sense of imminent doom or danger.

From an emotional standpoint, anxiety could lead to panic attacks, restlessness, crabbiness, or a sense of being uneasy. Some people may also experience physical symptoms like shortness of breath, chest pains, or gastrointestinal issues. It’s important to remember that anxiety can differ in severity and length, and it can impact different individuals in different ways. When you are experiencing symptoms of anxiety that are interfering with your day-to-day life, it is important to pursue professional help.

How To Calm Anxiety Attack

When suffering through an anxiety attack, it’s important to concentrate on soothing the mind, body, and spirit. Foremost, try to find a tranquil and safe space in which you can sit or lay down comfortably. Inhale slow, deep breaths in through your nose and exhale through your mouth, concentrating on the sensation of the air entering and leaving your body. You can also try cumulative muscle relaxation, in which you tense and then un-tense each muscle cluster in your body, beginning at your toes and progressing up to your head. Engaging in activities that divert your mind, like listening to comforting music, reading sacred writings or focusing on a particular object, can also be beneficial. In addition, partaking in mindfulness or spiritual disciplines like praying can help you keep your feet on the ground and present in the moment.

If you have a trusted friend or relative close, you can also get in touch with them for support and encouragement. Don’t forget that anxiety attacks are short lived and are going to run its course, and it’s important to give priority to calming routines and pursue professional assistance when needed.

Anxiety in Older Adults

Older adults with anxiety issues typically go untreated for several reasons. Older adults usually do not notice or recognize their symptoms. And when they do, they may be apprehensive to talk about their emotions with their doctors. Some older adults may not pursue treatment because they have experienced symptoms of anxiety for a better part of their lives and believe their emotions are normal.

Both patients and doctors could miss a diagnosis of anxiety due to other medical ailments and use of prescription drugs, or specific situations that the patient is dealing with. instance example, the anxiety experienced by a recently widowed patient might be more than just grieving. Complex or chronic grief is usually accompanied by unyielding anxiety and grieving spouses might avoid reminders of the deceased.

Chaparral Winds Offers The Finest Retirement Living In Surprise, Arizona

Chaparral Winds is a retirement facility in Surprise, Arizona offering assisted living, independent living, and memory care services. For more information about our senior living facility, SLS Communities or to schedule a tour, please call us today at 623-343-4125.

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What is Depression?

what is depression?

Depression (major depressive disorder) is a frequent and alarming mental disorder that negatively impacts how you feel, act, think, and observe the world.

Almost 3 in 10 adults (30%) have been diagnosed with depression at some point in their lives and around 18% are presently encountering depression, as reported by a 2023 national survey. Women are more probably than men and younger adults are more probable than older adults to encounter this disorder. Whereas depression can happen any time and any age, on average it can initially appear throughout someone’s late teens to mid-twenties.

Symptoms of Depression

Symptoms can vary from mild to unrelenting and can appear in a different way by each individual. These symptoms can comprise of:

  • Feelings of sadness, irritability, emptiness and/or hopelessness.
  • Losing pleasure or interest in activities you’ve once enjoyed.
  • A considerable change in appetite (eating a lot less or more than typical) and/or weight (notable loss or gain unassociated to dieting).
  • Not sleeping enough or sleeping too much.
  • Reduced energy or increased weariness or exhaustion
  • Increase in meaningless physical activity (for instance inability to stay still, roaming, hand squeezing) or slowed speech or actions that are severe enough to be noticeable by others.
  • Feelings of worthlessness or overly guilt.
  • Difficulty concentrating or thinking, forgetfulness, and/or challenges making minor choices.
  • Thoughts of death, suicidal conception, or suicidal behaviors.

It is typical to experience instances of sadness or feeling “down in the dumps” or the blues as part of human life. Nevertheless, a diagnosis of depression requires that the preceding symptoms happen for most of the day, almost every day, for more than 2 weeks, along with an obvious change in daily functioning (for instance in work/school implementation, individual relationships, and activities). Thankfully, there are treatments for this type of disorder.

Risk Factors for This Disorder

Depression can impact anyone—even those who appear to have it all. Many factors can play a part in depression:

  • Biochemical: Variations in certain chemicals in the brain (like the neurotransmitters serotonin, norepinephrine and dopamine) could add to symptoms of depression.
  • Genetic: Depression can run in families. For instance, when one identical twin has depression, the other has a 70% chance of having the disorder sometime in their life.
  • Personality: Those with low self-esteem, that are easily overtaken by stress, or those that are typically negative might be more possible to experience depression.
  • Environmental: Continual subjection to violence, despair, abuse or deprivation can also create risks for developing depression.

What Are the Treatments for Depression?

This is one of the more treatable mental disorders. Between 70-90% of those with depression at the end of the day respond well to treatments.

For diagnosing depression, a healthcare professional is going to carry out a comprehensive diagnostic assessment that includes a thorough interview to go over your symptoms as well as your personal, medical and family histories.

Additionally, a physical exam should be performed to check for underlying medical conditions that may imitate depression — like hormonal and/or vitamin imbalances, neurological issues and alcohol and/or drug use. Imaging and lab tests may also be included in the assessment as part of the medical check-up. The assessing medical professional is going to take all these factors into consideration as they devise a diagnosis and suggest a personalized treatment plan.

Chaparral Winds Offers The Finest Retirement Living In Surprise, Arizona

Chaparral Winds is a retirement facility in Surprise, Arizona offering assisted living, independent living, and memory care services. For more information about our senior living facility, SLS Communities or to schedule a tour, please call us today at 623-343-4125.

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What is COPD?

What is COPD?Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or COPD is a condition caused by impairment of the airways or other areas of the lung that obstructs airflow making it difficult to breathe.

Discover who is at risk for COPD, what symptoms to look out for, and how the disease impacts the lungs.

COPD can cause coughing that creates large amounts mucus. It can also cause breathing issues, shortness of breath, tightness of the chest, and other symptoms. Since COPD is a progressive disease, its symptoms usually develop gradually but get worse over time and can restrict your ability to do normal activities. Serious COPD may top you from doing even simple activities like walking, taking care of yourself or even cooking.

In the US, the term COPD is in reference to two primary conditions.

Emphysema

Emphysema emerges when there is impairment to the walls among the air sacs in the lungs. Typically, these sacs are flexible or stretchy. While breathing in, each air sac fills with air, similar to a small balloon. While breathing out, they empty, and the air gets dispelled. In emphysema, it is more difficult for your lungs to push air out of your body.

Chronic Bronchitis

Chronic (long-term) bronchitis is caused by repetitive or persistent inflammation and irritation in the lining of the airways. A lot of thick mucus is produced in the airways, making it difficult to breathe.

A lot of people that have COPD have a mixture of both conditions in various scopes, and how serious each ailment is differs by individual.

In the US, COPD impacts almost sixteen million adults, and a lot more are unaware they have it. More than fifty percent of those tested positive are women. COPD is a primary cause of disability, and it is the sixth major cause of death in the US as reported by the CDC.

The positive news is that COPD can usually be prevented, primarily by not smoking. In the US and other higher-income countries, cigarette smoking is a main cause of COPD in which most people that have COPD smoke or smoked in the past. In the developing world, nevertheless, air pollution plays a much bigger role, and fifty percent of all cases across the world are not associated with tobacco. An uncommon genetic condition known as alpha-1 antitrypsin (AAT) deficiency could also be a cause of COPD.

Even though there is no cure, treatments, and changes in lifestyle like quitting smoking could help you feeling better, staying more active, and slow the advancement of the disease. You might also need pulmonary rehab, oxygen therapies, or medicines to treat hindrances.

Symptoms of COPD

The more common symptoms of COPD are having trouble breathing, persistent cough (occasionally with phlegm) and feeling exhausted.

COPD symptoms can worsen quickly. These are known as flare-ups. These typically last for a couple of days and usually require additional medicine.

Those with COPD additionally have a higher risk for other health problems. These comprise of:

  • lung infections, such as pneumonia or flu
  • lung cancer
  • heart issues
  • weakened muscles and fragile bones
  • anxiety and depression.

Typical symptoms of COPD develop from middle age onwards. As COPD advances, people find it more challenging for carrying out their normal day-to-day activities, usually due to shortness of breath. There may be a significant financial burden because of limitation of workplace and home productivity, and expense of medical treatments.

Chaparral Winds Offers The Finest Retirement Living In Surprise, Arizona

Chaparral Winds is a retirement facility in Surprise, Arizona offering assisted living, independent living, and memory care services. For more information about our senior living facility, SLS Communities or to schedule a tour, please call us today at 623-343-4125.

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, COPD
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