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Tips for Foot Health and Why It’s Important

Mobility is a vital ingredient to self-sufficiency, making the foot ailments that often trouble seniors particularly worrisome. While it may not come to mind as a major health concern, poor foot health can severely impact a person’s ability to live alone, work and engage in social activities.

Observing preventive foot health care has many benefits. At the top of the list is that it can increase comfort, limit the possibility of additional medical problems, and reduce the chances of hospitalization because of infection.

Here are some tips for keeping feet healthy:

Wear Shoes That Fit Properly
Many people don’t wear shoes that properly fit them or support their feet. Shop for shoes in the afternoon so you can avoid choosing shoes that are too small for your feet that swell during the day.

Regularly Take Walks
This is ultimately the best exercise for your feet.

Wear Seam-Free Socks
This will help with preventing any skin irritations from developing on your skin.

Have Corns & Calluses Professionally Treated
Never cut corns and calluses with a razor, pocket knife. Only use over-the-counter foot products with the advice of a podiatrist.

Bathe & Inspect Feet Daily
Apply lukewarm water and mild soap to keep your feet free of any dirt on a daily basis. If you notice any redness, swelling, cracks in your skin consult your podiatrist.

If you or your loved one needs assistance with foot care or any additional health care and support, contact The Orchard here. We provide 24/7 assistance that will keep your loved one happy and healthy!

Reasons to Move to an Assisted Living Community

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Thinking about making the move to an assisted living community in Decatur? Here are our reasons why moving to the Orchard might be right for you or your loved one.

No More Home Maintenance Troubles
Say goodbye to the days of calling a handyman or plumber that leave you with an expensive bill. No more raking leaves in the fall or watering outdoor plants and grass in the summer. Home maintenance can become a sizable and costly burden that’s all lifted once moved to an assisted living community.

Chauffeured Around Town
You may not get a private chauffeur, but you do get transportation to and from your important appointments like doctor or dental visits. Transportation is also provided to group activities outside of the community including restaurants and local events.

Activities Galore
Some can compare it to being on a cruise because activities play a large part in daily life at Orchard assisted living community. Seniors can enjoy staying active doing those activities that interest them most. Activities can include movie nights, arts and crafts, exercise classes and more.

Safety First
It’s nice to know that help is available 24/7 at the Orchard. We are equipped with safety bars, ramps, emergency alert systems and staff trained in emergency response. You can take comfort in knowing that the appropriate precautions have been taken to reduce the risk of dangerous falls and to keep your loved one as safe as possible.

If you or your loved one is considering a move to a senior living community, such as an assisted living facility contact The Orchard here.

Tips for Seniors to Avoid Heat Stroke/Exhaustion

Ways-Seniors-Stay-Safe-in-Summer-Heat-01-pg-fullHot weather can be dangerous here in Georgia, and seniors are more inclined to its threat. Elderly heat stroke and heat exhaustion are real problems. There are several reasons for elderly heat vulnerability. A person’s ability to notice fluctuations in their body temperature decreases with age. Many seniors also have underlying health conditions that make them less able to adjust to heat or medication that can cause dehydration. Fortunately, only a few simple precautions are all that’s needed to keep safe.

Here are a few tips for keeping cool in hot weather:

Drink Plenty of Liquids

Dehydration is the root of many heat-related health problems. Drink plenty of water or juice, even if you’re not thirsty. But remember to avoid alcoholic or caffeinated beverages, as they can contribute to dehydration.

Wear Weather Appropriate Clothes
When it’s hot out, lightweight, loose-fitting clothes and consider a wide-brimmed hat.

Stay Indoors During Mid-day Hours
When it’s the hottest outside, the best time to run errands or be outdoors is before 10am or after 6pm, when the temperature is cooler.

Relax and Take it Easy
Avoid exercise and strenuous activity, particularly outdoors, when it’s very hot out.

Watch the Local Heat Index
When there’s high humidity, the body’s ability to cool itself through sweating is impaired. The heat index can be found online or also on local TV and radio weather reports.

Orchard at Tucker features 20,000 sf of enclosed secured outdoor space for residents and families

Secure, Enclosed Outdoor Space is one of the best amenities in Assisted Living and Memory.  Vitamin D is necessary for everyone, but according to WebMD and other reputable sources it is crucial

Tucker Assisted Living

Orchard at Tucker Assisted Living & Memory Care featuring 20,000 sf enclosed garden for seniors.

Get Heart Smart This March

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There’s a big chance that someone in your life has, or will be, affected by heart disease. Since it’s the number one cause of death in the U.S., taking over 600,000 lives yearly, take a minute to familiarize yourself with heart disease in case of an emergency.

What is heart disease?

When people think of heart disease, they often think of a heart attack, and that’s with sound reasoning. While heart disease is an overarching term for numerous infirmities afflicting the heart and blood vessels, the most general example is coronary artery disease, which can cause heart attacks. Coronary artery disease is when the heart’s primary blood vessels become thick and small due to an accumulation of plaque. When blood flow, which brings essential oxygen to the heart, is reduced, a heart attack can transpire. Other types of heart disease include stroke, heart valve problems, and arrhythmia.

What are the signs of a heart attack?

The American Heart Association states while some heart attacks are unexpected and intense, they usually start gradually with moderate pain and distress. It may feel like rising tension or pressing, and it can disappear for several minutes then repeat. Chest pain is the most common sign of a heart attack along with other symptoms as well. Someone having a heart attack could also feel:

  • Discomfort in their stomach, neck, jaw, back, or arms
  • Shortened breaths or lightheadedness
  • Cold sweats
  • Nausea or vomiting

Women are more likely to experience non-chest pain symptoms, particularly shortness of breath, nausea/vomiting and back or jaw pain.

If you think you or someone else could be suffering a heart attack, contact 911 directly. Every second counts!

If you need assistance for someone who has experienced a heart attack or needs care contact The Orchard. We know every individual has unique needs and our professionals dedicate themselves to providing excellent care for you or your loved one. Contact us to learn The Orchard Difference.

Six Pillars of a Brain Healthy Lifestyle

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The six pillars of a brain healthy Alzheimer’s prevention lifestyle are:

1. Healthy diet.
Eating habits that reduce inflammation and promote normal energy production are brain-healthy habits. To eat brain-healthy try consuming foods like green tea, ginger, fish, soy products, and blueberries, and other dark berries can protect these vital cells from damage. Be sure to get plenty of omega-3 fats that are found in cold water fish but also avoid trans fats and saturated fats..

2. Regular exercise.
Regular exercise may decrease your risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease by up to 50%. To maximize your brain-protection benefits strive for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise each week. Be sure to incorporate balance and coordination activities.

3. Mental stimulation.
It’s important also to stay mentally in shape by continuing to challenge yourself. Learn something new every day, practice memorization, and engage in cognitive puzzles. Keep your mind sharp by practicing the 5 W’s. Ask yourself “Who, What Where, When, and Why” throughout your day.

4. Quality sleep.
Commonly people with Alzheimer’s disease suffer from insomnia and other sleep problems. Deep sleep is necessary for memory formation and uninterrupted sleep for flushing out brain toxins. If you have a problem with snoring, get tested for sleep apnea. Treatment can make a big difference in your health and quality of sleep.

5. Stress management.
Chronic to severe stress takes an enormous toll on the brain, which can lead to shrinkage of a critical memory area, the hippocampus. Stress alters your breathing rate, quiet your stress with deep, abdominal breathing. It’s simple and it’s free.

6. An active social life.
Humans are naturally social; we don’t thrive in isolation, and neither do our brains. Staying socially active will better your memory and cognition. When socializing, you don’t need to be a social butterfly, think quality, not quantity. Become engaged by volunteering, joining a club, or visit a local community center or senior center.

Aside from these six great tips be sure to watch out for health hazards. Smoking is one of the most preventable risks for Alzheimer’s disease. It’s important also to drink alcohol in moderation and maintain a healthy weight.

Contact us HERE to learn more about how our certified and licensed professionals at The Orchard can help you with Alzheimer’s Disease prevention and management.