What you eat can harm your kidneys!

“A diet high (of course ‘high’ is not quantified) in red and processed meats, saturated fats, and sweets may harm your kidneys.  Researchers tracked three diets’ effect on the kidney function of more than 3,100 women for 11 years.  While two healthier diets didn’t affect the women’s kidneys, the unhealthy “Western diet” was associated with worsening kidney function over time.”  -Source: American Journal of Kidney Disease, February 2011.

What We Eat May Affect Mood!!

“What you eat may affect your mood.  Researchers who studied more that 12,000 people for an average of six years found that consuming trans fats ups the risk for depression, while monounsaturated fats and polyunsaturated fats protect against it.  (Saturated fats were not studied)  At the start of the trial, no participants suffered from depression; by the end, 657 people were depressed.  Those who ate plenty of trans fats had a 48 percent increased risk for depression compared with those who ate none.  The researchers also found that olive oil was linked to a lower risk of being depressed.”  – Source: Plos ONE, January 2011.

Here’s A Challenge

Some say there is no need for supplementing the diet with vitamin, mineral, and herbal supplements.  The Metzenbaum Congressional study revealed that every age group had nutrient deficiencies below the recommended level.  The “no need for supplement” naysayers base their position on the belief that we can get all of our nutrition from food.  That statement is perhaps true but no one, according to Metzenbaum, eats properly and if we did the daily caloric intake would be more than our lifestyle could burn off.  Finally, the challenge:  Plan three well balanced meals per day based on the current food guide pyramid for one week.  Then go to your favorite grocery store and shop, on paper, for the items needed for the menus planned.  You will discover that the cost is prohibitive.  Food supplements provide nutritional insurance.  They are not a substitute for eating as well as we can.

How We Benefit from Being Grateful

The Science of Gratitude

Researchers Robert A. Emmons, University of California – Davis, and Michael E. McCullough, University of Miami, have been conducting a study on gratitude. Three groups of participants in the study were asked to keep journals. One group used their journals to record the hassles and problems they had faced. The second group recorded neutral life events while the third group kept “Gratitude Journals” listing the experiences and things they were grateful for each week. Following are highlights from the “Research Project on Gratitude and Thankfulness – Dimensions and Perspectives of Gratitude”.

• In an experimental comparison, those who kept gratitude journals on a weekly basis exercised more regularly, reported fewer physical symptoms, felt better about their lives as a whole, and were more optimistic about the upcoming week compared to those who recorded hassles or neutral life events (Emmons & McCullough, 2003).
• A related benefit was observed in the realm of personal goal attainment: Participants who kept gratitude lists were more likely to have made progress toward important personal goals (academic, interpersonal and health-based) over a two-month period compared to subjects in the other experimental conditions.
• Participants in the daily gratitude condition were more likely to report having helped someone with a personal problem or having offered emotional support to another, relative to the hassles or social comparison condition.
• In a sample of adults with neuromuscular disease, a 21-day gratitude intervention resulted in greater amounts of high energy positive moods, a greater sense of feeling connected to others, more optimistic ratings of one’s life, and better sleep duration and sleep quality, relative to a control group.

The researchers have found that “grateful people report higher levels of positive emotions, life satisfaction, vitality, optimism and lower levels of depression and stress.” One’s thankfulness also has an effect on how others see them. “People with a strong disposition toward gratitude have the capacity to be empathic and to take the perspective of others. They are rated as more generous and more helpful by people in their social networks”

Other traits found to be improved or enhanced by an attitude of gratitude are: well being, sociality, spirituality and a healthier view on possessions and materialism.

The holidays are a great reminder of the importance of gratitude. The challenge then, is can we take that frame of mind and carry it through the rest of our lives. If we do, research tells us we will live a happier, less stressful and more meaningful life.

Idaho Estate Planning

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3 Points to Picking the Best Supplement

With all the different kinds of vitamin, mineral and herbal products available, how do I select the best?  Here are some key points:

1) Are the ingredients natural and beyond organic;

2) Are there published 3rd party clinical studies on the specific product you are considering

3) Has the company behind the product been around for more than 50 years?

These are a few questions to get answers to.  For what I believe to be the very best nutritional products available that meet the highest industry standards click here for more information.

Serving- Boise, Meridian, Nampa

Helping Your Elderly Parent with COPD Related Depression

Experts say that over a million people in the United States have chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). It is a chronic lung condition that includes bronchitis, emphysema or both.

COPD affects the airways and air sacs within the lungs, which makes breathing difficult and can result in a person becoming less active over time. An elderly person who has COPD will easily become depressed, when dealing not only with breathing difficulties but other age related problems.

One example of COPD related depression is Martin, age 72. Martin had lived a busy lifestyle, playing golf, volunteering at the community center and working in his garden. Diagnosed with COPD six months previous, and uncertain how to manage his breathing difficulty and new medications, Martin stopped all his activities. Giving up the things he loved to do and sitting more at home along with improper diet, he became a victim to depression.

Martin’s son Anthony realized that his father could not handle his new situation and depression alone. A trip together to Martin’s physician began the steps to dissipating the depression and enabling Martin to return to his social life.

Anthony received instructions about his father’s medications from the doctor and how they were to be used and consequently could help his father with medication reminders.

The most common types of daily COPD medicines are:

• Inhaler for daily maintenance – Bronchodilators help relax the muscles around the lungs’ breathing tubes. This reduces shortness of breath and makes breathing easier.
• Steroids – Corticosteroids, taken in pill form or inhaler reduce swelling in breathing tubes to quickly make breathing easier. Not commonly for prolong use.
• Oxygen Treatment – Severe COPD will reduce your lungs’ ability to put oxygen into your blood to be carried throughout your body. Martin’s oxygen level was measured to determine if he would need prescribed oxygen therapy. Oxygen is usually prescribed if the oxygen in the blood is low during sleep, exercise, or while not active. A respiratory therapist from an oxygen supply company or home health service can help with learning how to use oxygen.

An important factor in Martin’s depression and COPD management was his diet.

“A healthy diet can play an important role in the management and treatment of COPD.
Finding the right diet can be tricky for people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), since they need to eat a healthy diet and maintain their optimal weight to keep COPD symptoms in check.”  (Krisha McCoy, MS, Lindsey Marcellin, MD, MPH)

Maintaining the right nutrition and taking vitamins not only keeps the body healthy but heals the mind, providing emotional well being. Fad diets or extreme dieting are not appropriate for COPD patients. Extreme weight loss can be as much a hazard as being overweight. A home care nutritionist can help establish a healthy menu and diet plan.

With medication and diet under control the final steps to overcoming Martin’s depression were to return to his daily activities. With COPD, an elderly person is more hesitant to leave home, especially if that person’s breathing capacity is not as it used to be. There is a lot of available mobility support for the elderly with small portable oxygen units, walkers, electric scooters and other supportive equipment to help these disabled people move about in the community.

With the help of mobile services and his son at his side to start with, Martin returned to the golf course and community activities. His new diet and return to previous activity helped Martin overcome his symptoms of depression.

Studies show that the intervention of family and friends in helping and supporting elderly people with COPD results in a decrease of depression and a healthier outcome for the patient.

The Oxford Journals: Medicine, Age and Ageing states

“It is also worth exploring how family and friends may be involved in supporting the patient and to encourage social interaction. Educating the spouse, family members and friends about depression may help them to understand the consequences of the disease and to develop coping strategies and in turn may reduce the likelihood of isolation. A very recent study that investigated the benefits of emotional support by family and friends and of spiritual beliefs in patients with major depression showed that those with higher perceived emotional support had better outcomes.” (Oxford Journals Medicine Age and Ageing Volume 35, Number 5)

Idaho Estate Planning is part of the Treasure Valley Care Planning Council, a non-profit network of elder care professionals available to provide information on the information discussed above and much more. Let us know your concerns and we will help you find the resources you need.

In addition to caring for your parents or other family members, it is also important to consider your own concerns for the future. How will you maintain your independence as you grow older? What effect would a costly health issue have on your quality of life? The more planning you do now the less difficulty there will be later. Good planning is no accident.

Call us today and let us help.

Idaho Estate Planning

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Aging Parents: Warning Signs of Failing Health

Aging parents are becoming a concern for a growing number of Idahoans. In an article originally published on www.MayoClinic.com we find some useful tips on monitoring our parent’s well-being while allowing them the independence they desire. Below are 5 items to consider.

1: Are your parents losing weight?

Losing a significant amount of weight without trying can be a sign of trouble. Perhaps they are having difficulty cooking whether because of a lack of energy, difficulty using utensils and appliances, or maybe they’re having difficulty reading or understanding the instructions.

As we age it is normal for our sense of taste to diminish this can also lead to a loss of appetite when foods just don’t taste as good as they used to. Smell is very important to our appetite and a decline in our ability to smell can also lead to problems with proper nutrition.

Of course there is always the concern of deeper issues such as dementia, cancer or even depression.

2: Are your parents taking care of themselves?

A direct quote from the Mayo Clinic article explains this concern:

“Pay attention to your parents’ appearance. Are their clothes clean? Do they appear to be taking good care of themselves? Failure to keep up with daily routines — such as bathing, tooth brushing and other basic grooming — could indicate health problems such as dementia, depression or physical impairments.”

It is also important to monitor the living conditions in the home. Look for big changes from the past. Are lights burnt out? How about the bathrooms, are they kept as clean as they used to be? Scorched cookware may indicate forgetfulness when cooking. Depression or dementia can be a cause of chronic problems in this area as well.

3: Is their home as safe as possible?

Safety around the home is very important. Are hallways and stairs well lit? Are falls becoming a problem? Are they having trouble reading prescriptions or instructions? Is there a concern of falling or slipping when coming in and out of the house? A malfunctioning water heater or furnace can be deadly. Periodic maintenance is critical to keeping the home safe.

4: Are they in good spirits?

Again we want to see consistency in their behavior. Are they as active as they would like to be? Do they need help getting out and participating in activities? Are they still interested in life-long hobbies and activities? If they are religious are they attending worship services?

5: How are they getting around?

We all slow down as we get older. Watch your parents as they are walking. Make sure they can still get where they need to without too much discomfort or pain. Aching joints and lack of energy can lead to difficulties walking and that can lead to depression. Do they need a cane or a walker? Perhaps they would benefit from chairs that are easier to get out of or higher toilets that are easier to use?

What to do?

• First, take care of any safety issues. Replace light bulbs; add bars or grips where necessary. If canes or walkers are needed take care of the issue.
• Talk to your parents, share your concerns with them. Open communication can go a long way towards taking care of these issues. It isn’t always easy to admit you need help. Therefore, be patient and understanding. Remember how important your independence is to you, it is just as important to them. Sometimes just knowing that someone cares and is paying attention can make all the difference.
• Encourage regular visits with health care professionals.
• Consider Home Health services. There are a number of very good services in Idaho that have experience serving the elderly while helping them to maintain their independence.
• Network with local agencies and support groups.

It is important to make sure your parents know of your sincere concerns and that you truly care for them. Quality of life is an important variable and they need to know that you are concerned about the same things they are.

Idaho Estate Planning is part of the Treasure Valley Care Planning Council, a non-profit network of elder care professionals available to provide information on the information discussed above and much more. Let us know your concerns and we will help you find the resources you need.

In addition to caring for your parents, it is also important to consider your own concerns for the future. How will you maintain your independence as you grow older? What effect would a costly health issue have on your quality of life? The more planning you do now the less difficulty there will be later. Good planning is no accident.

Call us today and let us help.

Idaho Estate Planning

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Stress Relief

There are some specific things you can do to support your body when dealing with anxiety and stress issues.  Here are some specific to decrease or eliminate:

• blood sugar fluctuation
• possible triggers: allergies, sensitivities; toxic household cleaning, laundry and personal care products; poor air quaility
• sugar and chemical laden junk & processed foods
• caffeine; alcohol
• candida

Here are some things you should increase or improve:

• Drink 6-8 cups of purified water daily
• Omega-3 essential fats required for nerves
• Stress relief/relaxation techniques
• Consider herbs (ex. chamomile, valerian)
• Deep-breathing techniques
• Stress “burns off” vitamins and minerals, more may be needed
• Exercise, activity, sunshine, outdoors, fresh air

For imformation on premium quality vitamins, minerals and a ver important product, on Stress Relief , click here.