Parkinsons Disease, LSVT & Rock Steady BoxingLSVT and How It Can Help Living with Parkinsons DiseaseLSVT stands for Lee Silverman Voice Treatment and was named for Mrs. Lee Silverman, a woman living with Parkinsons disease and was developed by Dr. Lorraine Ramig and has been scientifically studied for over 25 years with support from the National Institute for Deafness and other Communication Disorders within the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and other funding organizations.LSVT trains people with Parkinsons disease (PD) to use their body more normally. People living with PD or other neurological conditions often move differently, with gestures and actions that become smaller and slower. They may have trouble with getting around, getting dressed and with other activities of daily living. LSVT effectively trains improved movements for any activity, whether small motor tasks like buttoning a shirt or large motor tasks like getting up from sofa or chair or maintaining balance while walking. The treatment improves walking, self-care and other tasks by helping people recalibrate how they perceive their movements with what others actually see. It also teaches them how and when to apply extra effort to produce bigger motions more like the movements of everyone around them.LSVT treatment is customized to each persons specific needs and goals and can help regardless of the stage or severity of your condition. That said, the treatment may be most effective in early or middle stages of the condition, when patients can both improve function and potentially slow further symptom progression. Beginning the work with LSVT before there are significant problems with balance, mobility or posture will often lead to the best results, but its never too late to start. LSVT can produce significant improvements even for people facing considerable physical difficulties.Rock Steady BoxingThe Parkinsons Foundation estimates there are more than 1 million people in the United States diagnosed with Parkinsons disease, and more than 60,000 people are diagnosed each year. Rock Steady Boxing is the first gym in the country dedicated to the fight against Parkinsons. Rock Steady exercises are largely adapted from boxing drills. Boxers condition for optimal agility, speed, muscular endurance, accuracy, hand-eye coordination, footwork and overall strength to defend against and overcome opponents. At RSB, Parkinsons disease is the opponent. Exercises vary in purpose and form but share one common trait: they are rigorous and intended to extend the perceived capabilities of the participant. These classes have proven that anyone, at any level of Parkinsons, can actually lessen their symptoms and lead a healthier/happier life.Editor's Note:  This article was submitted by Saad Healthcare.  Contact information:  Call in Alabama: 251-343-9600, Mississippi: 228-432-8855.  Website: saadhealthcare.com

WHY YOU NEED A POWER OF ATTORNEYEveryone should execute a durable power of attorney for healthcare and for finances.  This legal document gives someone you appoint the ability to make healthcare decisions for you if you cant, or to handle your finances if you are unable.  If you do not execute these documents and you become incapacitated suddenly, your family will be forced to go to probate court and seek a guardianship.  This is an expensive and difficult process that is unnecessary in some cases if you do take care of your paperwork in advance.WHAT IT IS AND WHAT IT IS NOTA power of attorney allows someone to sign you into a hospital or nursing home.  It does not make someone your boss.  This document cannot be used to trump your free will.  So, if you are at home recovering from an illness and wish to pay for care at home, no matter the cost, the person you appoint cannot overrule your decision by using the power of attorney you gave them.  HOW IT WORKSIt does serve to insulate your loved one from accruing your debt.  For example, your child rushes to the hospital when they get word that you are ill.  When they arrive, the business office hands them paperwork to sign that gives us permission to treat.  Later, the paperwork actually includes a financial guarantor clause.  By signing in their own name, they are undertaking any associated bills.  If they have a power of attorney, then they can sign your name and avoid that liability. WHAT IS A GUARDIANSHIPThis is a court appointment, and in Alabama, the Probate Court of your county opens a case upon the filing of a petition for guardianship and appoints two lawyers to your case; one lawyer will represent you the alleged incapacitated person, and the other will represent the Court. The Court requires that you be given proper notice and the opportunity to appear at a hearing.  Medical evidence showing your incapacity must be sworn.  If the court finds that you are incapacitated, then the Court enters an Order finding so and issues Letters of Guardianship, which gives the Guardian the ability to make healthcare decisions, or Letters of Conservatorship, which gives the Conservator the ability to handle financial matters.  In this case, since the Court oversees this process and ongoing finances, then the Guardian and Conservator have the final word, even if it means doing something different than what you want.HOW DO YOU PLAN FOR THIS?The mostimportant thing would be to execute your powers of attorney, because the personyou appoint has priority to serve as your Guardian or Conservator.  This helps the person you trust the most ifsomething terrible happens and you arent able to take care of yourself.  Please see an elder law attorney to find outthe best way to plan for your future. Although no one wants to think about a time when we are not able to make decisions, by not deciding, you might have an uncertain future. This article was written by Kyla G. Kelim, Esq., Aging in Alabama

Do you remember the feeling of falling in love?The little sparks when you held hands, or the butterflies you felt in your stomach when you knew you really liked someone. Well, you should know that opportunities for love dont go away just because youre older. Maybe you feel youve run out of thoughtful date ideas, or perhaps you arent even sure what fun activities are available now. At Home Care Associates, we are taking that stress away by sharing a few easy suggestions, thereby helping you and all seniors leave the door open for love.Have a Coffee DateYou might be surprised to know that sometimes a change of scenery can make all the difference! Maybe sitting down for coffee or tea is something you frequently do at home. If so, consider shaking things up by visiting a local coffee shop with your partner. While there, you can both try new drinks and pastries or have fun choosing for each other. Have fun going to a new place and making an ordinary activity feel new and exciting. Make sure to check with the coffee shops ahead of time to learn about senior specials that may be taking place soon.Go on a PicnicOne activity that seniors often enjoy is a picnic on a beautiful day. This date option comes with endless ways to make it perfect. For food, you can opt for a homemade meal and snacks or pick up dishes from a favorite restaurant before heading to your picnic spot.And in mentioning the perfect spot, countless places are excellent for picnicking! For example, is there a beach to sit at nearby thats quiet or a park with a nice walking path? Whether your answer is yes or no, you and your partner will have a wonderful time picnicking in different places around your area. Click here to see where the best picnic spots are in each state so that no matter where you are, this date option is always available.Take a Class TogetherIf you and your partner are more adventurous, you might have fun stepping out of your comfort zones for a date. Trying a new activity as a couple might be just the thing! Helping each other learn something new by taking a class together is a great way to bond and strengthen your connection. Check around your local community and at senior centers for upcoming art or dance classes. Then, if youre feeling brave, enroll yourself and your partner!Live and Love with Home Care Associates Whether you are trying to keep your relationship with a spouse exciting or make connections with new people, being a senior shouldnt make it difficult. Love should be fun no matter how old you are. The best part is its good for you too! The special someone in your life can become a companion, and the relationship you build can strengthen your mental and emotional health.  If you know a senior who wants to receive in-home care services from a company that will encourage them to embrace their independence, Home Care Associates is the perfect fit! So, give our team a call today at (205) 206-9594 to learn about our services in Birmingham and Mobile, AL.

When you visit the doctor, one of the first things a nurse will check is blood pressure. But what is blood pressure, and why is it so important to keep it under control?What is Blood Pressure?Blood flows through the circulatory system. It's responsible for delivering oxygen, nutrients, antibodies, and hormones throughout the body. Blood pressure is the force that allows blood to move. When blood pressure gets too high, it is called hypertension and can cause damage to blood vessels and organs. Blood pressure is measured using two numbers to calculate the systolic and diastolic blood pressure. When reading blood pressure, the first number is the systolic blood pressure in your arteries when your heart beats. The second number is diastolic blood pressure, the pressure in your arteries when your heart is resting between beats. Blood Pressure LevelsThe American Heart Association puts blood pressure into five different categories. Normal- Systolic is less than 120 mm Hg, and diastolic is less than 80 mm HgElevated- Systolic is between mm 120-129 mm Hg, and diastolic is less than 80 mm HgHypertension 1- Systolic is between mm 130-139 mm Hg, and diastolic is between 80-89 mm HgHypertension 2- Systolic is between mm 140-179 mm Hg, and diastolic is between 90-120 mm HgHypertensive Crisis- Systolic is higher than 180 mm Hg, and diastolic is higher than 120 mm HgManaging Blood PressureHigh blood pressure can lead to serious medical complications such as heart attack, aneurysm, heart failure, or stroke. If you're living with high blood pressure or want to reduce your risk of hypertension, consider the following lifestyle changes. Eat a heart-healthy diet. A heart-healthy diet includes lots of fresh produce, whole grains, and lean meats in your meals while also reducing fats and salt. Maintain a healthy weight. People who are overweight or struggle with obesity are at a higher risk of having high blood pressure. Do your best to maintain a healthy weight through proper diet and exercise. Incorporate physical activity into your day. Regular physical activity can help you maintain a healthy weight and keep your blood pressure normal. As an older adult, it's vital to find workouts that work for your body. Don't start a vigorous exercise routine without speaking to your doctor to ensure it's safe. Limit alcohol consumption. Drinking alcohol can increase your blood pressure, so be aware of how much you consume. If you find yourself drinking more than one or two drinks in a day, you may want to consult your doctor to help you reduce your alcohol intake. Don't smoke. Smoking increases your blood pressure and puts you at risk for various health conditions such as heart attack, cancer, and stroke. Smoking is an addictive habit, so talk to your doctor about treatment options if you're having trouble quitting. Find healthy ways to manage your stress. Blood pressure rises when you're stressed. Find ways to manage your stress and control your blood pressure, such as exercise or physical activity. If you're experiencing chronic stress, you may want to speak with a medical professional about stress management options. Editor's Note:  This article was submitted by Greg & Kaye Donnelly, Owners/Directors for Visiting Angels-Gulf Shores.  Contact information: Call 251-943-7525 or website: visitingangels.com/gulfshores.