Pacific Grove, CA Keep Your Immune System Strong With A Mediterranean Diet

A farmers market with fresh vegetables and fruits.


With coronavirus keeping many people from being active, keeping your immune system healthy is critical.  There are a number of things you can do such as getting enough exercise, not smoking, staying hydrated, having quality sleep time and eating a healthy diet.  Sticking to a Mediterranean diet is a good way of keeping your good health, and it’s delicious.  A study published in the journal Frontiers of Physiology found that healthy people aged 65-79 who ate a Mediterranean diet and took 10 micrograms of Vitamin D daily for a year were able to help offset age-related declines in immunity.  The Mediterranean diet involves eating a lot of vegetables, fruit, nuts, whole grains and one ounce of food daily.  Stay away from red meats and instead eat salmon and other fish, with modest portions of egg.  Olive oil is the fat of choice, and a glass or two of red wine each night tops of the meal.  Check out the local farmers market here in Monterey—they will even deliver!

https://www.cedars-sinai.org/blog/boosting-your-immune-system.html

Better Sleep Tips For Seniors From AARP : By Derek Baine

A woman looking out of the window at her home.


Many of us have a difficult time getting a good night’s sleep but AARP.org had some great tips for helping us get a good night’s rest.  According to a survey by the National Sleep Foundation, those who make their bed nearly every day were more likely to report having a good night’s sleep.  Also, allergens can disrupt your sleep.  You should wash your sheets at least once a week and replace your pillows at least every two years and your mattress every ten years.  Enjoying a cup of chamomile tea at bedtime can also be soothing.  In a randomized, double blind study from the University of Michigan, those taking a chamomile extract twice a day fell asleep 16 minutes faster (AARP Bulletin Volume 62, Number 4, Page 13).

DASH Diet Cuts Heart Damage, According To New Study : By Derek Baine

A stethoscope and heart on the table.


A study which was published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology found that the popular “DASH†diet (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) reduces heart stress and damage which often results in heart disease.  The diet emphasizes consuming fruits, vegetables and low-fat dairy products, as well as shole grains, poultry, fish and nuts.  This sounds similar to

the Mediterranean diet, with a focus on avoiding red meat.  The Mayo Clinic says that the diet encourages the reduction of sodium and is a “lifelong approach to healthy eating that’s designed to help treat or prevent high blood pressure.â€Â  Another study which was done by Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center at Harvard Medical School found that it reduced cholesterol and blood pressure and lowers damage to cardiac heart muscles.

https://www.usatoday.com/story/life/health-/2021/06/01/dash-diet-reduces-heart-damage-stress-study-shows/7468363002/

Monterey, CA Keep Your Immune System Strong With A Mediterranean Diet : By Derek Baine

A farmers market with fresh vegetables and fruits.


With coronavirus keeping many people from being active, keeping your immune system healthy is critical.  There are a number of things you can do such as getting enough exercise, not smoking, staying hydrated, having quality sleep time and eating a healthy diet.  Sticking to a Mediterranean diet is a good way of keeping your good health, and it’s delicious.  A study published in the journal Frontiers of Physiology found that healthy people aged 65-79 who ate a Mediterranean diet and took 10 micrograms of Vitamin D daily for a year were able to help offset age-related declines in immunity.  The Mediterranean diet involves eating a lot of vegetables, fruit, nuts, whole grains and one ounce of food daily.  Stay away from red meats and instead eat salmon and other fish, with modest portions of egg.  Olive oil is the fat of choice, and a glass or two of red wine each night tops of the meal.  Check out the local farmers market here in Monterey—they will even deliver!

https://www.cedars-sinai.org/blog/boosting-your-immune-system.html

Monterey, CA Don’t Let COVID-19 Prevent You From Regular Skin Cancer Checkups : By Derek Baine

A man with his back turned on the beach.


Coronavirus may be keeping you from going to the doctor as much as you need to.  However, telemedicine makes it easy to see a doctor.  Even dermatologists are now available via videoconference.  A company called DermTech is transforming telemedicine to detect skin cancer.  According to the American Cancer Society, melanoma has a 99% five-year survival rate if caught early.  However, this survival rate drops to 65% if it has spread locally and 25% if spread distantly.  If you are looking for a great local dermatologist, I recommend Joe Rheim.  Give him a call at 931-373-4404.  For more information, go to https://dermtech.com/

https://www.futureofpersonalhealth.com/skin-health/understanding-preventing-and-identifying-skin-cancer-this-winter/

Salinas, CA Seniors Turning To Telehealth Amidst Coronavirus Pandemic : By Derek Baine


More and more seniors are turning to Telehealth programs due to the COVID-19 pandemic.  “When you’re not feeling well, having to get up, get dressed and drive all the way to the hospital and then get in line and then possibly get sick from someone else is not all that appealing,†Marla Jo Fisher, a writer, told AARP Bulletin (November 2020, page 44).  Medicare is expanding coverage of telehealth visits during the pandemic, changes which hopefully will remain in place.  The Department of Health and Human Services recently reported that less than 1% of primary care visits in February were via Telehealth, a number which jumped to 43.5% in April.  California has a bill going into effect on January 1 requiring all insurers to pay for Telehealth visits.  If your doctor isn’t using Telehealth, talk to Community Hospital of the Monterey Peninsula, CHOMP, on suggestions.

https://www.chomp.org/find-a-doctor/doctor-search-results/?termId=a826e4db-730c-e611-9cf8-005056a462a1#.X9fgodhKjcs

Seniors Need To Be Educated On Antibiotics : By Derek Baine

A woman and an old lady sitting in a chair


There is a critical need to educate seniors on the use of antibiotics, according to a study published by University of Michigan’s National Poll on Healthy Aging, sponsored by AARP.  Researchers found that almost 13% of those with antibiotic prescriptions stopped taking the drug before running out of the medication, while 34% wrongly believe antibiotics can be used to treat a cold or the flu.  More than half of those who reported having leftover antibiotics used to treat an earlier ailment took the old drugs. (AARP Bulletin May 21, P6).

 

Monterey, CA Exercise Is Critical For Those With Early Onset Alzheimer’s

A purple background with the alzheimer 's association logo.


 

We have written repeatedly on our blog about the importance of proper nutrition, social interaction and exercise is key to keeping the mind and body healthy for seniors.  A new study from Arizona State University Edison College of Nursing and Health Innovation had participants either ride a stationary bike or do stretching exercise for six months.  Those who took part in the regular exercise program had significantly less memory loss than those who don’t follow a particular exercise regimen.  The results were published in the Journal of Alzheimer’s disease.

Affordable Care Act ACA Premium Subsidy Extended : By Derek Baine

A person holding a stethoscope in their hand.


Millions of Americans between the ages of 50 and 64 will qualify for help with premiums on health insurance through the Affordable Care Act (ACA) marketplace, and they have until August 15 to enroll.  It’s designed to help people who lost their health insurance because of the job losses created during the COVID-19 pandemic.  New subsidy rules will decrease monthly premiums for many insured through the marketplace by an average of $50.  AARP research found that 5.6 million adults who are over 50 but not old enough to enroll in Medicare do not have access to coverage through their job or a public program.

Monterey, CA Seniors Turning To Telehealth Amidst Coronavirus Pandemic : By Derek Baine


More and more seniors are turning to Telehealth programs due to the COVID-19 pandemic.  “When you’re not feeling well, having to get up, get dressed and drive all the way to the hospital and then get in line and then possibly get sick from someone else is not all that appealing,†Marla Jo Fisher, a writer, told AARP Bulletin.  Medicare is expanding coverage of telehealth visits during the pandemic, changes which hopefully will remain in place.  The Department of Health and Human Services recently reported that less than 1% of primary care visits in February were via Telehealth, a number which jumped to 43.5% in April.  California has a bill going into effect on January 1 requiring all insurers to pay for Telehealth visits.  If your doctor isn’t using Telehealth, talk to Community Hospital of the Monterey Peninsula, CHOMP, on suggestions.

https://www.chomp.org/find-a-doctor/doctor-search-results/?termId=a826e4db-730c-e611-9cf8-005056a462a1#.X9fgodhKjcs