May 17th, 2012 -- Posted in Diabetes |
Visit www.MindYourBody.tv with Stephanie Stephens for more how-to video episodes, audio podcasts and blogs on female baby boomer health and lifestyle topics, created especially for you.
In 2007, Los Angeles public relations professional and aging advocate Barbara Meltzer told NBC’s chief medical editor, Nancy Snyderman, about a fear millions of baby boomers share with her. My guest for today’s video, Meltzer said she’s worried because she isn’t married and doesn’t have children. Like many of us—and that includes me—she wonders who will “take care of her” when she can’t manage her basic needs.
Childless female numbers are growing. According to a 2010 Pew Research Center study, nearly one-in-five American women ends her childbearing years without having borne a child, compared with one-in-ten in the 1970s.
“Watching over my own mother for eight years pushed every fear button,” Meltzer told me before the video interview you see here. She has channeled her fear into positive action, implementing a busy “50+” division at her p.r. firm. She chairs the communications committee for the Los Angeles County Commission for Older Adults (LACCOA), and has produced a half-day symposium for the city entitled “Pathways to Positive Aging: Creating Communities for a Lifetime.”
What We’ll Need
No man or woman is an island, made readily apparent as we age and can no longer function as we did earlier in life. We need help. Enter the concept of age-friendly communities, a place where we live and we die. They’re places, says Meltzer, with resources including accessible transportation, affordable housing and opportunities for both civic engagement and lifelong learning—a busy brain is a happier, healthier brain.
Rather than sit back and wait for “the perfect place” to materialize, Meltzer says we boomers need to become proactive, defining what we will need and taking steps now to ensure our needs are fulfilled.
It Takes a Village
AARP data verify that 90 percent of us want to stay in our homes when we age. Look around you at seniors who echo that same sentiment daily as the thought of “a facility” puts terror in their hearts.
One positive solution: The Village model. This grassroots effort materialized in Boston’s Beacon Hill neighborhood in 2001. Neighbors joined together to develop services so older adults could stay at home, in their community. The sensible, practical concept has since been replicated nationwide in more than 100 active or developing communities where members pay reasonable annual dues in the range of $400 to $700 and avail themselves of numerous services and amenities.
Enjoy Barbara Meltzer’s insights here on Mind Your Body TV.
Duration : 0:4:33
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May 16th, 2012 -- Posted in Diabetes |
https://www.facebook.com/boombycindyjoseph – The first installment of Saturdays With Cindy! Please leave a comment on the blog with your topic suggestions.
Duration : 0:2:39
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Technorati Tags: baby boomer, beauty, boom, cindy joseph, cosmetics, health, pro age, women
May 16th, 2012 -- Posted in Diabetes |
Visit http’://www.MindYourBody.tv with Stephanie Stephens for more helpful videos on female baby boomer health and lifestyle topics.
As our skin “evolves,” so does the baby boomer way of wearing makeup. It’s not the same as it was “back then.” Bobbi Brown’s products are ideal for us baby boomers and they’re designed to keep things simple.
Brown is also a baby boomer and she’s got it right: She says all women are pretty and with correct makeup and makeup techniques, they are “pretty powerful.”
This week’s video is a true “how to” with Bobbi Brown Cosmetics’ education executive Diana Lendzion. She shows us how easy it is to learn Brown’s “Makeup Facelift.” It’s an open invitation to pass up the pricey plastic surgery, at least for now. In this quick lesson, you’ll learn how to “freshen” your face: plump, brighten, pop and define. Remember that as we age, we lose certain definition and we want that back—along with other things that aren’t as easy to replace.
Take Five
Try these tips from Brown, demonstrated in this video, that you can put to good use in five minutes or less:
*Adding the right moisture can plump up our skin: Use Bobbi Brown Extra Eye Repair Cream, Tinted Moisturizing Balm. On lips, try Brightening Lip Gloss. By the way, Brown does not recommend “enhancing” your lips with cosmetic surgery. You can work wonders with a good lip pencil and lip color applied so lines are not so obvious.
*The right concealer can brighten and alleviate that “tired” look: Use Tinted Eye Brightener.
*A cream blush will pop our cheeks with color: Use Pale Pink Powder Blush.
*Black eyeliner and black mascara, along with filling in brows, helps define the eyes. Use her Brow Pencils, Long-Wear Gel Liner.
In a January 2011 interview on NBC’s “Today,” Brown elaborated on her “keep it simple” philosophy, which starts with being comfortable with yourself. Smile, for you have no wrinkles on your teeth!
I hope this lesson helps simplify the mystique of baby boomer makeup. More from Bobbi Brown Cosmetics coming soon here on Mind Your Body.
Duration : 0:5:55
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May 14th, 2012 -- Posted in Diabetes |
Visit http://www.MindYourBody.tv with Stephanie Stephens for more how-to video episodes, audio podcasts and blogs on female baby boomer health and lifestyle topics, created especially for you.
This year’s World Elder Abuse Awareness Day occurred on June 15, quietly proclaiming a dirty little secret that isn’t so little after all: It’s the same day every year. “Abuse” takes many forms, and I can’t forget the verbal abuse of my mom by one of her caregivers. When Mom complained about how “just horrible” her life was with this individual, at first I was skeptical, for Mom had Alzheimer’s. “Sue” talked back to her in a rude, impatient and demeaning tone, even in front of me. I wondered how often it happened when no one was there.
According to the National Center on Elder Abuse (NCEA), research indicates that more than one in ten elders may experience some type of abuse, but only one in five cases or fewer are reported. This means that very few seniors who have been abused get the help they need. Some experts in the field call it an overwhelming, devastating problem.
We boomers can’t help but wonder: Will this happen to us? And now, how do we prevent it from happening to our parents?
First, let’s define the term. NCEA says that in general, elder abuse refers to intentional or neglectful acts by a caregiver or “trusted” individual that lead to, or may lead to, harm of a vulnerable elder. The types: physical abuse; neglect; emotional or psychological abuse; verbal abuse and threats; financial abuse and exploitation; sexual abuse and abandonment are considered forms of elder abuse. In many states, self‐neglect is also considered mistreatment.
Centered on Elder Abuse
I’m lucky to have a gem of a resource nearby. It’s the Center of Excellence on Elder Abuse & Neglect at the University of California, Irvine. The geriatrics program at UC-Irvine’s School of Medicine houses the center.
“We say elder abuse is 20 years behind both domestic violence and child abuse,” says Mary Twomey, the center’s articulate and dedicated co-director. When it catches up, we could be hit by a tidal wave. To learn more, please check out this comprehensive list of resources amassed by the center.
Dementia and Abuse
Last year, UCI published a study that showed 47% of participants with dementia had been mistreated by caregivers. Dementia seems to motivate abuse, and researchers wanted to know why. They wrote that the following factors or characteristics of the caregivers and the participants with dementia were risk factors for one or more types of mistreatment:
*Caregiver: higher anxiety, more depressive symptoms, fewer social contacts, greater perceived burden, as well as two other measures of poor emotional well-being from a widely used survey.
*Person with dementia: more psychological aggression (for example, swearing at the caregiver) and any physical assault (for example pushing or shoving the caregiver) behaviors.
What You Can Do
No matter the reason, elder abuse is totally unacceptable. How to report suspected abuse? First, contact your local adult protective services agency. State reporting numbers are available at the NCEA website or call the Eldercare Locator at (800) 677-1116. Of course, it you encounter a life-threatening situation, contact 911. Abuse in a nursing home or long-term care facility necessitates interface with state specific agencies. Search at the Long-Term Care Ombudsman website. Help is where you find it, so report it: YOU don’t have to prove abuse, for investigators are charged with that. Your gut is usually right. Trust it and trust yourself.
Duration : 0:4:6
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Technorati Tags: baby boomer, baby boomer generation, baby boomers, boomer, boomers, Build a better boomer, caregiver training, caregivers and elder abuse, elder abuse, elder abuse awareness, elder abuse financial, elder abuse help, elder abuse reporting, elder exploitation, elderly abuse, elderly abuse statistics, help for elder abuse, Mary Twomey, Mind Your Body, nursing home neglect, prevent elder abuse, report elderly abuse, Stephanie Stephens, what is elder abuse, what is elderly abuse
May 11th, 2012 -- Posted in Diabetes |
http://www.m7secret.com There are so many diseases you are putting yourself at risk falling victim to if you are unfit and inactive. The decline in your quality of life may be gradual, but rest assured, it WILL happen!
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a collective term used to describe a variety of respiratory illnesses, including chronic bronchitis, emphysema and chronic obstructive airways disease.
It’s estimated that by 2020 it will be the third biggest killer in the world.
For some, it starts with an early morning cough, often called a smoker’s cough. Wheezing, chest tightness and difficulty breathing are often some of the first things noticed. People may find themselves short of breath when doing very little or even when they’re just sitting down. It becomes harder and harder to do any exercise until even crossing a room becomes impossible for some.
Take action. Unlock the M7Secret…before it’s too late!
http://www.youtube.com/user/theM7Secret.
http://www.facebook.com/pages/M7secret/273817669359149
https://twitter.com/#!/m7secret
Duration : 0:1:30
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Technorati Tags: baby boomer, baby boomer health, bronchitis, COPD, Emphysema, lung disease, m7secret, middle aged fitness, respiratory illness, short of breath, smokers cough, wheezing
May 9th, 2012 -- Posted in Diabetes |
Visit http://www.MindYourBody.tv with Stephanie Stephens for more how-to video episodes, audio podcasts and blogs on female baby boomer health and lifestyle topics, created especially for you.
I’m getting better at listening to myself, a still-developing skill I owe in part to the discussion I had here with Carol Orsborn, Ph.D. She’s a businesswoman, theologian, motivational speaker, boomer generation expert and the author of 25 books. She’s also full of life and full of tips on how to lead a better, more fulfilling life.
I remembered what she said when I recently encountered one of the most unusual situations of my career. It was one in which—no matter what I did—the “other side” couldn’t hear me and the messages from “over there” became more conflicting and confusing, wasting my time and distracting me from my goals. I called upon some of the principles Dr. Orsborn explains in this video.
Let it go and walk away, I said to myself. And I did.
“Surrender the notion that you have control over life when things keep coming at us,” she says. When bad things happen—and they will—embrace your powerlessness, she writes in a recent blog on her site, www.FiercewithAge.com. Look for her book of the same name this fall.
It is a basic tenet of spirituality—and spirituality is work, she says. No one said what’s really valuable in life comes easily.
No One’s Exempt
Baby boomer women, like the lioness, use resilience to become fierce with age.
Among baby boomers, especially super-achievers, many have been fortunate enough to “float” through their earlier decades without too much “drama.” “But nobody gets into their 50s or 60s without something spinning out of control,” says Dr. Orsborn.
That’s where resilience comes into play, the ability to bounce back when the sand castle tumbles down. Take a breath and then take a walk. Trust your unconscious mind, and be open to that breakthrough that helps you figure out what to do next. Ask yourself, “How can I be less stressed about this issue?”
Resilient to the Core
In doing so, you’re building your “core strength,” and Dr. Orsborn doesn’t mean just beefing up your abs. It’s a quality that can be learned and nurtured, that will help your spirit remain intact as you age and endure other hardships. It will help you adapt to adversity, focus on your gains instead of losses, and rebound gracefully and productively when you knock heads with forces beyond your control.
Finally, remember, says Dr. Orsborn: You can’t always stop the bad things from happening—but you can’t stop the good things, either.
I think this video will put more good tools in your resilience arsenal. Hope so!
Duration : 0:4:45
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May 5th, 2012 -- Posted in Diabetes |
The New York Eye and Ear Infirmary recently created a Public Service Announcement (PSA) to raise awareness about hearing loss among baby boomers.
Filmed by Fabrizio Ferri, a leading videographer and photographer, the PSA features Chris Botti on trumpet, with a voiceover by Sting. These celebrities took time from their busy schedules and donated their considerable talents because they believe in the importance of our message: Baby boomers need to take control of their hearing health before it’s too late.
Duration : 0:0:31
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Technorati Tags: baby boomer, chris botti, fabrizio ferri, health, Hearing (sense), hearing impairment, hearing loss, New York Eye and Ear Infirmary, NYEE, public service announcement, sting
May 2nd, 2012 -- Posted in Diabetes |
Visit http://www.MindYourBody.tv with Stephanie Stephens for more how-to video episodes, audio podcasts and blogs on female baby boomer health and lifestyle topics, created especially for you.
Mind Your Body TV continues its series for baby boomers on elder abuse with a reminder that you do have help. If you’re supervising care of a parent or other relative, either close by or from afar, and you suspect something is awry, go with your intuition.
In this episode, we present the expertise of Stacey Lindberg, program manager of Orange County (CA) Adult Protective Services—it’s part of the county’s Social Services Agency.
No matter where you live in the United States, resources exist at either the state or county level: Adult Protective Services (APS) offices insure the safety and well-being of elders and adults with disabilities who are in danger of being mistreated or neglected, are unable to take care of themselves or protect themselves from harm, and have no one to assist them.
Don’t get bogged down with government terminology here. You may have to “dig a little” to find exactly what you need.
You’ve got a friend:
Most APS services are available regardless of income. According to the U. S. Administration on Aging, National Center on Elder Abuse, this is what APS usually does:
*Receive and investigate reports of elder/vulnerable adult abuse, neglect, and/or exploitation
*Assess victim’s risk and capacity to understand his/her risk and ability to give informed consent
*Develop case plan
*Arrange for emergency shelter, medical care, legal assistance, and supportive services
*Monitor services
*Evaluate
Know that most APS programs serve both older and younger vulnerable adults. In some states, APS is responsible only for cases involving older adults.
Ethical principles:
These can help you guide your loved one’s care:
*Adults have the right to be safe.
*Adults retain all their civil and constitutional rights unless some of these rights have been restricted by court action.
*Adults have the right to make decisions that do not conform with societal norms as long as these decisions do not harm others.
*Adults are presumed to have decision-making capacity unless a court adjudicates otherwise.
*Adults have the right to accept or refuse services.
The “states” of APS:
Here in my home state of California, every county has an APS office that investigates reports of abuse of elders and dependent adults who live in private homes and hotels or hospitals and health clinics when the abuser is not a staff member. Reports of abuse that occur in a nursing home, a board and care home, a residential facility for the elderly, or at a long-term care facility are the responsibility of the state Ombudsman’s office.
You really can help an elder who can’t help him or herself—even more important when it’s a relative or dear friend.
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(Production note: First, my apologies for the audio on this episode—this won’t happen again on Mind Your Body TV. Call it a “growing pain.”)
Duration : 0:3:33
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May 2nd, 2012 -- Posted in Healthy Diet |
“Boomeritis” refers to injuries to older amateur athletes from the baby boomer generation. In this Mind Your Body episode, I interviewed Dr. Moshe Lewis, a California pain management and rehabilitation specialist who most often treats baby boomers with back and knee pain—as the body ages, wear and tear happen. To counter aging, he recommends the triple threat of 1) heat to increase blood flow 2) ice for its natural anti-inflammatory powers and 3) activities in water to maintain buoyancy and offset gravity.
Are you a well-intentioned “weekend warrior?” Great! You’re receiving benefits that boost mood, reduce stress, increase muscle and cardiovascular health and provide social stimulation. Sporting on weekends only, however, increases the risk of a muscle strain, ligament tear or joint injury. To keep problems at bay, Dr. Lewis recommends that you…
1. Reach for the Sky: Stretching is the first step in a warm-up routine to prepare the muscles for the work they are going to do and prevent muscle strain injuries. More advanced stretching exercises like yoga and Pilates also improve your balance, core strength, back strength and conditioning for the spine.
2. Pump It Up: Strength training builds endurance, providing resistance for muscles to function at their full capacity. To build strength and bulk, gradually move to higher weights with fewer repetitions. When using heavier weights, don’t forget to rest and pace yourself.
3. Know Your Condition: Even slight, simple aerobic conditioning will change both your weekend performance and your everyday energy level. Activities like light jogging, hiking and rowing are easy, low-impact ways to optimize cardiovascular health and limit damage to the cartilage and joints while burning calories, thereby mobilizing muscles naturally. Aerobic fitness classes, dance classes, golf, tennis and cross-country skiing provide sound cross-training of multiple muscle groups simultaneously.
4. Consider Supplements: From Omega 3s to glucosamine to antioxidants to vitamin D, the right nutrition and dietary supplements can make a big difference in your sports performance and your general wellbeing. Always consult your doctor first.
5. Have Happy Feet, Healthy Feet: Good ergonomics, posture and even shoes can make or break your technique. Consider seeing a podiatrist for advice on inserts and shoe wear, especially if you have foot pain. An investment in proper foot support encourages long-term orthopedic health.
6. Follow the Fun Factor: It’s far easier to keep up on your regular conditioning if you genuinely enjoy it and look forward to it. Mix it up and try different activities like swing dancing, Zumba, kayaking or dog Frisbee—the last one is another great reason to adopt a dog from a shelter!
Duration : 0:3:11
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Technorati Tags: baby boomer, Boomeritis, Chronic Pain, MindYourBody, Moshe Lewis, pain, Pain Coach, TheJetMD
April 30th, 2012 -- Posted in Exercise |
Visit http://www.MindYourBody.tv with Stephanie Stephens for more how-to video episodes, audio podcasts and blogs on female baby boomer health and lifestyle topics, created especially for you.
Gold medal-winning cross-country skiers have solid upper and lower bodies and are in great cardiovascular condition. The trendy sport of Nordic walking—said to be one of the world’s fastest-growing sports with good reason—is recognized as a time-efficient, low-stress and total body workout, perfect for boomers. All you need is proper walking shoes and proper poles, and a door to the welcoming outside world. Almost anyone can do this any time, anywhere and in any climate, as today’s video expert, Bernd Zimmermann, demonstrates to me. He’s the founder of the American Nordic Walking Association.
Muscle up your boomer workout: According to Zimmermann and ANWA, “plain walking” with a fast pace and good stride only uses approximately 70 percent of the body’s muscle mass at any given time. Hold some Nordic walking poles in your hands with the proper technique and you’ll utilize up to 90 percent of your body’s muscle while increasing your heart rate significantly. Good for you!
Take first steps: Start with carrying poles in “2-wheel drive” position. Then grip using your upper body, so you’re in higher “4-wheel drive.” ANWA suggests each step begins with your heel on the ground, rolling forward to ball and toe, then pushing off to go forward. Keep hands in constant “grip-n-go” position, holding the pole every time it contacts the ground. Let it go as it is drawn back behind the body, finishing with an open hand. Allow this natural flow, so torso and hips work in a “counter-swinging motion” from the lower body. Advanced techniques include jogging, running, jumping strides, hiking/trekking and inline skating.
Nordic walking boomer benefits:
• Raises heart rate 5-17 beats per minute higher. Normal walking is 130 beats per minute, while Nordic is 147.
• Increases oxygen consumption and burns approximately 400 calories per hour, versus 280 calories per hour for normal walking.
• Releases pain and muscle tension in the neck and shoulders, increasing lateral mobility of neck and spine.
• Involves 90 percent of all muscles in its total body workout…actively engages forearm extensor and flexor muscles, rear part of the shoulder muscles, the large pectoral and broad back muscles…strengthens upper body and creates resistance to build better bone density.
• Reduces load on knees and other joints, and on “heel strike force,” thus reducing possibility of joint problems.
What you need: Start with a good-fitting pair of walking shoes. Don’t be tempted to use your skiing or hiking poles, for you need light-weight, rubber-tipped Nordic walking poles—you can change out the tips for different terrain. As an Internet search confirms, these can be priced from approximately $25 a pair to as much as $200. Don’t skimp on yourself, since this is already a recession-proof sport requiring minimal investment.
Where to learn: Doing an activity correctly adds to its benefits. ANWA holds workshops across the country, or you can purchase the organization’s excellent instructional DVD.
This sport comes naturally. Chances are you’ll pick it up easily in no time, so “walk on” to better health.
Duration : 0:3:13
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