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By Darlene Ortiz, 8:00 am on February 9, 2015

Who wants to wake up every morning with nothing to do and no place to go? When adults reach retirement age and beyond, having a sense of purpose is a necessary component to enable them to lead happy, healthy lives. In fact, studies show that being responsible for something outside…

By Darlene Ortiz, 5:34 pm on February 2, 2015

February isn’t just for lovers. It’s also the time to love your heart because it is American Heart Month. Cardiovascular conditions, including heart disease and high blood pressure, is the #1 killer of men and women in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). While…

By Darlene Ortiz, 8:00 am on January 26, 2015

Seniors have a natural tendency to experience a decrease in appetite as they age. Because this decrease in appetite can affect a senior’s overall health and wellness, it’s important to identify underlying causes as soon as possible. This way, you can be sure that your aging parent or loved one…

By Darlene Ortiz, 8:00 am on January 19, 2015

Taking care of an aging parent or loved one who recently had a stroke can be a life-changing event. While the side effects of a stroke can range from physical to emotional, one symptom that is often not discussed is the issue of incontinence. While helping a loved one with…

By Darlene Ortiz, 7:19 pm on January 12, 2015

Malnutrition in the hospital setting is a risk for elderly patients, and the consequences can be costly. From suppressing the immune system and delaying healing to increasing both the length of stay and cost of a hospital course, poor dietary intake should be monitored. As your loved one stays in…

By Darlene Ortiz, 11:33 pm on January 5, 2015

According to a study in the journal Neurology, depression is, at the very least, a risk factor for dementia. The extensive study involved nearly 2,000 participants with an average age of 77 who had no signs of dementia when the study began. At the conclusion of the study, about half…

By Darlene Ortiz, 8:00 am on December 29, 2014

Being a caregiver for an aging or disabled loved one is a noble but taxing job, and for many, can overtake all other aspects of life. Not everyone is willing to devote themselves to the health of others, and it may become quickly apparent that other family members are not…

By Darlene Ortiz, 8:00 am on December 22, 2014

This holiday season, recognize the friends and family members who provide care for their loved ones – those who ease burdens and warm hearts all year long – with a thoughtful gift. Regardless of the age, gender, or pastimes of the caregiver, you’re sure to find the right present by…

By Darlene Ortiz, 8:00 am on December 15, 2014

More than five million Americans are currently living with Alzheimer’s disease, the most common form of dementia, according to the Alzheimer’s Association. While there is currently no cure, recent trends in the care and prevention of Alzheimer’s suggest that eating right, getting regular exercise and staying mentally active may play…

By Darlene Ortiz, 9:35 pm on December 8, 2014

Making long-term provisions for a senior family member with Parkinson’s is one of the most important things that you can do. There are several vital considerations that must be made as part of this process. As mobility and other basic functions start to decline, your loved one will need to…