Foods That Are Best Avoided if You Have Arthritis

Studies show there are steps people can take to help control the inflammation associated with the pain, stiffness and other health complications of arthritis. Along with medications, experts say modifying our diet and avoiding certain foods known to increase inflammation can help.

Red meat is high on the list to avoid if you have arthritis. As it is higher in saturated fat than white meat or plant-based proteins, studies find red meat increases a person’s levels of inflammation and worsens joint swelling and arthritis symptoms. To get enough protein in your diet, substitute red meat with chicken, fish, legumes and things like nuts and seeds.

Full-fat dairy products may also increase inflammation and lead to worsening of arthritis symptoms. Experts say opt for skim milk or plant-based milk, and substitute full-fat yogurt with low, or no-fat yogurt or kefir. The probiotics in foods such as yogurt and kefir may help reduce inflammation according to some studies.

Processed foods are associated with obesity and insulin resistance, and may also increase arthritis symptoms. These include frozen meals, lunchmeat, baked goods, fast food, and packaged snacks, which typically contain refined grains, added sugar, high salt content, and fats to help them last on store shelves and maintain flavor. Keep in mind sugar is not only in candy, soda and desserts but can be added to many foods such as cereals, barbeque sauce, coffee drinks, sweet teas and fruit juices. In terms of sugar, the recommended daily amount is 9 teaspoons. Moreover, be aware of hidden sugars with words like sucrose and fructose.

Experts say if you drink alcohol to moderate your intake. Other foods to avoid or eat in moderation include refined carbohydrates found in white bread, white rice, pasta and cereals made with white flour. Rather eat food made from corn, whole wheat or brown rice flour. The Arthritis Foundation says, “While there’s no miracle diet for arthritis, many foods can help fight inflammation and improve joint pain and other symptoms. For starters, a diet rich in whole foods, including fruits, vegetables, fish, nuts and beans, but low processed foods and saturated fat, is not only great for overall health, but can also help manage disease activity.”

MorningStar of Albuquerque provides seniors with a vibrant and carefree lifestyle to help live life to the fullest. Our community offers assisted living suites in a variety of floor plans equipped with kitchenettes, handicapped-accessible bathrooms, and emergency call systems. Residents enjoy gourmet dining, fitness center, theater, salon and fireside patio along with wellness programs and activities. For those with Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related diseases, our Reflections Neighborhood offers memory care designed to enhance quality of life for our most tender residents. Please contact us for more information about luxury retirement homes in Albuquerque, NM.

MorningStar takes tremendous pride in the reputation we have earned for excellence and authenticity since our inception in 2003. We believe the human capacity to grow, to learn and to contribute is ageless; and we act upon that truth daily, as we care for, inspire, and love the residents under our roof. Contact us for more information about the finest senior apartments Albuquerque has to offer.

How To Talk to Your Parents About Assisted Living

Many families feel uneasy about discussing alternative senior living options with their parents. Sometimes, our parents can surprise us and be more understanding than we suspect. It may just take some time for them to see your best interest at heart and to understand the benefits of an assisted living. Finding the best communities for seniors doesn’t have to be hard. Below, we outline the best approaches for how to talk to your parents about these options.

Understand Their Perspective

Assisted living Reno might be the best option for your parents and your family. However, your parents may not see it that way at first. Initial discussion around relocation can cause unwanted emotions, but approach them with a sense of curiosity. Lean in to understand why they feel uncertain. Change isn’t easy. Remain neutral and allow them to think about how great these options can improve their overall health and well-being for the better. You aren’t “leaving them,” you’re giving them an opportunity to be more independent and fulfilled in a safe environment.

Assisted Living Benefits

Take some time to research local senior living communities that offer senior care. Depending on the types of needs your parents require, certain communities may be better suited for their support. The best assisted living communities for seniors provide medication management, personalized care plans, and 24/7 available staff. Senior apartments provide attentive staff, nutritious meals, and an active community full of amenities to explore.

Find Your Home at the Best Assisted Living in Nevada

Contact us today if you want to know about the best senior living community with built-in companionship, predictable budgeting, and modern memory care Nevada has to offer. MorningStar Senior Living Retirement Homes in Sparks, Nevada, takes care of the worry and stress of aging, allowing seniors more time to do the things they love. Whether it’s fulfilling a calling, finding a new opportunity through volunteerism, or spending time with friends and loved ones and relaxing, contact us to schedule a tour of our memory care community near you.

MorningStar Sparks' unique mission statement, “to honor, to serve, to invest,” sets us apart from other senior living communities. Our foundation is built upon honoring God, valuing all seniors, and investing in staff with a felt calling to serve.

Learn More About Parkinson’s Disease

The Parkinson’s Foundation reports there are more than 1.1 million people in the United States living with Parkinson's disease; and it’s estimated 90,000 people in the U.S. are diagnosed each year. However, they say the actual number of people with PD is likely to be higher as many cases go undiagnosed.

The Mayo Clinic explains Parkinson's disease is a progressive disorder that affects the nervous system and the parts of the body controlled by the nerves. Currently there is no cure but medications can improve symptoms, and in some cases, surgery may also improve symptoms.

Parkinson’s symptoms typically start slowly, and one of the first things a person may notice is a slight tremor in one hand. Called resting tremors, they occur when the person’s hands are at rest, and the first tremors may only be the shaking of one finger. It is important to note that not all tremors are caused by Parkinson’s and you need to consult with your healthcare provider to see if it is Parkinson’s or something else causing the condition.

Stiffness or rigidity, and slowed movement known as bradykinesia are other common symptoms of the disease. Rigidity occurs in the shoulders, trunk, limbs and neck. Bradykinesia includes slowness in everyday movement and tasks such as walking, speech and eating. Another common sign of Parkinson’s is a change in the person’s handwriting. Small handwriting called micrographia occurs because of changes in the parts of the brain that control motor skills. As the disease progresses, people report problems with sleeping, mood swings and changes in cognitive skills as well as eye and vision issues.

The risk of Parkinson’s increases with age and most cases are diagnosed after the age of 60. Men are more likely to come down with the disease, and there is a small hereditary link. Moreover, ongoing exposure to pesticides and herbicides may increase your risk.

At MorningStar of Albuquerque, we have 48 private suites for assisted living and another 21 suites for those with Alzheimer’s and other memory loss diseases. Our residents enjoy healthy, delicious meals served all day in our full-service dining room, luxury amenities, wellness programs and built-in companionship. We are committed to providing outstanding senior apartments in Albuquerque and invite you to set up a tour to see our beautiful community.

MorningStar takes tremendous pride in the reputation we have earned for excellence and authenticity since our inception in 2003. We believe the human capacity to grow, to learn and to contribute is ageless; and we act upon that truth daily, as we care for, inspire, and love the residents under our roof. Contact us for more information about the finest senior living Albuquerque has to offer.

How to Make a Vision Board That Inspires Daily Action

A vision board is more than a pretty collage. It is a visual reminder of what you want your days and years to feel like. For seniors, in assisted living creating one can be a fun, reflective project that brings goals, values, and hopes into focus. You are not too old to dream or to move toward something new, and a vision board can help you stay connected to that truth.

Decide what you want this season of life to hold

Start by asking yourself a few questions:

• How do I want to feel more often
• What do I want to do more or less of
• Who or what do I want to make more room for

Your answers might include energy, connection, creativity, or calm. These themes will guide what you choose to put on your board in senior housing Santa Fe NM.

Gather simple supplies

You do not need anything fancy. A piece of poster board, cardboard, or even a large sheet of paper will work. Collect:

• Old magazines or calendars
• Printed photos or images from the internet
• Scissors and glue or tape
• Colored pens or markers

If cutting and pasting is difficult, you can create a digital vision board on a tablet or computer instead.

Choose images and words that truly resonate

Look for pictures that make you feel something, not just ones that look nice. You might include:

• Photos of places you want to visit, even locally
• Images of people laughing, reading, walking, or gardening
• Words or phrases such as “steady,” “curious,” or “strong”

Think about goals that fit this stage of life, such as maintaining balance, deepening relationships, or exploring new hobbies. In communities like senior living Santa Fe NM, group vision board sessions often lead to great conversations about what matters most now.

Arrange your board with intention

There is no right way to organize it, but some people like to:

• Place health related images in one corner
• Put relationship or community pictures in another
• Keep words or phrases near the center

Leave some blank space so you can add new elements as ideas grow. The process should feel enjoyable, not rushed.

Use your vision board as a daily nudge

Place the finished board where you will see it often, such as near your favorite chair or on a bedroom wall. Take a moment each morning to notice one image or phrase and ask, “What is one small action I can take today that fits this vision?” Actions might be as simple as calling a friend, taking a short walk, or spending ten minutes on a hobby.

A vision board is not about chasing perfection. It is about reminding yourself that your life still holds possibilities and that small, steady choices can shape your days in a way that feels more aligned with who you are and who you are still becoming.

Take the Time to Focus on Self-Care

Most of us experience some level of stress whether it is just occasionally or something that bothers us on a more frequent basis. If you want to know how to handle stress better, Dr. Shalu Ramchandani, an integrative medicine specialist at the Harvard-affiliated Benson-Henry Institute for Mind Body Medicine at Massachusetts General Hospital, recommends following good health habits. These include eating a predominantly plant-based diet, exercising on a regular basis, sleeping at least seven hours a night and staying socially connected.

Another beneficial habit to reduce stress is to practice self-care, which is simply taking time out of your day to do something that makes you feel good. Experts recommend one of the top self-care habits is to practice mindfulness. Spending too much time on things such as problem-solving and negative thoughts can make you more likely to experience stress, anxiety and symptoms of depression. Practicing mindfulness with breathing exercises, guided imagery and other practices can help you direct your attention away from this kind of thinking and relax the body and mind.

Self-care habits can include taking a walk out in nature, practicing yoga, taking a bath or doing some stretches before bedtime. Some people feel a sense of calm using aromatherapy with scents known to be calming like lavender, rose, bergamot and frankincense. Lighting a room using candles or getting a massage can also be effective.

Research finds watching a movie or an episode of a comedy show that makes us laugh can additionally reduce our stress hormones. For others, listening to soothing music may be calming. If coffee or caffeinated drinks make you feel jittery or anxious, cut back and replace with decaffeinated substitutes or drink water or natural fruit juices. If nothing seems to help, and your stress and anxiety levels are not improving, consult your healthcare provider.

If you are considering senior living in Albuquerque, NM, we encourage you to learn more about MorningStar of Albuquerque. Residents enjoy maintenance-free living, opportunities for new friendships, wellness programs, and the chance to relax in beautiful surroundings. Along with spacious apartments in a variety of floor plans, we offer a host of amenities including chef-inspired nutritious meals, fitness center, bistro, theater, salon and fireside patios. To experience MorningStar assisted living up close, please contact us to schedule a tour.

MorningStar is guided by a culture rooted in our mission of honoring God, valuing seniors, and investing in our team, which allows us to deliver services with warmth, sincerity and depth of purpose. We have built a reputation for creating homes filled with an atmosphere of love and community. Contact us for more information about the finest senior apartments Albuquerque, NM has to offer.

Winter Safety for Seniors Preventing Slips Falls and Frosty Missteps

Cold weather brings its own kind of beauty, but it also adds a layer of risk for older adults. Ice, snow, and early darkness can turn ordinary errands into potential hazards. With a bit of planning in senior living Santa Fe NM and some thoughtful habits, winter can stay enjoyable without putting your safety on thin ice.

Dress for warmth and stability

What you wear outside matters as much as where you walk. Choose:

• A warm coat that zips or buttons easily
• Layers you can add or remove as you warm up
• Gloves, hat, and scarf to protect fingers, ears, and neck

On your feet, pick shoes or boots with non-slip soles and a snug fit around the heel. Avoid smooth bottoms, which slide easily on wet or icy ground.

Plan safe routes and timing

Whenever possible, stick to cleared, well salted paths. If you have flexibility, run errands later in the day when sidewalks are more likely to be shoveled and temperatures are slightly higher. Avoid walking in the street to bypass snowbanks, since drivers may have a harder time seeing you in low light.

If you use a cane or walker in assisted living, consider adding an ice tip attachment recommended by a clinician or therapist. These can provide better grip on packed snow.

Take your time outdoors

Rushing is one of the biggest fall risks. Give yourself extra time to get to appointments or social events. When walking:

• Take shorter steps
• Keep your center of gravity over your front leg
• Use handrails whenever they are available

If you feel unsure, ask someone to walk beside you, especially on stairs or sloped driveways.

Keep entrances safe and clutter free

Doorways and steps are common trouble spots. Make sure:

• Walkways are cleared of ice and snow
• Doormats lie flat and do not bunch up
• Boots and wet items are placed where they will not be tripping hazards

Inside, good lighting near entrances helps you see any water or melted snow on the floor before stepping in it.

Maintain strength and balance

Winter often means more time indoors, which can weaken muscles if you become less active. Gentle exercises such as seated leg lifts, heel raises while holding a counter, and simple balance work can keep you steadier. Ask a physical therapist or fitness instructor for senior specific routines that fit your abilities.

Build a simple winter safety plan

Let someone know your general schedule and check that your phone is charged before you go out. Keep contact numbers written near the phone, not just stored electronically. In places like senior housing Santa Fe NM, neighbors often agree to look in on each other during storms or cold snaps, which adds another layer of reassurance. With realistic precautions, winter can stay a season of cozy moments rather than unwanted mishaps.

Health Screenings for Older Adults

As we age doctors recommend seniors get some additional health screenings. However, certain tests may no longer be required for very elderly people so be sure to talk to your doctor about what is appropriate based on your medical history and age.

The American Academy of Ophthalmology recommends adults 65 years and older get a thorough eye exam every 1-2 years as problems increase with age. Ophthalmologists warn serious diseases such as glaucoma can silently steal our vision without noticeable symptoms. An exam also looks for signs of cataracts, age-related macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy.

Colorectal cancer screening is recommended for adults starting at age 50 and continuing until age 75 (if you’re older than 75, it may depend on your history). Tests include colonoscopies, fecal immunochemical tests (FIT), or flexible sigmoidoscopy.

Breast cancer screenings are recommended at age 50 to 74 every 1-2 years, or based on family history of breast cancer. For men, prostate cancer screenings recommendations vary. The American Cancer Society says, “The decision should be made after getting information about the possible benefits, risks, and uncertainties of prostate cancer screening.”

Lung Cancer screening is recommended for people at high risk or a history of smoking. Skin cancer checks by a dermatologist are recommended for seniors at least once a year. A bone density test to screen for osteoporosis is recommended for women aged 65 years and older, and for men aged 70 and older. The frequency of repeat scans depends on the results of the prior test.

As the prevalence of diabetes increases with age, diabetes screening is important. The Cleveland Clinic recommends screening for diabetes at age 45 and over, with follow-up tests every three years. Those with a BMI greater than 25 and additional risk factors may need more frequent testing.

Hearing screenings are recommended every 5 years until age 65, every 1-3 years after 65, and more frequent testing if there are risk factors or problems. Test results are used to monitor hearing changes over time and provide a picture of a person’s hearing health.

Other routine screenings include cholesterol and blood pressure as well as annual cognitive and mental health assessments. Recommended immunizations for older adults include influenza vaccines annually, pneumococcal vaccines at age 65 (with a possible booster) and a two-dose shingles vaccine over 50.

MorningStar’s assisted living in Albuquerque, NM allows residents to retain independence while receiving the daily support they need. From healthy daily meals to wellness programs and activities, we have a whole range of services and amenities to ensure their comfort and well-being. Please contact us to inquire about availability, pricing or to set up a tour.

MorningStar has considered it a privilege and responsibility to “cast a new light” on senior living, inspired and empowered by our unique mission: to honor, to value, to invest. Our passionate commitment to serving seniors has proudly earned us a reputation for satisfaction that is second to none. Contact us for more information about the finest senior apartments Albuquerque, NM has to offer.

This post is intended for informational purposes only. Please contact your health care provider with any questions or concerns you have regarding your health.