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Greetings,
Join Aunt Ann's Home Care this month to prevent diabetes. Nearly 24 million children and adults in the U.S. have diabetes, and an additional 57 million people are at high risk for developing type 2 diabetes. The American Diabetes Association is encouraging the public to take action against this devastating disease by asking, "How will you stop diabetes? The future is in your hands."
The national Stop Diabetes movement was launched in November 2009. By the end of November 2010, the goal is to gather support of 1 million Americans to help confront, fight - and most importantly - stop diabetes. The association hopes to reach and exceed the goal by the end of this month.
To become involved in American Diabetes Month and the Stop Diabetes movement, visit stopdiabetes.com or call 800-DIABETES.
Thank you,
Vicki Paul
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 Aging in Place 2.0 (AiP2.0)
 The MetLife Institute offers a report detailing what is needed in order to improve today's current uncoordinated approach to Aging in Place. The author suggests a focus on the following three goals:
- Independence - happier, more satisfied older citizens living in homes of their choice with control, dignity, and respect.
- More economical use of available resources.
- The creation of a coordinated, comprehensive, and collaborative relationship between businesses and service providers to support Aging in Place.
Access the full report in a PDF format.
For more information on the Mature Market Institute: www.MatureMarketInstitute.com.
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Simple Testing by Family Correlates to Alzheimer's Biomarker Findings
 According to researchers at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, a two-minute Ascertain Dementia 8 (AD8) questionnaire can pretty accurately predict Alzheimer's. The test relies on a friend or family member who knows the person well, to evaluate whether cognitive changes have caused the individual to have difficulties in performing everyday activities. Changes are noted/rated in the following areas: - Problems with judgment, such as bad financial decisions;
- Reduced interest in hobbies and other activities;
- Repeating of questions, stories or statements;
- Trouble learning how to use a tool or appliance, such as a television remote control or a microwave;
- Forgetting the month or year;
- Difficulty handling complicated financial affairs, such as balancing a checkbook;
- Difficulty remembering appointments; and
- Consistent problems with thinking and memory.
The results of the AD8 tests correspond with biomarker results more consistently than even traditional cognitive tests, according to the researchers at the Knight Alzheimer's Disease Research Center, including first author James Galvin, MD, now at New York University.
Read a journal abstract of the research and findings here.
Access a test for reprint with copyrighted conditions noted.
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Macular Degeneration and Cataracts: New Research Aims at Prevention and Slowing Effects
 The goal of the first Age-Related Eye Disease Study (AREDS) was to learn about macular degeneration and cataracts, two leading causes of vision loss in older adults. A new study is now underway. "The Effect of Antioxidant Vitamins & Zinc on Age-related Macular Degeneration and Cataract" found that "high levels of antioxidants and zinc significantly reduce the risk of advanced age-related macular degeneration (AMD) by about 25 percent. These same nutrients also reduce the risk of vision loss caused by advanced AMD by about 19 percent. They have no significant effect on the development or progression of cataract."
Access the results of the clinical trial in a PDF here.
Read more here.
For more information about AREDS, macular degeneration, cataract, and other eye diseases, visit the National Eye Institute website.
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Economic and Social Costs of Dementia
 If dementia care were a country, it would be the world's 18th largest economy. If it were a company, it would be the world's largest by annual revenue exceeding Wal-Mart (US$414 billion) and Exxon Mobil (US$311 billion)..... learn more here
Get more information.
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Compare Hospitals By Patient Review
 See patients' assessments of hospital care online at the Hospital Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems (HCAHPS) survey.
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Preventing Diabetes
Recipe for Change
- 7 cups of breakfast - Researchers from the National Weight Control Registry found that eating breakfast every day was a weight control strategy for 78% of the people in the registry. It also helps prevent the adverse effects of irritability and fatigue, and sets the tone for the rest of your day.
- 5 tbsp. physical activity - Aerobic exercise makes your heart and bones strong, relieves stress, and improves blood circulation. Aim for about 30 minutes a day, at least 5 days a week. If you haven't been very active recently, start out with 5 or 10 minutes a day. Then work up to more time each week. Or split up your activity for the day - try a brisk 10-minute walk three times each day.
- 1 oz. lower blood pressure - Try eating whole-grain breads and cereals. If you have a lot of sodium in your diet, try flavoring foods with herbs and spices instead of salt. If you think you would need additional help to lower your blood pressure, then ask your health care provider about medications to help reduce high blood pressure. Samples of these types of medications include ACE inhibitors, ARBs, beta blockers, calcium channel blockers and diuretics.
- Dash of lower cholesterol - Along with following the tips listed above, your diet should consist of eating low-fat foods with plenty of fresh veggies, whole grains, and fruit. You should also increase monounsaturated fats in your diet. Monounsaturated fats include canola oil, avocado oil, and olive oil.
There are many things, called risk factors, that affect your risk for type 2 diabetes and heart disease. Some of these you can change, like whether or not you smoke, and some you can't, like your age.
Either way, understanding and managing your risk can help you prevent diabetes and heart disease and live a longer, better life.
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