Dentists Are Making Remarkable Inroads In Alternatives To Dentures For Seniors

A dentist checking the tooth of the young patient

Nearly 14% of Americans 65 or older have lost most of their teeth and many think the only alternative is getting full or partial dentures.  But that’s not true anymore!  For those who want something fixed or non-removable, the Allon-4 implant can be an option.  This gives people who are missing all of their teeth on at least one jaw the opportunity to get fitted with dental implants.   Another option is ceramic implants.  For years titanium implants were thought of by dentists to be a great option.  However, in recent years they have turned more to ceramic implants which can be a healthier option for your gums and are also more aesthetically pleasing.

Homeless Senior Population Growing

caregive hugging elderly client - Monterey In Home Dementia Care

The number of homeless seniors is growing at an alarming rate, according to a report by the U. S. Department of Health and Human Services, Officer of the Inspector General.  Americans over the age of 55 years old who are homeless were counted at 580K, 18% of the total.  “There’s been a trend over the last several years where we’re seeing many more older adults,” who are homeless, Richard Cho, HUD’s senior advisor for housing and services, told AARP Bulletin.  From 2000 through 2017, the number of people 62 years and older who are homeless has doubled, he noted.  For the full report, go to www.aarp.org/homelessafter50

Eat More Protein

Researchers have found that it is beneficial to eat at least some protein three times per day.  So, although you may be trying to stay fit or lose weight, doctors are now saying to put some peanut butter on that apple and some cheese on that cracker to stay healthy.  Eat Healthy Fats, say researchers  ’’Eating healthy fats such as a spoonful of peanut butter, chips and guacamole or toasted pita bread dipped in olive oil can keep you fit and healthy.  Two servings per day is recommended.

Throw Out Your Skim Milk

Many people believe that it’s more healthy to drink skim milk than whole milk but new research shows that this is not necessarily the case.  A recent study found that three servings of whole-fat dairy participants had lower risk of heart disease than those who had just one serving of lower dairy product.

Eat Colorful Fruits And Vegetables

vegetables in small buckets with a farmer's market board

Try to eat eight to ten small servings per day of colorful fruits and vegetables in order to stay healthy, say researchers.  They provide fiber, vitamins and thousands of micro-nutrients called phytochemicals.  As we age, our ability to extract nutrients decreases, which is why inflammation increases as we age.

Eat More Fiber

A variety of fruits and vegetables

A recent study of 2,735 people found that women who ate the least amount of fiber were 2.9x as likely to die from inflammatory heart disease as high fiber eaters.  For every additional 10 grams of fiber that you eat per day, your risk of stroke increases by 12% noted the research.

Salinas, CA Seniors Should Check Out Alliance On Aging Farmer’s Market

A variety of fruits and vegetables

If you haven’t already, check out “Market Day” at Alliance on Aging’s headquarters in Salinas called “The Hub” at 236 Monterey Street which occurs the second and 4th Thursday of every month.  Get fresh and affordable quality produce.  Recent examples of deals include organic broccoli for $1, organic cauliflower for $1.25 and green onions for only $0.25 per bunch!

For more information go to www.allianceonaging.org/hub/

Join Alliance On Aging’s Healthy Cooking Class On March 24

A variety of fruits and vegetables

Join Chef Gundega on March 24 from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. for a cooking/nutrition class called “Healthy Mind, Healthy Body at Alliance on Aging’s headquarters in Salinas called “The Hub” at 236 Monterey Street.  Discover how products used daily like chamomile can benefit your health.  Come and join the class and take home recipes that will help you increase the quality of your life.  To register, call 646-4931 or 646-5050 (bus passes and taxi vouchers are available if transportation is an issue).

For more information go to www.allianceonaging.org/hub/

Join Alliance On Aging’s Healthy Cooking Class On March 24

A variety of fruits and vegetables

Join Chef Gundega on March 24 from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. for a cooking/nutrition class called “Healthy Mind, Healthy Body at Alliance on Aging’s headquarters in Salinas called “The Hub” at 236 Monterey Street.  Discover how products used daily like chamomile can benefit your health.  Come and join the class and take home recipes that will help you increase the quality of your life.  To register, call 646-4931 or 646-5050 (bus passes and taxi vouchers are available if transportation is an issue).

For more information go to www.allianceonagin.org/hub/

Salinas Valley Memorial Becomes Salinas Valley Health

A doctor showing the report to the senior female patient

A Salinas hospital which has served the community well over decades has decided to change its name.  Salinas Valley Memorial Healthcare System has announced that it has changed its name to Salinas Valley Health.  The 263-bed hospital employs more than 2,000 people.  ““We are extraordinarily proud of the legacy and impact our organization has had in our community,” said Pete Delgado, president/CEO of Salinas Valley Health. “As we rise to meet the promise of an even brighter future, Salinas Valley Health is celebrating the connection between community health and individual well-being. We’re rising together in good health.”