When adjusting to new dentures you may notice minor differences in your speech. Lisping or whistling is not unusual. It may take a week or two to adjust, but natural speech will return with practice. Speaking in front of a mirror and reading aloud are excellent exercises to speed up progress. Swallowing before speaking will help to secure the denture in place. Staying hydrated is important as you may experience a dry mouth, which can inhibit proper suction and your denture may drop when speaking. If the problem is chronic, your denturist may be able to make other recommendations.
Community News
Why Should I get a Bone Density Test?
A risk factor assessment is an important first step in alerting you to your risk for osteoporosis. However, it is not a scientific way to predict whether your bones will become porous. Many people who develop osteoporosis have only a few of the risk factors. This is why medical testing is so important. The tests are known as Bone Mineral Density (BMD) tests and are completely safe, painless, and accurate. A BMD test can tell you whether you have osteoporosis and how likely you are to develop it in the future, helping you make decisions that may prevent fractures or further bone loss.
Why Should I get a Bone Density Test?
A risk factor assessment is an important first step in alerting you to your risk for osteoporosis. However, it is not a scientific way to predict whether your bones will become porous. Many people who develop osteoporosis have only a few of the risk factors. This is why medical testing is so important. The tests are known as Bone Mineral Density (BMD) tests and are completely safe, painless, and accurate. A BMD test can tell you whether or not you have osteoporosis and how likely you are to develop it in the future, helping you make decisions that may prevent fractures or further bone loss.
Starting the Conversation
Starting a discussion about care needs with a senior loved one can be difficult. Deciding when to start the conversation is important. It is never too early to discuss what care might be needed and the desires of the person that will be receiving care. 9 out of 10 seniors want to remain in their home as they age and in-home care can help them. There are many options for in-home care, from the type of care services to the number of hours a week. Making plans before there is an emergency or sudden problem in the senior’s home helps alleviate stress for everyone.
Balancing Your Blood Sugar Levels
Balancing blood sugar levels through diet is essential for overall health and managing conditions like diabetes. Here are some dietary tips to help achieve optimal blood sugar balance: 1. Choose complex carbohydrates: Opt for whole grains, legumes, and vegetables, which provide fiber and slow down glucose absorption. 2. Include lean proteins: Incorporate sources like poultry, fish, tofu, and beans, as they promote satiety and stabilize blood sugar levels. 3. Eat healthy fats: Incorporate sources like avocados, nuts, and olive oil to help slow digestion and prevent spikes in blood sugar. 4. Control portion sizes: Be mindful of portion sizes to avoid excessive carbohydrate intake. 5. Limit sugary foods and beverages: Minimize consumption of sugary snacks, desserts, and sugary drinks. 6. Regular meal timings: Stick to regular meal timings to maintain consistent blood sugar levels. 7. Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water throughout the day.
Sleep Hygiene – Ending Insomnia
When insomnia is ongoing, try altering your sleep habits. There is ample clinical evidence supporting the effectiveness of a concept called Sleep Hygiene – recommendations that help with the specific aim of improving sleep quality. Even a few slight adjustments can mean the difference between sound sleep and a restless night. Have a bedtime routine, let your body know it’s time to sleep. Don’t go to bed hungry or stuffed and avoid nicotine, caffeine and alcohol. Create a restful bedroom environment that is cool, dark and quiet. Schedule ‘worry’ time for the next day and go to bed worry-free!
Acupuncture & Cognitive Decline
Acupuncture has shown promising potential in addressing cognitive decline. By improving cerebral blood flow, it enhances oxygen delivery and reduces stress hormones like cortisol while increasing serotonin, dopamine, and acetylcholine—specifically linked to memory. Acupuncture also promotes cholinergic and dopaminergic neural transmission, facilitates neurotrophin signaling and nerve growth factor, and protects cerebral neurons from apoptosis and oxidative damage. Furthermore, it regulates glucose metabolism, suppresses acetylcholinesterase, and decreases levels of amyloid beta proteins in the brain regions associated with cognitive decline. Research suggests that combining acupuncture with drug therapy may be more beneficial for individuals with Alzheimer’s disease than drug therapy alone, highlighting its complementary role in Western medicine.
Is Your Cat’s Litter Toxic?
Since your cat’s litterbox is something he or she comes into contact with on a regular basis, it’s important to consider how safe the litter you’re using actually is. Each type of litter has its pros and cons. Clay litter contains silica, which can cause lung problems. Clumping litter can cause intestinal issues and blockages if your cat ingests it. Wheat, corn, pine, paper, or walnut shells cat litter: mostly safe, but could contain pesticides. Try to do some research to find out which litter is safest for you and your feline friend!
Choosing Contact Lenses
Contact lenses are a popular alternative to corrective eyewear. They can be worn full-time or part-time for sports and recreation. The two main categories are soft (or gel) lenses and rigid gas permeable (RGP) lenses. Soft lenses are more popular and available in various formats to correct far-sightedness, near-sightedness, and astigmatism. RGP lenses have an important role in certain types of astigmatism and with fitting irregular corneal surfaces. All contact lenses touch eye tissue, and as such are a medical device that must be professionally fit, including training for proper handling and for important hygiene considerations.
Help Parents Stay Independent
Seniors often face reduced independence due to health or mobility concerns. Mobility scooters offer a solution. Regardless of their location, a mobility scooter empowers parents to reclaim independence and relish outdoor experiences. With electric motors and a simple recharge, these scooters effortlessly transport them to desired destinations, allowing them to unwind and enjoy the ride. Portable models further facilitate transportation, ensuring the ease of taking them in cars when needed. By embracing mobility scooters, seniors can regain their freedom and embrace the world outside their homes.
Drink Up to Stay Hydrated
Summer is here and so is the heat! At this time of year, dehydration can become a serious health issue for anyone and especially seniors. Many seniors are chronically dehydrated so hot weather is especially dangerous. Dehydration can result in symptoms such as confusion, sluggishness, fainting or worse. It is extremely important to drink plenty of water and eat foods with a high water content such as cucumbers and watermelon. If you find water boring, add juices or cut-up fruit to your glass for a refreshing summer drink. Have fun, stay safe and drink up this summer!
