Fairfield County Boomers & Beyond May 2017 ebook

Boomers eyond FairďŹ eld County

May 2017

&B

Waveny oers caregiver relief solutions p2

The Greens at Greenwich Excellence in Dementia care p5

VNA of Hudson Valley Providing nursing, hospice and home aide services p19

Boomers & Beyond - Fairfield County

May, 2017

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Waveny’s seniors experience the ‘Legacy of Silvermine’

photos provided

Residents from Waveny Care Center and The Village, along with participants from Waveny’s Adult Day Program, enjoyed two outings to the Silvermine Art Center to view the organization’s inaugural “Legacy of Silvermine” Exhibit, which honors the artwork of the Silvermine Guild’s artists, painters, sculptors, designers and printmakers over the age of 65, who have devoted decades of service to the guild – many for well over 35 years.

They enjoyed private docent tours by Jeff Mueller, Gallery Director, and Mindy Green, exhibition co-chair, board member and guild artist. The work of Jens Risom, furniture designer and former resident at The Inn, Waveny’s independent living community, was specially featured in the Legacy show. Waveny Care Center resident Gerry said, “Silvermine is an oasis of artists who have transformed their work so that everyone can enjoy their talent and happiness.”

Waveny LifeCare Network provides a comprehensive continuum of healthcare to serve the needs of older adults from all areas. For more information about the non-profit eldercare organization, call 1-855-WAVENY-1 or visit www.waveny.org.

Green spaces linked with improved health PAGE 4

May, 2017

Boomers & Beyond - Fairfield County

By Theresa Santoro, MSN, RN, CHCA President & CEO

Many studies have been done to evaluate the positive benefits of green space on an individual’s mental and physical wellbeing. People living in areas with higher levels of green vegetation have been found to have lower levels of depression, increased social engagement and higher levels of physical activity. Being in or near nature helps to alleviate mental fatigue and restore the mind, which can improve job and school performance and help to reduce mental stress and illness.

One study from the Harvard School of Public Health of 100,000 women nationwide determined that women living in the highest levels of “greenness” had a 12% lower rate of death compared to women who lived in the least green areas. The mental and physical health benefits can be attributed to many factors. Less depression could be the result of more time spent outside in green spaces, providing greater exposure to vitamin D which helps to reduce depression. Green spaces also invite

Melanoma in the older person Seniors face a variety of health risks. You have likely educated yourself on issues such as heart disease, diabetes, and high blood pressure, but one of the serious health risks facing seniors that may not even be on your radar is skin cancer. May is Melanoma/Skin Cancer Detection and Prevention Month. This year, make learning about the risks of skin cancer and protecting yourself from the disease a central part of your year round health care efforts.

Check your skin for changes frequently. If you notice any of these symptoms on your skin, make an appointment to have them evaluated:

• Reddish patches of dry skin that do not go away • White, yellow, or skin-colored scars that have a waxy feeling • Pearl-shaped lumps you cannot attribute to anything else • Sores that bleed, clear up, and then return inexplicably • Groups or pin or red growths • A pimple that will not go away • Scaly patches • Moles that change color or shape • Moles that ooze, seep, or bleed

people outdoors where they are more physically active and therefore, likely to be healthier. Exercise also improves cognitive function, learning and memory.

Outdoor activities can help to alleviate symptoms of Alzheimer’s and dementia.

In addition, greener environments generally have lower levels of pollution, meaning that the risk of respiratory disease may be reduced. So regularly step outside and enjoy nature. It’s greening up all around us and it’s good for your health!

Founded in 1914, RVNA is an accredited non-profit Medicare-certified home healthcare agency that also supports public health and safety, and promotes the highest quality of life. RVNA provides compassionate care to all individuals, whether young or old, through a continuum of care that encompasses health care at home and in the community. RVNA also provides home health aides and companionship through a non-medical subsidiary called HomeCare by RVNA and outpatient physical, occupational and speech therapy in its Rehab by RVNA facility at 27 Governor Street, Ridgefield.

• Dark spots on the skin that grow or change shape quickly • Bruising on the foot that does not heal • Brown or black streaks underneath a toenail or fingernail • Pain or itching on one area of the skin

Use these tips to protect yourself from skin cancer:

• Wear sunscreen daily. If you will be out of the house at all during the day, you should wear sun protection. Many facial moisturizers contain sun protection and you should apply at least an SPF 15. If you intend on being in the sun for more than just a few minutes, look for SPF 30.

Broad-spectrum sunscreens are the best source of protection because they filter out both UVA and UVB rays

• Cover your skin. Covering your skin is the best way to protect it from the sun’s rays. Wear a broad-rimmed hat, UV-blocking sunglasses, and clothing that covers as much skin as possible. For times you will be in the sun for long periods, look for clothing with a UPF label indicating the fabric is embedded with UV protection

• Avoid sunburns. Getting a sunburn dramatically increases your lifetime risk of developing skin cancer. Never allow your skin to redden and if it does, immediately get out of the sun and apply cooling gel that removes the heat and replenishes moisture

• Never use tanning beds. People who use tanning beds are actually at several times’ greater risk of developing skin cancer, particularly the deadliest form, melanoma. If you absolutely must give yourself a summery glow, opt for spray tanning or tanning lotions that do not subject your skin to dangerous rays.

source:www.goldenheartcharlotte.com

Fairfield

Senior Transportation

American Cancer Society 1-800-227-2345 Transportation to cancer-related medical appointments anywhere in the area for ambulatory cancer patients. 24-hour service.

48-hour notice. No cost. www.cancer.org

Handicapped Parking Permit 203-256-3170 Applications available at the Fairfield Senior Center.

Fairfield Senior Services Transportation

203-256-3168 Fairfield Senior Services provides service to Fairfield citizens for: doctor appointments, grocery shopping, trips to the Senior Center, the Library (Wednesdays only) and special approved trips. Contact the Fairfield Senior Center Dispatcher at 203-256-3168 for reservations and bus policies. The bus service is available Monday through Friday between the hours of 8:30 a.m to 3:00 p.m.

Ziptrip Half-Fare: Senior citizens, persons with disabilities and individuals displaying a Medicare Card pay half fare all the time.

Seniors and persons with disabilities must show proper identification at boarding. Proper identification consists of a Medicare, ADA Identification or State Elderly/Disabled ID card. www.gogbt.com

Dial-A-Ride 203-579-7777 The Dial-A-Ride service supplements the town-provided senior transportation and the GBTA-provided fixed route busses and ADA service. Service is available seven days a week.

Applications are available at the Senior Center.

There are three target groups of Fairfielders: homebound senor citizens; homebound handicapped and veterans. Group trips for shopping and for entertainment, individual trips to friends, families, shopping, place of religious worship, etc.

Is home for people diagnosed with some form of dementia or memory impairment. Our philosophy of care centers on the whole person; body, mind, and spirit. We understand that each individual is unique and is deserving of dignity and respect. We celebrate their stories and experiences everyday.

1155 King Street, Greenwich, CT 06830 • 203-531-5500 • www.thegreensatgreenwich.com

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May, 2017

Boomers & Beyond - Fairfield County

Advertiser’s Index

A Place for Mom......................................................................................7 Acorn Stairlifts.......................................................................................11

ColumbiaDoctors.....................................................................................20

The Greens at Greenwich........................................................................5

Life Alert................................................................................................13

Safe Step Walk-In Tub Co..................................................................14

VNA of Hudson Valley........................................................................19

Boomers

Waveny Lifecare Network.......................................................................2

Fairfield County

& Beyond

845-534-7500 • (fax) 845-534-0055 Info@Healthcarenewspaper.com PUBLISHER

Joseph P. Belsito Joe@belsito.com

••• GEnERaL ManaGER

Nancy Sorbella

Nancy@healthcarenewsmagazine.com

••• MaRKETInG DIRECTOR

Our View Every May, the spotlight shines on seniors during Older Americans Month.

The aim is to honor our senior citizens - exploring ways they can remain actively engaged in their communities, promoting healthy aging, and advocating on behalf of preventing elder abuse.

Arthritis impacts nearly 50 million Americans, and May also marks Arthritis Awareness Month – an opportunity to boost awareness of the disease that has many manifestations and affects young and old alike.

Research also continues to leap forward, with the goal of developing arthritis treatments to help make life easier for millions who deal with the condition on a daily basis.

It’s also Better Hearing and Speech Month, and this issue of Boomers & Beyond explores some of the newest breakthroughs in the field of audiology – including high-tech devices to help improve hearing.

And with the onset of warmer weather, folks spend more time outdoors in the sun. It’s important to be aware, especially as we age, of ways to help prevent melanoma and other skin cancers; and our May issue outlines simple steps to take for prevention and early detection.

As always, we welcome comments and suggestions for what you would like to see in upcoming issues of Boomers & Beyond.

Please get in touch with us at info@healthcarenewspaper.com.

Gregory W. Buff Greg@belsito.com

••• MaRKETInG EXECUTIVE

Anthony Mairo

Anthony@healthcarenewsmagazine.com

••• ManaGInG EDITOR

Cathryn Burak

Cathy@healthcarenewsmagazine.com

••• SEnIOR SaLES COnSULTanT

Maureen Rafferty Linell MRLinell@charter.net

••• CIRCULaTIOn

Michelle Belsito

Michelle@healthcarenewsmagazine.com

•••

SEnIOR CORRESPOnDEnTS

Dale McKnight

Corporate Information

Healthcare News - Fairfield County, CT edition - Vol. 4 No. 5 - is published monthly, 12 times a year by Belsito Communications, Inc., 1 Ardmore Street, New Windsor, NY 12553. Postage Paid at New Windsor, NY and additional mailing offices. Postmaster: Send address changes to Healthcare Newspaper, 1 Ardmore Street, New Windsor, NY, 12553. No financial responsibility is assumed by this newspaper to publish a display, classified, or legal ad or for typographical errors except of reprinting that part of the ad which was omitted or in error. Omissions or errors must be brought to the attention of the newspaper during the same month of publication.

Next Month Retirement Communities Enjoying the retirement years Cataract Awareness Month Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month Long Term Care and Assisted Living Security when making a big decision Hernia Awareness Month

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May, 2017

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May, 2017

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Boomers & Beyond - Fairfield County

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To all our friends at the Hospital Newspaper, New England Assisted Living Directory

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Begins page 13

Waveny LifeCare Network’s 9th Mixed­Paddle Annual Even of local eldercar t heightens awareness e op ons page 8

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If a picture says a thousand words, please consider this a thousand thanks from our entire Waveny family to you!

SummerWood express thanks residents page 10

Professional Development & Recruitm ent Section

We are so humbled and grateful to have been showcased in this special way - thank you for ALL you do to help share our non-profit mission with your many readers!

Sincerely, Kristin N. Sinatra, Vice President, Marketing,Waveny LifeCare Network

Six diseases linked to communication disorders in seniors Boomers & Beyond - Fairfield County

May is Better Hearing and Speech Month.

This annual, month-long health observance helps to raise awareness about hearing loss and communication disorders, while honoring the audiologists and speech-language pathologists who care for people with these health conditions. Because seniors are especially prone to ailments that can negatively impact speech, hearing and understanding, the observance carries special importance to seniors and their loved ones.

Read about communication problems related to six health issues that seniors often face, and how elders, families and medical professionals deal with them.

1. Stroke Related Aphasia Aphasia is a disorder that impairs one’s ability to use and understand language. The leading cause of aphasia is stroke. Many people do recover, at least somewhat, from aphasia, but the Stroke Association says that recovery is not likely when symptoms have persisted for more than six months after the stroke. Speech therapy is the primary treatment for aphasia, although other approaches have been tried as well. One interesting therapy is known as “melodic intonation therapy,” whereby patients are sometimes able to sing words and phrases that they cannot speak.

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3. Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Multiple sclerosis can cause difficulty with both speech and understanding.

While MS is typically diagnosed before old age, it is a condition that many seniors live with. Problems with the swallowing reflex which are prevalent among people with MS can cause difficulty speaking, while cognitive problems associated with MS can impede understanding. According to a study published on the NIH website, half of people with MS have communication difficulty. The National MS Society has published an excellent guide to speech problems for MS patients and their loved ones, and includes a number of practical tips. For example, it suggests that MS patients who are struggling with their speech use a recorder (and today’s smart phones enable this capability) to help themselves learn to correct their speech.

4. Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS): Commonly referred to as Lou Gehrig’s Disease in the U.S. The average age for an ALS diagnosis is 58, and it’s a progressive, disabling disease that can cause weakness, muscle atrophy, difficulty swallowing and difficulty speaking. There is currently no cure for ALS, and as the disease progresses, communication can become more labored. ALS patients can work with speech language-pathologists and occupational therapists to mitigate speech problems, although when patients lose their ability to speak altogether, adaptive aids can be helpful.

5. Parkinson’s Disease Parkinson’s disease affects about 1% of seniors over 60 in the U.S. In Parkinson’s patients, damage to a region of the brain called the basal ganglia often causes speech problems.

These problems can manifest themselves as voice changes, problems with articulation, and reduced fluency; although it’s usually not until the later stages of the illness that these problems can cause the sufferer to become unintelligible. An NIH document describes three general treatments strategies for the speech problems caused by Parkinson’s.

• “Speaker-oriented” treatments help the patient compensate for speech problems independently through instruction and practice.

• “Communication-oriented strategies” involve educating and empowering the listener to better understand the person with Parkinson’s. For example, family members of Parkinson’s patients are taught active listening to help them understand their loved one.

• “Low-tech augmentative and alternative communication” (low-tech ACC) aims to help patients with more advanced speech problems through a strategy known as alphabet supplementation, where “a 2. Hearing Loss speaker points to the first letter of each word on an alphabet sound board as According to the National Institute of Health (NIH), one in three people it is spoken.” over age 60 experience hearing problems, and that figure increases to 50% in 6. Alzheimer’s Disease and related Dementia seniors over 80. Hearing loss can be most problematic when it’s not recogAlzheimer’s disease and other kinds of dementias can greatly hinder comnized. Recent studies have linked hearing loss to dementia, and according to munication and understanding when areas of the brain responsible for the American Academy of Audiology, untreated hearing loss is linked to despeech and comprehension are damaged. While Alzheimer’s and most other pression and social isolation in seniors, so it’s important for seniors and their common kinds of dementia are progressive and incurable, sometimes therloved ones to watch out for signs of hearing difficulties. Signs of hearing loss apies can, at least temporarily, improve communication skills among people can include listening to the television or radio at unusually loud volumes, frewith Alzheimer’s and dementia. For example, a new dementia therapy called quently asking conversation partners to repeat themselves or speak more TimeSlips involves prompting seniors with Alzheimer’s and dementia to clearly, and avoiding social interactions. source:www.aplaceformom.com open up through storytelling.

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Boomers & Beyond - Fairfield County

Fitness tracker saves patient’s life

Credit: Janine Gelineau/UConnHealth

Seventy-three-year-old Patricia Lauder of Harwinton, Connecticut had just retired and was looking for a way to get fit. So she bought a Fitbit to wear on her wrist to track her steps, hoping to walk her way to improved health and weight loss.

What she didn’t know was that this small investment in a fitness tracker was about to save her life.

“I wasn’t feeling well for a few weeks, and thought I might be battling a bad cold or walking pneumonia that I just couldn’t kick,” says Lauder.

Yet a few visits to doctors, testing, and X-rays came back negative for pneumonia or any other health issues.

Then she started to experience shortness of breath and fatigue, while walking even very short distances in her own home. She noticed that her Fitbit was telling her that her usual resting heart rate of 68-70 beats per minute was ticking up and up, by five points a day.

Then one day her heart rate spiked to 140 beats per minute.

“I was going downhill fast,” she says. “I knew I was in trouble, and dialed 9-1-1.”

Lauder asked the ambulance to take her to UConn Health because she says she knew it had the reputation for the best cardiac care in the area.

A CT Scan in the Emergency Department at UConn John Dempsey Hospital revealed she was suffering from two large blood clots in her lung arteries. These clots, known as pulmonary embolisms, were causing her lungs and heart to be stressed and over-pressurized. Her lung artery pressure spiked to 65, when 25 is normal, while her heart was over-working and had become enlarged.

Lauder says she normally tends to panic in an emergency health care situation like this, but Dr. JuYong Lee’s calm bedside manner and expertise put her at ease: “I felt such faith in Dr. Lee from the moment I met him,” she says.

According to Lee, director of vascular and endovascular medicine at UConn Health’s Pat and Jim Calhoun Cardiology Center at UConn Health, the mortality rate of a pulmonary embolism is more than 30 percent when it is massive. These risky lung blood clots can over-pressurize the heart, leading the body’s blood pressure and oxygen level to drop significantly. The biggest risk

factor for developing a pulmonary embolism is deep vein thrombosis, when a blood clot forms in a vein, most often in the leg, and can travel up to the lungs.

Fortunately, Lee had an innovative, minimally invasive, and rapid solution to dissolve the blood clots in the lungs.

Instead of taking a slower, wait-and-see approach using intravenous anti-coagulation medication, Lee decided to intervene right away and apply clot-busting drugs directly into the lungs’ blood clots through a catheter. The very next day, Lauder’s blood clots were gone and her lung and heart health totally normalized. “I have never seen such a dramatic improvement overnight,” says Lee. Along with her doctor, Lauder is very happy with her outcome and also the power of her little fitness tool.

“If I didn’t have a Fitbit on my wrist, I would never have known that my heart rate was getting dangerously high,” she says. “And I might not be here to tell my story.”

To learn more about the Calhoun Cardiology Center visit: health.uconn.edu/cardiology.

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Boomers & Beyond - Fairfield County

National Senior Health & Fitness Day Wednesday, May 31, 2017 The Nation’s largest older adult health promotion

National Senior Health & Fitness Day is a nationwide health and fitness event for older adults, always held the last Wednesday in May during Older Americans Month. 2017 will mark the 24th year of the program, and more than 100,000 older adults will participate at local events at more than 1,000 locations across the country on the same day.

The event’s goals are to promote the importance of regular physical activity, and to showcase what local organizations are doing to improve the health and fitness of older adults in their communities.

Local organizations throughout the country will host senior-related health and fitness events at retirement communities, health clubs, senior centers, park districts, hospitals, YMCAs, houses of worship, banks and other community locations. The local health and fitness activities will vary widely based on the organization hosting the event and the interests of local seniors. Activities will be non-competitive and may include walking events, low-impact exercises, health screenings and health information workshops.

The Bigelow Center for Senior Services offers a wide variety of exercise programs tailored to the particular needs of the adult community. Among the exercise programs offered are Tai Chi, arthritis exercise, flex and stretch exercise, senior exercise, creative motion exercise based on the Feldenkrais method, yoga, zumba, and co-ed exercise. The center also has a walking club.

The Bigelow Center also has a number of groups that play a variety of games such as Bingo, Bridge, Chess, Bunko, Scrabble, etc. These games provide mental stimulation and the opportunity to socialize with people who share your interests. In addition to table games, there are more active games such as pool, table tennis, pickleball, and bocce for the more athletically inclined.

The Bigelow Center runs a recent movie release every Friday at 12:15 p.m. The Center has a large screen, high-definition display and a full surround sound system.

Please visit http://www.fairfieldct.org/bigelowcenter for more information.

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Boomers & Beyond - Fairfield County

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provided

Inspired by Ella Fitzgerald’s famous song, Waveny LifeCare Network’s Adult Day Program celebrated the charm of spring with its very own “April in Paris.” On Monday, April 10, day participants enjoyed an entire day of activities and programs devoted to the “City of Love,” including live Parisian themed musical entertainment. To learn more about Waveny’s Adult Day Program, which provides daytime caregiver relief, meaningful camaraderie for seniors, and free local transportation throughout most of lower Fairfield County, call 203.594.5429 or visit waveny.org.

Griffin Hospital offers assistance with Advance Care Planning

In recognition of National Healthcare Decision Week, Griffin Hospital will be promoting awareness of the importance of healthcare planning and of having an advance directive. This year’s theme is “It’s always too early, until it’s too late.”

Advance care planning (ACP) is a process of understanding, reflecting, and discussing individual goals and values to determine one’s overall wishes should a time come when one cannot make one’s own medical decisions and is unlikely to recover from an injury or illness. ACP is the best way to make sure your healthcare wishes are respected by your loved ones and health providers.

“As adults, we make many choices throughout life,” said Diane Betkoski, MS, RD, director of Planetree Programs and Services at Griffin Hospital. “Most often the best choices are made as a result of good planning, such as career planning, financial planning, retirement planning, estate planning, and especially healthcare or end of life planning. Advance care planning gives comfort and reassurance to one’s healthcare representative knowing that he or she clearly understands one’s end-of-life preferences.”

For additional information or to schedule a free appointment contact Community Outreach & Parish Nursing at 203-732-1255 or ACP@griffinhealth.org, or visit griffinhealth.org/acp.

15 years of Swinging for Seniors: PAGE 16

May, 2017

Senior Arthritis:

Boomers & Beyond - Fairfield County

Waveny’s Annual golf and tennis outing to be held on Monday, May 22

Symptoms and Care

Arthritis is one of the most common diseases in this country. Millions of adults and half of all people age 65 and older are troubled by this disease.

Older people most often have osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis or gout.

Osteoarthritis Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common type of arthritis in older people.

OA starts when cartilage begins to become ragged and wears away. You are most likely to have OA in your hands, neck, lower back, or the large weight-bearing joints of your body, such as knees and hips.

Rheumatoid Arthritis Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease. In RA, that means your body attacks the lining of a joint just as it would if it were trying to protect you from injury or disease. RA leads to inflammationin your joints.

This inflammation causes pain, swelling, and stiffness that lasts for hours.

Gout Gout is one of the most painful forms of arthritis. An attack can begin when crystals of uric acid form in the connective tissue and/or joint spaces. These deposits lead to swelling, redness, heat, pain, and stiffness in the joint.

Common Arthritis Symptoms Include: • Lasting joint pain • Joint swelling • Joint stiffness • Tenderness or pain when touching a joint • Problems using or moving a joint normally • Warmth and redness in a joint

If any of these symptoms lasts longer than two weeks, see your regular doctor or a rheumatologist. If you have a fever, feel physically ill, suddenly have a swollen joint, or have problems using your joint, see your doctor sooner. Your health care provider will ask questions about your symptoms and do a physical exam. He or she may take x-rays or do lab tests before suggesting a treatment plan.

provided

Waveny LifeCare Network’s Development Committee announced Monday, May 22, 2017 as the date for Waveny’s 15th annual ‘Swinging for Seniors’ golf and tennis outing at the Country Club of New Canaan.

Proceeds from this annual charity fundraising event fund Waveny’s financial assistance program, which provides support to patients, residents and day participants who cannot afford the full cost of their care at Waveny, as well as special program enhancements.

From left to right: Event Chairs Mike Hobbs, Judy Bentley, Todd Lampert and Sharon Stevenson. (not pictured: Chairs Tracey Hamill and Robin Leach). Efforts are already underway by committee members to identify sponsors, recruit players and collect raffle-prize donations.

To play, participate or contribute to the cause, contact Joanne Boyer, Waveny’s Director of Development at 203.594.5416 or JBoyer@waveny.org.

Exercise Can Help Along with taking the right medicine and properly resting your joints, exercise is a good way to stay fit, keep muscles strong, and control arthritis symptoms. Daily exercise, such as walking or swimming, helps keep joints moving, decreases pain, and makes muscles around the joints stronger.

Range-of-motion Exercises: Aqua classes, Dancing and yoga relieve stiffness, keep you flexible, and help you keep moving your joints.

Strengthening Exercises: Weight training will keep or build muscle strength. Strong muscles support and protect your joints.

Aerobic and Endurance Exercises: Bicycle riding and running make your heart and arteries healthier, help prevent weight gain, and improve the overall working of your body.

source.aplaceformom.com

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Boomers & Beyond - Fairfield County

Cut your odds of a stroke

What Is a Stroke?

It happens when blood flow is cut off to a part of your brain. The cells begin to die, and brain function in that area is damaged or even destroyed. It usually affects the areas that control muscle function, memory, and speech.

Watch Your Blood Pressure If you have high blood pressure and it’s not managed well, it can double or quadruple your risk of stroke. Your blood pressure should be around 120 over 80. If yours is too high, talk to your doctor about changing your diet and getting more exercise. If that’s not enough to control it, he may prescribe medication to help.

Break a Sweat Exercise helps you get to or stay at a healthy weight and keep your blood pressure where it should be -- two things that can lower stroke risk.

You’ll need to work out hard enough to break a sweat 5 days a week for about 30 minutes. Talk to your doctor first if you’re not in great health or haven’t been that active in a while.

Lose Weight Obesity and the health issues it can cause -diabetes and high blood pressure -- boost your stroke risk. You can lower that by losing as few as 10 pounds. Try to keep your calorie count under 2,000 a day, and make exercise a regular thing.

Have a (Single) Drink Your risk of stroke may go down if you have 1 drink a day. But be careful: More than 2, and it quickly shoots up. Heavy drinking can also lead to obesity, high blood pressure, and diabetes -- all risk factors for stroke.

Fiber Up The magic number here is 7: For every 7 grams of fiber you add to your daily diet, your stroke risk decreases by 7%. You should get about 25 grams a day: six to eight servings of whole grains, or eight to 10 servings of vegetables. Most people don’t come close to that.

Eat (a Little) Dark Chocolate Flavonoids are plant-based chemicals in cocoa that have all kinds of health benefits. For example, they can help with inflammation, and that can relieve pressure on your heart. About 3.5 ounces of dark chocolate a day has been shown to help prevent heart attacks and strokes in people with a higher chance of having heart disease. Just don’t overdo it -- chocolate has sugar and saturated fat.

Manage Your Diabetes This condition affects how your body uses glucose, an important source of energy for your brain and the cells that make up your muscles and tissues. It can raise your odds of having a stroke, so it’s important to watch your blood sugar carefully and follow your doctor’s instructions.

Get Your Cholesterol Checked High levels of LDL cholesterol (over 160 milligrams/deciliter) and low levels of HDL (under 40 milligrams/deciliter) can increase your chances of having plaque buildup in your arteries. That limits blood flow and can lead to a stroke. Cutting down on saturated and trans fats can help lower your LDL, and exercise can boost your HDL. If those don’t do the trick, your doctor may prescribe medication to help with your levels.

Keep Stress in Check Stress is linked to a higher risk of stroke, maybe because it causes inflammation in parts of your body. If you’re stressed at work, you can do a few things to help dial it back: Get up and move around often, breathe deeply, focus on one thing at a time, and make your work area a calm space with plants and soft colors. And be sure to spend a healthy amount of time away from the office.

Pay Attention to Your Heartbeat Atrial fibrillation (AFib) -- an irregular heart rhythm -- makes you five times more likely to have a stroke. If you notice a racing or irregular heartbeat, see your doctor to find out what’s causing it. If it’s AFib, she might be able to reset your heart’s rhythm with medication or a brief electrical shock. If those don’t work, she might recommend removing the area of heart tissue that’s causing the problem.

Don’t Smoke Smoking makes your blood more likely to clot, thickens and narrows your blood vessels, and leads to the buildup of plaque -- all of which make you more likely to have a stroke.

Choose the Right Foods A balanced diet of fruits, vegetables, fish, lean meats, and whole grains can help lower your cholesterol. That means plaque is less likely to build up in your arteries and form clots. It also can help protect you from other conditions that raise your odds of having a stroke, like diabetes and high blood pressure.

Take Your Meds This sounds like an easy one, but a lot of people have a hard time with it. Take medications for blood pressure, diabetes, and heart health on time and as prescribed. If you’re concerned about side effects or something else, talk to your doctor before skipping your medicines or taking less than you’re supposed to. source:www.webmd.com

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Boomers & Beyond - Fairfield County