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Soak up the Sun? Getting Vitamin D and Saving Your Skin

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It’s June in Kansas, so that means temps in the mid-80s and sunny skies. It can be tempting to want to bask in the sun’s rays. After all, a little bit of sun is good for us, right? Well, that all depends.

Benefits of Vitamin D

Our bodies need Vitamin D, which we get from the sun, to help absorb calcium. The “sunshine vitamin” helps with bone health, boosts our immune systems and can have other benefits as well.

Low vitamin D levels have been connected with osteoporosis, muscle weakness, cancer and rickets, according to medical experts.

We know that Vitamin D comes from the sun and that we need it for our bones to stay strong. The CDC even recommends spending time outside to improve health and wellbeing and reduce stress. However, they point out that too much exposure to the sun could put you at risk for skin cancer.

 

Dangers of Too Much Sun

Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the US. And according to the American Cancer Society, about 5.4 million skin cancers are diagnosed each year.

“The number of these cancers has been increasing for many years. This is probably from a combination of better skin cancer detection, people getting more sun exposure, and people living longer,” said the American Cancer Society website.

Too much sun can also age skin faster and cause eye damage to the retina, sunburns and heat stroke.

 

Sun Safety

Most skin cancers come from ultraviolent or UV light. Those UV rays come from the sun year round. So even on cloudy days, it’s important to protect your skin.

Look for broad spectrum sunscreen, which will protect you from both UVA and UVB rays with SPF 30 or higher. When looking at SPF, the higher the number, the higher the protection. The CDC reminds you to reapply after two hours, as sunscreen wears off. And don’t forget all areas of exposed skin like hands, backs, ears and feet.

Sunglasses that block both UVA and UVB rays help reduce your risk of cataracts and protect the skin around your eyes.

Remember that from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., UV rays are the strongest. Keep an eye on the UV index to see how strong the exposure is for the day.

Lastly, seek shade. Avoid direct sun by lounging under an umbrella or large tree.

 

Finding a Happy Balance

So how do we safely get vitamin D if we need to avoid the sun?

“Just being outdoors you get a fair amount of sun exposure and some sun-related generation of vitamin D,” said Dr. Karl Insogna, Endocrinologist at the Yale School of Medicine. “It’s best to use sunblock when outdoors in strong sunlight for any prolonged length of time. Because this may limit the amount of vitamin D you get from sun exposure, make sure your diet includes sources of vitamin D from foods or supplements.”

Foods that provide Vitamin D include fish like salmon, mackerel and tuna, fortified milk, yogurt, orange juice and tofu, and egg yolks.

Supplements are another option. “These are generally recommended for people with lactose intolerance, milk allergies, as well as for people with darker skin tones or with certain medical conditions that prevent them from going outdoors,” according to the Yale School of Medicine.

 

About Advena Living

At Advena Living, we encourage residents to get outside and get fresh air. However, we want residents to be safe. We’re mindful of all extreme temperatures and shaded areas for relief.

Advena Living specializes in skilled nursing, rehabilitation and long-term care throughout seven locations in Kansas. Two of our locations offer assisted living as well.

Our name “Advena” means newcomer. We welcome newcomers seeking a senior living environment where they may continue to enjoy a full life.

 

End of Covid Health Emergency: What it Means for Residents and Nursing Homes

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It has been a long three years. The Covid pandemic changed virtually everything in our lives. Now the WHO has declared that Covid is no longer considered a global health emergency as of May 11.

In a statement, the WHO’s general director said, “Covid-19 is now an established and ongoing health issue which no longer constitutes a public health emergency of international concern.”

But that doesn’t mean Covid is over or that it didn’t leave long-lasting effects on the long-term care industry and its residents.

The Early Days of Covid

For those working in senior living, the threat of Covid coming into your building became overwhelmingly stressful and often heartbreaking.

Communities took extreme precautions to avoid outbreaks. Healthcare workers donned N95 face masks, shields, gowns and gloves, with a fine coating of disinfectant spray on top. Doors were locked and visitors were banned. Isolation protocols and social distancing measures were put in place for the safety of the residents.

Activities sometimes stopped for periods of time. Residents ate meals alone in their rooms or spaced out in dining rooms, preventing connection with others. And when they got sick, the community staff sat by residents’ sides while their family members watched outside through windows.

The overall culture of long-term care changed. For long-term care communities focused on person-centered care to improve residents’ quality of life, Covid set facilities back. In turn, it affected the residents the most.

Isolation and Depression Among Seniors

Experts say the isolation caused from social distancing and sequestering in small rooms had long-lasting effects even after the height of the pandemic.

Researchers argue that “isolating nursing home residents caused more deaths than it prevented.” Research from the Mercatus Center at George Mason University say that a lack of in-person contact with loved ones only lead to increased feelings of depression and loneliness.

A poll found that during Covid 28% of adults among ages 50 to 80 reported increased anxiety, with 20% saying they had increased sadness or depression.

This and similar studies like it suggest it’s important to consider the mental health effects caused by isolation when looking at ways to curb the spread of infectious diseases in the future.

Making Changes after Covid

While many seniors reported increased loneliness, anxiety and depression during Covid, there’s some good news.

A National Poll on Healthy Aging through the Institute for Healthcare Policy and Innovation found some seniors tried to improve their mental health after the Covid lockdowns.

Thirteen percent talked about mental health with their primary care provider, 29% reported making a lifestyle change and 5% started talking to a counselor.

The trend showed a whopping 89% older adults felt more comfortable talking about mental health than ever before.

The End of a Global Health Emergency

As of May 11, Covid will no longer be considered a worldwide health emergency. But that doesn’t mean Covid has disappeared.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) the coronavirus continues to evolve with new variants, and it’s still causing deaths. Vaccines, tests and drugs are important to help prevent the spread of Covid.

While we may see a loss of access to free testing, there aren’t any plans to impact access to vaccines and antiviral treatments. However we could see a change in cost for vaccines and it may come down to what insurance you have.

Research will continue into new Covid vaccines and treatments. But the CDC’s ability to collect and share data will likely change.

Changes to Skilled Nursing Care

Once the Public Health Emergency (PHE) ends, there will be changes to nursing home care. Certain waivers that were put in place by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) will go away, if they haven’t already.

“CMS used a combination of emergency authority waivers, regulations and sub regulatory guidance to ensure and expand access to care, and to give health care providers the flexibilities to keep people safe,” according to the US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).

To be eligible for a skilled nursing facility, patients will once again have to spend three consecutive days in a hospital. Those rules were waived by CMS during the pandemic.

With the PHE ending, the benefit period waiver will stop and beneficiaries will again be limited to 100 days maximum of skilled care per benefit period.

Pre-admission screening for nursing homes and discharge planning rules for hospitals are also going to change.

To learn more about other changes, visit CMS or HHS.

About Advena Living

At Advena Living, we provide care to those who need skilled nursing, long-term care, or assisted living. Our goal is to help our residents live their best lives.

Part of our guiding philosophy is that we honor choice. We believe that residents should always have a say in how they live their lives. We will work hard to accommodate what you want your schedule to be every day.

Advena Living has seven locations throughout Kansas in Bonner Springs, Cherryvale, Clay Center, Clearwater, Rose Hill, Topeka, and Wichita.

Our name “Advena” means newcomer. We welcome newcomers seeking a senior living environment where they may continue to enjoy a full life.

Powerful Thinking: Why a Positive Mindset Could Affect Cognition

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You’ve probably heard it before from self-help gurus: there’s power in positive thinking. That optimistic mindset may help you embrace new opportunities, conquer a challenge, or deal with some bad news.

The Mayo Clinic says, “having a positive outlook enables you to cope better with stressful situations, which reduces the harmful health effects of stress on your body.” Other theories imply that optimistic people often live healthier lifestyles.

Researchers have studied the effects of positivity as a response to major health issues, such as a cancer diagnosis or recovery from a heart attack. Now a new study out of the Yale School of Public Health looks at positive thinking and cognitive impairment.

 

Positive Thoughts About Aging

Research suggests individuals with mild cognitive impairment who think positively about aging may be able to recover memory.

“It is widely assumed that individuals who develop mild cognitive impairment (MCI) will not recover. Yet nearly half of older persons with MCI regain normal cognition,” according to the study in the Journal of the American Medical Association.

The study looked at nearly 2000 participants of men and women with an average age of 78 years old.

The results of the study confirmed the researchers’ hypothesis. The group who had a positive mindset on aging had a 30% greater likelihood of recovering their memory, than those in the negative belief group.

 

Aging Forward

The study did not provide any recommendations as to how to apply this new insight. However, it did propose that “age-belief interventions at the individual and societal levels could increase the number of people who experience cognitive recovery.”

 

About Advena Living

For many people, moving to a long-term care or assisted living community can be daunting. It can be difficult to think positively about that transition. However, facilities across the country are embracing new methods of person-centered care and models that feel less like an institution, and more like a home.

At Advena Living, we want to help our residents live their best lives. Part of our guiding philosophy is that we honor choice. We believe that residents should always have a say in how they live their lives. We will work hard to accommodate what you want your schedule to be every day.

Advena Living specializes in skilled nursing, long-term care, rehabilitation and assisted living services throughout the state. We have locations in Bonner Springs, Cherryvale, Clay Center, Clearwater, Rose Hill, Topeka, and Wichita.

Our name “Advena” means newcomer. We welcome newcomers seeking a senior living environment where they may continue to enjoy a full life.

The Lonely Side of Retirement: The One Thing Most People Don’t Consider

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Most people in the workforce have probably thought about retirement at some point, even if they’re decades away from it. The idea of no longer working and getting to do whatever you want—travel, sleep in, try new hobbies—sounds lovely.

Some people are so excited about retirement, they’re doing it early. The average retirement age in the US is 62 years old, according to recent research. And if you were to ask people between the ages of 25-40 when the ideal time to retire is, they’d say around 59.

Of course there are factors to consider, like whether you can financially afford to retire early. But a new report shows there may be one reason to keep working as long as you can.

 

Retirement Woes

As part of a larger study from Harvard on happiness, researchers found that retirees don’t miss working. Instead, they miss the people they worked with.

Anecdotal evidence from the study participants showed they missed the connections and friendships with coworkers. Others found it hard to stay in touch after retirement.

 

Work Place Friendships

It’s natural to crave human contact. Being around your coworkers on a regular basis provides an easy way to connect with others. It’s not just the intentional acts of going out to lunch that fills that void. Even the simple day-to-day interactions, conversations and overall bonding can make you feel engaged.

For individuals whose social life revolved around their careers, it can feel especially lonely after retirement.

Loneliness in Older Adults

A study out of the University of California, San Francisco found 43% of people surveyed who were 60 and older reported feeling lonely.

Loneliness is a growing problem amongst older adults. And loneliness and social isolation can lead to other health problems.

 

Be More Socially Engaged

The solution to loneliness is to put yourself out there, even if it’s a little scary at first.

Here are some tips to stay socially engaged after you’ve retired:

  • Volunteer—this can help build sense of purpose and community
  • Join a club or organization—find people with similar interests
  • Take classes—if you’ve always wanted to learn how to paint, now is the perfect time
  • Call, write or visit with a friend every day—be intentional about staying in touch
  • Find low-key part-time work—it might be wrapping presents at the mall during the holidays or working at the library for a few hours a week.

 

About Advena Living

A long-term care or assisted living community offers a natural environment to foster relationships. But sometimes residents need a little encouragement.

At Advena Living, we want to help our residents live their best lives and connect with their neighbors. Whether you prefer to be outside, you like to watch game shows or play cards, we’ll tailor our activities at all of our communities to your interests.

Part of our guiding philosophy is that we honor choice. We believe that residents should always have a say in how they live their lives. We will work hard to accommodate what you want your schedule to be every day.

Advena Living specializes in skilled nursing, long-term care, rehabilitation and assisted living services throughout the state. We have locations in Bonner Springs, Cherryvale, Clay Center, Clearwater, Rose Hill, Topeka, and Wichita.

Our name “Advena” means newcomer. We welcome newcomers seeking a senior living environment where they may continue to enjoy a full life.

 

High Stress Levels Could Impact Your Memory

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As if we need another reason not to stress, it could affect our brain functioning.

A new study finds people with higher than normal levels of stress are more likely to have a decline in cognitive function. That can affect concentration, ability to learn new things and memory.

 

Stress Test

The JAMA study looked at nearly 25,000 participants who were 45 years or older over the course of a decade. Stress was measured using the Cohen Perceived Stress Scale, a self-assessment with 10 questions. Participants took the questionnaire once at the beginning and later during a follow-up visit. Their cognitive function was also assessed with regular check-ins.

Nearly 5,600 participants reported elevated levels of stress. Those individuals with higher levels were associated with having higher odds of poor cognition.

 

Significance of the Study

Experts have suggested that there are modifiable risk factors for Alzheimer’s and dementia. And according to the JAMA study, a 10-25% reduction in behavior factors, like stress, could prevent over a million cases of Alzheimer’s.

Diving a little deeper, it can impact other areas of your life. Medical experts have noted that stress leads to unhealthy behaviors like smoking, poor eating habits, and lack of exercise, as well as sleep problems. All of those lifestyle factors contribute to a variety of health issues.

The JAMA study points out that stress is a modifiable risk factor. Therefore the researchers suggest there should be a screening for high-risk older adults to employ strategies to reduce it.

 

Stress Less

The solution to lowering this modifiable risk factor is just to relax. That’s easier said than done.

The Mayo Clinic, along with other reputable sources, offer these 10 suggestions:

  1. Be more physically active
  2. Eat a healthy diet
  3. Try to quit unhealthy habits like smoking or excessive caffeine or alcohol
  4. Meditate
  5. Connect with others
  6. Incorporate yoga into your routine
  7. Get enough sleep
  8. Write in a journal
  9. Find a creative outlet like music or art
  10. Seek counseling

About Advena Living

At Advena Living, we want to help our residents live their best lives. For some people, moving into a long-term community might exacerbate their stress levels. That’s why our teams help new residents get acclimated to their new surroundings and neighbors.

We specialize in assisted living, skilled nursing, rehabilitation, and long-term care. We have seven locations throughout Kansas, including Bonner Springs, Cherryvale, Clay Center, Clearwater, Rose Hill, Topeka, and Wichita.

Our rehab-to-home programs help individuals recover after an illness, accident or procedure and who need intensive therapies to get stronger and return to independence. For those who need assistance with routine activities on a daily basis, we also offer long-term care.

Bad Sleep, Bad Heart: Irregular Sleep Affects Your Ticker

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We all know how important it is to get a good night’s sleep. On the surface level, not snoozing enough can make us feel groggy and cranky all day. Much deeper, your body is working to repair itself while you’re catching some much needed zzz’s.

Medical experts say sleep can help your brain, overall health and mood. Not getting enough good sleep can lead to a whole slew of issues. Most recently, a study from the Journal of the American Heart Association found that poor quality sleep can increase your risk for heart disease.

 

Sleep Study

The study looks at irregular sleep and the link between atherosclerosis, which is the build-up of plaque in the arteries. The AHA says atherosclerosis can lead to heart attacks, stroke and other cardiovascular diseases.

For the study, irregular sleep refers to variations in the duration of sleep and the timing of when you fall asleep.

The study analyzed sleep patterns in more than 2,000 older adults across all races and ethnicities. Participants kept track of their sleep in a diary and wore a tracker that monitored when they were sleeping and awake. They also completed an at-home sleep study.

Researchers assessed the participants heart health. They found those whose sleep durations varied by 90 minutes to two hours within a week were more likely to have risk factors of cardiovascular disease.

“These results suggest that maintaining regular or habitual sleep durations, or sleeping close to the same total amount of time each night, may play an important role in preventing cardiovascular disease,” said lead study author Kelsie Full, an assistant professor of medicine at Vanderbilt University Medical Center.

 

Counting Sheep

The AHA recommends adults get seven to nine hours of sleep each night. Part of a healthy routine includes going to bed and waking up around the same times every day.

For more resources on how to unplug before bed and improve the quality of your rest, click here.

 

Heart Disease Screenings

Meanwhile, it’s never too early to get screened for heart disease. The AHA recommends routine screenings starting at 20.

That includes checking blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood glucose, and discussing lifestyle factors with your doctor.

If you are at a high-risk for heart disease, additional tests can be done like an electrocardiogram (EKG) or stress test. High risk factors include a family history of cardiovascular disease, being overweight or a smoker, or having high blood pressure and cholesterol.

 

About Advena Living

At Advena Living, we want to help our residents live their best lives. That might mean helping them quit smoking, eating a healthy diet or getting a better night’s rest.

We specialize in assisted living, skilled nursing, rehabilitation, and long-term care throughout the state. Our locations include Bonner Springs, Cherryvale, Clay Center, Clearwater, Rose Hill, Topeka, and Wichita.

Our rehab-to-home programs help individuals recover after an illness, accident or procedure and who need intensive therapies to get stronger and return to independence. Alternatively, we offer long-term care those who need assistance with routine activities on a daily basis.

Four Ways to Better Heart Health

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Cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of death for both men and women worldwide. The World Health Organization estimates that 32% of all deaths are related to heart disease. That includes heart attack, stroke, and heart failure, among other conditions.

While not always the case, cardiovascular disease is largely preventable. The American Heart Association reports that 80% of cases can be avoided with the right diet and lifestyle.

Across the board, experts have stuck to the tried and true steps to better heart health.

 

Follow a healthy diet

The unanimous consensus is that eating better can reduce your risk of heart disease. The CDC recommends you eat more vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and lean meats. Remember the Mediterranean Diet? All those healthy fats like olive oil, nuts and avocado are great for your heart.

While you’re at it, avoid the bad fats, or saturated fats. Those can raise your cholesterol and lead to plaque build-up in your arteries.

The CDC also recommends you reduce your intake of foods with added sugar and salt. Research from the National Institutes of Health found too much sodium causes you to retain water and that makes your heart work faster.

 

Get moving

The AHA recommends 2.5 hours of moderate activity per week, which is just over 20 minutes a day.  Moderate activity could include a brisk walk, dancing, gardening, tennis, casual biking or water aerobics.

Higher intensity activities would be running, aerobic dancing, hiking uphill, cycling or swimming laps.

The AHA also says to spend less time sitting.

 

Quit smoking

Smoking causes 25% of deaths from cardiovascular disease, according to the CDC. It does a lot of bad things to your body. Smoking can lower your good cholesterol, make your blood stick and likely to clot, damage cells, and cause blood vessels to thicken and narrow.

 

Reduce your stress

We’re beginning to learn that stress is the root of all evil. The AHA says stress may lead to high blood pressure, which can lead to heart attack or stroke.

Other research looks at the ways that stress causes an increase in white blood cells and inflammation, which affect how your body functions.

Meanwhile, cardiologists have pointed out stress causes people to act in ways that could increase their risk of heart disease. That may mean turning to comfort foods or alcohol, curling up on your couch instead of exercising or smoking more.

Experts say it’s beneficial to your overall health to find time to relax each day. Find activities that are calming and enjoyable.

Also take a moment to acknowledge the great things in your life. According to the NIH, gratitude can improve your well-being and help you cope with stress.

 

About Advena Living

At Advena Living, we support our residents on their wellness journey, whether that means mental health support, smoking cessation, or an overall healthier routine.

Our rehab-to-home programs help individuals who need intensive physical, occupational and/or speech therapies get stronger and return to independence. Alternatively, long-term care is an option for those who need assistance with routine activities on a daily basis. Our team will work hard to make newcomers feel comfortable, happy and engaged.

We specialize in assisted living, skilled nursing, rehabilitation, and long-term care throughout the state. Our locations include Bonner Springs, Cherryvale, Clay Center, Clearwater, Rose Hill, Topeka, and Wichita.

Senior Tech Trends: New Health Technology for 2023

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We started to see an increase in seniors embracing technology during the height of Covid-19. Many people were shut off from the rest of the world and starving for connection. Whether in a senior living environment or isolating at home, many people turned to their tablets to video chat. Others relied on video calling hubs like Meta Portal, Amazon Echo and Google Nest.

“As more Baby Boomers age into senior and post-acute care services, they’re bringing with them smart devices such as phones, tablets and smart TVs,” according to Health Tech Magazine. “The new generation of older adults is more comfortable with technology than ever before.”

AARP conducted an in-depth study into the technology habits of older adults. Eighty percent of respondents in an online poll said technology has become a big part of their life and it’s used frequently to connect with loved ones.

Meeting the Demand

As the need for senior-focused technology expands, companies are looking into services to increase connectivity, independence, entertainment and more.

The Consumer Technology Association just wrapped up CES 2023, the self-dubbed “most influential tech event in the world.” The conference puts the spotlight on tech trends and innovation.

Some of those proposed ideas include more lifelike robots to foldable cellphones to fancy new cars. Others addressed common issues people face or focused on improving your health.

One Stop Shop

One of the latest products pitched at CES 2023 is aimed to make your smart home smarter, easier and more reliable.

Matter is a universal smart home system that bundles everything together. Basically, you take all of your smart devices from any manufacturer and they work together in one hub. That means your Alexa, security system, heating system, and entertainment can all be connected by one platform.

AARP’s survey found, while older adults want to use more technology, they often find it difficult to learn or navigate. Sixty-eight percent do not believe technology is designed for them to use. That’s why something like Matter could be great for seniors, as it combines multiple devices and programs into one.

 

Monitoring Your Health

Two innovations to come out of CES 2023 this year involve monitoring your health with the help of your toilet.

U-Scan is a sensor that attaches to your toilet bowl and analyzes your urine. It tracks nutrition, metabolic information, hormones and more.

Meanwhile, the Heart Seat is a smart toilet seat that monitors heart rate, blood oxygen and blood pressure.

 

Life-Changing Technology

Other proposed technology at CES 2023 focuses on solving health problems or improving the quality of life:

  • Healables: smart clothing to treat chronic pain
  • Orbitor: a smart cushion for your wheelchair to reduce pressure injuries
  • Jabra Enhance Plus: wireless and advanced hearing aids
  • Touchpoints: a non-invasive way to reduce stress and improve focus
  • Xander Glasses: glasses that display real-time captions of in-person conversations to help people with hearing loss
  • Whissp: AI-powered speech technology

While many of these products are newly introduced and haven’t hit the market, they’re game changers in improving the quality of life for older adults.

About Advena Living

At Advena Living, we encourage residents to bring a tablet, smartphone or whatever other technology that helps connect you to your loved ones, and another other devices that help their overall wellbeing.

We aim to be so much more than a traditional nursing home. Even in a heavily regulated environment, we strive to make the concept of “home” a real thing for everyone who lives in our communities. It is our goal to ensure that each resident gets to live how they want to, on their own schedule, and is able to maintain those special daily pleasures, rituals and traditions that make them who they are.

Advena Living specializes in assisted living, skilled nursing, rehabilitation, and long-term care throughout the state. Our locations include Bonner Springs, Cherryvale, Clay Center, Clearwater, Rose Hill, Topeka, and Wichita.

Mediterranean diet

Go Greek: Eating Your Way to a Healthier Life

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Mediterranean diet

If eating better in 2023 is your New Year’s resolution, then it’s time to load up your plate with chickpeas. For the sixth year in a row, US News & World Report lists Mediterranean food as the best cuisine for healthy living. This type of eating style packs a punch when it comes to health benefits.

Researchers found that people in countries bordering the Mediterranean sea were exceptionally healthy and had a lower risk of chronic health conditions.

 

Mediterranean Cuisine

The basis of the Mediterranean diet includes plant-based foods like fruits and vegetables, along with whole grains, beans, seeds and nuts.

Extra-virgin olive oil is a staple and provides the good kind of fat that lowers cholesterol.

Don’t forget that piece of salmon. Eating fish rich in omega-3 fatty acids is also on the Mediterranean menu.

Meanwhile eggs, dairy and poultry are eaten in smaller portions and red meat is used sparingly.

Red wine consumption is allowed on the Mediterranean diet, in moderation. Red wine offers more antioxidants than other alcohol, along with less sugar. It’s also low in carbs and fat. There’s also plenty of research on the health benefits to drinking red wine— from reducing cognitive decline to lowering your risk of stroke and heart disease.

Trans fats, foods with added sugars, ultra-processed foods and refined grains are to be avoided.

For more information on foods to include and avoid, click here.

 

Get Moving

Part of any healthy lifestyle involves exercise and movement.

The National Institutes of Health say that combining the Mediterranean eating pattern with physical activity can protect against inflammation and chronic disease.

The emphasis here is on exercise that is also enjoyable, like a walk, hike, swimming or riding a bike.

 

Health Benefits

There are a myriad of health benefits from consuming Mediterranean foods. Experts at Johns Hopkins say it lowers your risk of cardiovascular disease, stroke, diabetes and high cholesterol.

Other studies find the Mediterranean diet has helped with brain health.

 

About Advena Living

At Advena Living, we support whatever lifestyle you want to follow—whether that’s eating a plant-based diet, ending your day with a glass of red wine, or taking a stroll outside.

We believe in treating everyone with compassion, respect and dignity, while encouraging residents to live their best lives.

Advena Living specialize in assisted living, skilled nursing, rehabilitation, and long-term care throughout the state. Our locations include Bonner Springs, Cherryvale, Clay Center, Clearwater, Rose Hill, Topeka, and Wichita.

Winter Storm Safety: Protect Yourself in Extreme Cold Weather

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Across Kansas, we’re getting hit with Winter Storm Warnings and Wind Chill Warnings. That comes frigid temperatures, snow and potentially threatening weather conditions.

Even just a few minutes outside in sub-zero temps can be dangerous.

Signs of Hypothermia

Hypothermia can happen in very cold weather. “In cold weather, your body begins to lose heat faster than it can be produced, which can lead to serious health problems,” according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

If you notice any of these symptoms of hypothermia, call for help immediately:

  • Shivering
  • Exhaustion
  • Confusion or impaired judgement
  • Fumbling hands
  • Memory loss
  • Slurred speech
  • Drowsiness
  • Glassy stare

Try to restore normal body temperature while waiting for emergency crews to arrive. The American Red Cross recommends the following tips:

  1. Move the individual to a warm place.
  2. Remove any wet clothing and put on dry clothes.
  3. Warm the person by wrapping in layers and blankets.
  4. Monitor breathing and circulation and perform CPR if needed.

How to Spot Frostbite

Exposing skin to winter weather and extremely cold temps can also lead to frostbite. “It leads to a loss of feeling and color in the areas it affects, usually extremities such as the nose, ears, cheeks, chin, fingers, and toes. Frostbite can permanently damage the body, and severe cases can lead to amputation,” according to the CDC.

Individuals with poor circulation and those who are not appropriately dressed for winter weather are at most risk for frostbite.

Look out for redness or pain on your skin, which may be the first sign of frostbite. Other symptoms from the Red Cross include:

  • Discolored skin that is white, gray, yellow or blue
  • Skin that feels firm, waxy or cold to the touch
  • Numbness or lack of feeling

If someone is experiencing frostbite due to cold weather, check to see if they are also showing signs of hypothermia. Regardless, it’s important to seek medical attention immediately and take action in the meantime:

  1. Move the person out of the cold and in a warm place.
  2. Do not rub the affected area. Handle it gently.
  3. Put the frostbitten area in warm, but not hot, water until it appears red and feels warm.
  4. If water isn’t available, use body heat. For example, if your fingertips have frostbite, place them under your armpit.
  5. If toes are frostbitten, use dry gauze between toes to keep them separated.
  6. Do not use heating pads or heat from a stove or fireplace as the area is already numb and can burn easily.

Stay Safe in Cold Weather

When the weather is this frigid, experts recommend you avoid being outside. If you have to go out, limit your time outdoors or take frequent breaks from the cold. Wear lots of layers to stay warm and cover exposed skin. That means a warm coat, hat, scarf, thick socks, boots and mittens or gloves.

Lastly, make sure at least one person knows your whereabouts at all times.

 

About Advena Living

At Advena Living, our priority is keeping community members warm and safe. At our seven locations throughout Kansas, we are prepared to handle severely cold temperatures. We have emergency plans in place in the event of a power outage, along with extra blankets and food.

We specialize in assisted living, skilled nursing, rehabilitation, and long-term care throughout the state. Our locations include Bonner Springs, Cherryvale, Clay Center, Clearwater, Rose Hill, Topeka, and Wichita.

To learn more about us, visit our website.

© Advena
© Advena