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Top 10 Health Benefits of Lemon Water

posted on 11:39 PM in Arthritis, Blood Pressure, Digestive System, Food and Nutrition, Heart Disease, Hygiene, Immune System, Mental Health, Seniors' Health, Skin Care, Stress with 0 comments

Squeeze 1/2 lemon into a glass of water, twice daily.

Lemons are an incredible healthy and often delicious ingredient for many foods and beverages. Lemon juice consists of about 5% citric acid that is responsible for the tarty taste in lemons. Lemons are also a rich source of vitamin C, vitamin B, riboflavin and minerals like calcium, phosphorus, magnesium as well as proteins and carbohydrates. There are enormous benefits of lemon juice and water in your everyday life. Lemon water makes a healthy drink that is incredibly refreshing in the morning. Daily consumption of lemon water provides a number of health benefits like:

1. Good for stomach

Lemons can help relieve many digestion problems when mixed with hot water. These include nausea, heartburn and parasites. Due to the digestive qualities of lemon juice, symptoms of indigestion such as heartburn, bloating and belching are relieved. By drinking lemon juice regularly, the bowels are aided in eliminating waste more efficiently. Lemon acts as a blood purifier and as a cleansing agent. The intake of lemon juice can cure constipation. It is even known to help relieve hiccups when consumed as a juice. Lemon juice acts as a liver tonic and helps you digest your food by helping your liver produce more bile. It decreases the amount of phlegm produced by your body. It is also thought to help dissolve gallstones.

2. Excellent for Skin Care

Lemon, being a natural antiseptic medicine, can participate to cure problems related to skin. Lemon is a vitamin C rich citrus fruit that enhances your beauty, by rejuvenating skin from within and thus bringing a glow on your face. Daily consumption of lemon water can make a huge difference in the appearance of your skin. It acts as an anti-aging remedy and can remove wrinkles and blackheads. Lemon water if applied on the areas of burns can fade the scars. As lemon is a cooling agent, it reduces the burning sensation on the skin.

3. Aids in Dental Care

Lemon water is used in dental care also. If fresh lemon juice is applied on the areas of toothache, it can assist in getting rid of the pain. The massages of lemon juice on gums can stop gum bleeding. It gives relief from bad smell and other problems related to gums.

4. Cures Throat Infections

Lemon is an excellent fruit that aids in fighting problems related to throat infections, sore throat and tonsillitis as it has an antibacterial property. For sore throat, dilute one-half lemon juice with one-half water and gargle frequently.

5. Good for Weight Loss

One of the major health benefits of drinking lemon water is that it paves way for losing weight faster, thus acting as a great weight loss remedy. If a person takes lemon juice mixed with lukewarm water and honey, it can reduce the body weight as well.

6. Controls High Blood Pressure

Lemon water works wonders for people having heart problem, owing to its high potassium content. It controls high blood pressure, dizziness, nausea as well as provides relaxation to mind and body. It also reduces mental stress and depression.

7. Assist in curing Respiratory Disorders

Lemon water assists in curing respiratory problems, along with breathing problems and revives a person suffering from asthma.

8. Good for treating Rheumatism

Lemon is also a diuretic and hence lemon water can treat rheumatism and arthritis. It helps to flush out bacteria and toxins out of the body.

9. Reduces Fever

Lemon water can treat a person who is suffering from cold, flu or fever. It helps to break fever by increasing perspiration.

10. Acts as a blood purifier

The diseases like cholera or malaria can be treated with lemon water as it can act as a blood purifier.

Courtesy of Life Mojo

Home Care Assistance offers the highest quality 24/7 live-in home care in the Region of Halton (Oakville, Burlington, Halton Hills, and Milton), Region of Peel (Mississauga, Brampton and Caledon) and Hamilton.

How to Live to 102 - Secret #29

posted on 2:14 PM in Cancer, How to Live to 102, Hygiene with 0 comments

Consider squatting to defecate, as it may greatly reduce your chance of getting potentially fatal colorectal cancer or hemorrhoids.

Source: Wikihow

How to Live to 102 - Secret #27

posted on 2:05 PM in How to Live to 102, Hygiene, Immune System with 0 comments

Keep your toothbrush clean. Prevent recurring infections, cold and gingivitis by changing your toothbrush at least once every three months.

Source: Canadian Living

How to Live to 102 - Secret #16

posted on 1:16 PM in How to Live to 102, Hygiene, Muscle Pain with 0 comments

Pay attention to your teeth and visit your dentist regularly. Unbalanced occlusion, or the way your teeth meet and function (or don't), can cause headaches, earaches and neck pain.

Source: Canadian Living

Top 10 Reasons to Drink Tea

posted on 1:12 PM in Cancer, Food and Nutrition, Heart Disease, Hygiene, Immune System, Stroke with 0 comments

There have been many articles written in the past few years (including on this site 1 2) about the benefits of caffeine and in particular, green tea. This list is brought to you courtesy of iVillage.com.

10. Less caffeine than coffee
9. Keeps you hydrated
8. Contains fluoride and tannins
7. Calorie-free
6. Protects your bones
5. Increases metabolism
4. Bolsters you immune system
3. Reduces risk of heart attack and stroke
2. Protects against cancer
1. Antioxidants

Source: iVillage

10 Signs a Senior Needs Assistance

posted on 10:58 AM in Food and Nutrition, Home Care, Hygiene, Mental Health, Seniors' Health with 0 comments

By Kevin Lee

One of the hardest things for humans to do is omit hubris and admit vulnerability. However, as much as we would like to have faith in our own immortality and strength, no one can go through life without a little bit of help. This fact of life becomes increasingly true in the golden years of life - after retirement - as seniors who have spent their whole lives selflessly giving and helping others must realize that it is time for the favour to be returned. As caring family members and friends, we have a responsibility to become aware of the telling signs when assistance is needed all the while avoiding patronizing society's best citizens.

Barb Silver is just one of many to find themselves in this situation: Her mother had long dealt with a variety of medical maladies stemming from obesity, including diabetes, high blood pressure, incontinence, and a lung disorder. Silver talked every day with her mom, who lived in Florida, had a paid caregiver (whom she later discovered was both inept and dishonest), and her mother was always her chatty, loud, boisterous self. Silver had no inkling all wasn't well until a physician called to tell her paramedics had found her mother in dire straits.

For Janice Shapiro it began a decade ago when her Philadelphia-based mom, now 93, started sleeping until 11, stopped bathing, and dropped 20 pounds she didn't have to lose. Judi Kaplan figured out her 81-year-old Southern California-dwelling mother needed extra help when she was ill last year, and Kaplan noticed a growing confusion and disorientation that turned out to be due to a mild cognitive impairment.

While it is important to use one's own judgment when making a decision such as this, the old adage "better safe than sorry" cannot be more apt. When dealing with a loved one's health and vitality, it is always best to err on the precautious side and become concerned when a few warning signs appear.

10. Predators

Older seniors, especially those who live alone, are more vulnerable to con artists who befriend the elderly and try to scam them out of their money. Such situations could indicate that a senior's judgment is failing. Unfortunately, as Silver discovered, a predator could be a neighbor, relative, or caregiver. "My mother loaned a caregiver $3,500 that she never got back," she says.

9. Finances
Bills routinely left unopened or unpaid equal bad news could be a sign of cognitive decline although may just be a symptom of poor organization. However, the key is to notice a change in behaviour and attitude as Kaplan found, "Mom used to obsess about her financial situation, and then she seemed confused about everyday money matters."

8. Community
Neighbors or those who work for the person in your care may notice changes in her behavior. Maybe he or she goes out less than she used to -- or not at all. Perhaps papers and mail are stacking up outside. Check in with them. "My mom's gardener told me she kept calling him in to help her find her check book," says Kaplan. "He really noticed a marked change in her ability to cope."

7. Orientation
Confusion about time of day was an early clue for Silver that something was up. "My mom kept asking why the caregiver wasn't there, and I kept explaining it was nighttime and she came in the morning." Difficulty navigating surroundings away from home can also be a telltale sign that someone needs help. On an outing to the shops or a restaurant, observe if she can walk alone and how she adjusts to new situations. Often the elderly function fine at home but challenges are more apparent in less familiar settings as well as when driving.

6. Bruises
Signs of injury, such as bruises, could be evidence of falls. Seniors who've fallen in the past are at greater risk for repeat falls, which can lead to serious injuries. Some seniors try to keep falls secret because they feel embarassed or just might not remember the incident. "Mom used to say, 'I don't know how I got such a big bruise.' We quickly figured out she was falling," says Kaplan.

5. Medications
Lots of unused pills in the cupboard, or confusion about how, why, or when meds should be taken are danger signs. Managing meds can take some initial set up (such as a pill box) but the need for reminders on a daily basis could mean bigger issues.

4. Health
Maybe there's just a general sense that something isn't quite right, such as persistent fatigue or lack of energy. Follow your instincts and make a doctor's appointment for the person in your care -- and go along with her, if you can.

3. Housework
A home that's dirtier or more cluttered than it used to be -- with piles of dirty laundry or dishes -- can indicate something is awry. Hiring a house cleaner can take care of such concerns, but an untidy or poorly maintained house may also indicate physical decline or depression, as it did in Shapiro's mother's case.

2. Nutrition
Unexplained weight loss is a sign of poor nutrition, as Shapiro found out. Her mother simply stopped cooking. Look in the refrigerator: Little or spoiled food could indicate that a senior isn't cooking meals or eating well.

1. Hygiene
Poor grooming or unmet basic self-care needs, such as bathing, are often an early heads up that someone is in declining health. "My mom used to be very neat and clean, but she started to wear the same clothes over and over again, and she couldn't see the food stains," says Kaplan.

Source: AOL Health

How to Live to 102 - Secret #6

posted on 11:07 AM in Food and Nutrition, How to Live to 102, Hygiene with 0 comments

Wash your hands! This is the single most effective way to reduce infection. Wash your hands using soap and water as hot as you can stand for 20 seconds. Handwashing is especially important after touching another person's body, using the bathroom, handling raw foods and handling money. It's always good to err on the side of cleanliness.

Taking A Bite Out of Food-Borne Illnesses

posted on 10:32 AM in Digestive System, Food and Nutrition, Hygiene, Immune System with 0 comments

Seniors are especially vulnerable to foodborne illness, also known as food poisoning. The CDC estimates it to afflict at least 33 million every year. Many cases go unreported.

Older people’s immune systems do not respond as quickly or effectively as a younger person’s. Even the decline of acidity in seniors’ stomachs eliminates an important natural defense against foodborne bacteria. Severe food poisoning is most life-threatening to people over 70.

“When seniors have a food-borne illness, the consequences are more apt to persist or to lead to secondary types of illness,” -- Dr. Margy J. Woodburn at Oregon State University.

While some viruses and parasites can the culprit, most foodborne illness is caused by bacteria such as E. coli, (found in unpasteurized milk and undercooked ground beef) and salmonella (found in raw chicken, raw meat, and eggs). E. coli can cause kidney failure and brain damage. Other foods can also become contaminated if they come in contact with the bacteria indirectly, such as from knives, cutting boards or hands that have previously touched infected meat.

Symptoms

Diagnosing food poisoning can be tricky. Common symptoms include diarrhea, abdominal cramping, fever, headache, vomiting and severe exhaustion. Sometimes blood or pus appears in the stools but symptoms vary according to the type and amount of contaminants eaten.

Symptoms may come on as early as half-hour after eating, but sometimes the onset doesn’t begin for days or weeks and it can be mistaken for a stomach flu. They usually last only a day or two, but in some cases can persist a week to 10 days.

In Case of Illness
If you suspect that you or a family member has foodborne illness, follow these general guidelines:
1. Preserve the evidence. This will help doctors diagnose the cause. If a portion of the suspect food is available, wrap it securely, mark “DANGER” and refrigerate it. Save all the packaging materials, such as cans or cartons.Write down the food type, the date, and time consumed, and when the symptoms started.
2. Seek treatment immediately, especially in case of frequent or bloody diarrhea or if diarrhea or vomiting lasts more than 24 hours.
3. Call the local health department if the suspect food was served at a large gathering, from a restaurant or other food service facility, or if it is a commercial product.
4. Contact the FDA Consumer Food Information Line at 1-800-FDA-4010 if you have questions.

Practice Prevention
Practice safe food preparation and sanitation to prevent cross-contamination.
• Use separate knives and cutting boards for meats and vegetables.
• Wash every kitchen surface and utensil with hot soapy water or a bleach solution after food has been prepared using it.
• Use disposable paper towels instead of dish cloth.
• Replace sponges regularly, throw them in the dishwasher or boil them.

• Wash your hands well with soap and water after handling raw meat and eggs.
• Don’t leave cooked or perishable foods out at room temperature longer than two hours.
• Keep foods out of the danger zone of 40°F to 140°F. Between those two temperatures, bacteria multiply rapidly.
• Divide up leftover food and store it in shallow containers no more than two inches deep so it cools faster.
• Keep refrigerators at 40°F or lower and keep freezers at 0°F or lower.
• Use a meat thermometer to make sure meat is cooked thoroughly to 160°F or even better to 170°F. Poultry should be cooked to 180°F.
• Don’t wash poultry before cooking because that gives bacteria a chance to spread.
• Shellfish, especially oysters, are particularly dangerous when eaten raw.
• Wash fruits and vegetables under running water, preferably twice.
• If a food doesn’t look right or smell right or if it bulges, throw it out.

Dining Out Safely
Here are some tips for avoiding contaminated food when eating away from home.

• Avoid menu items that are made with raw or undercooked eggs, such as hollandaise sauce, Caesar salad, fresh mayonnaise, unless they were made using a pasteurized commercial egg product. Ask your server to ask the cook.
• If you’re in a city that requires restaurants to display their heath department ratings, eat only at “A-rated” or “90%+” establishments.
• Observe the cleanliness of your server’s hands. See if your food is being handled in a sanitary manner. Judge the tidiness of the whole restaurant, including the restroom. If the place is in poor shape, they may also have a problem following food safety standards.
• Monitor food temperature. If foods meant to be hot or cold are served to you lukewarm, send them back.
• Avoid eating salad mixtures such as pasta salad, potato salad or chicken salad, which are handled after they are prepared and may not have been stored at the correct temperatures. This is especially true at outdoor gatherings.

Observing safe food handling steps will go a long way to preventing unpleasant and even life-threatening foodborne illnesses.