SeniorsNutritionAndHealth.com

Reported by American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, May 2008. The causes of obesity are complex and include genetic, biological, behavioral, and cultural factors. Obesity occurs when an individual consumes more calories than the body burns up. If one parent is obese, there is a 50 percent chance that the children will be obese. When both parents are obese, the children have an 80 percent chance of becoming obese. Certain medical disorders can cause obesity, less than one percent of all obesity is actually caused by physical problems. Obesity in childhood and adolescence can be related to poor eating habits; overeating or binging; lack of exercise; family history of obesity; medical illnesses; medications (steroids, some psychiatric medications); stressful life events or changes (separations, divorce, moves, deaths, abuse); family and peer problems; low self-esteem; depression or other emotional problems. There are many risks and complications with obesity. Physical consequences include increased risk of heart disease; high blood pressure; diabetes; breathing problems; trouble sleeping. Child and adolescent obesity is also associated with increased risk of emotional problems. Teens with weight problems tend to have much lower self-esteem and be less popular with their peers. Depression, anxiety, and obsessive compulsive disorder can occur.

Exercise is for young people is a common line that is heard from senior citizens. Exercise is too painful for older people to do on a regular basis is another excuse, as is it's too late and won't help anymore. In reality, none of these statements are factual or true in their entirety. While there is truth in the fact that young people need exercise, and that if not done properly, or to excess, can be painful, and even detrimental, it is very important that seniors exercise regularly. One rule with exercise, regardless of age, is that it be done in moderation and only after consultation with a doctor. The benefits that exercise can have for seniors are numerous. Besides the fact that regular exercise can keep people, especially those in the second half of their lives, more flexible and mobile, it can help keep or reduce blood pressure. Cholesterol levels can also effected by regular exercise, helping to maintain proper levels of both types of cholesterol. Diabetes is another disease that effects seniors that can be controlled and even reduced through exercise. Regular exercise helps promote better joint movement and can lessen the chance for osteoarthritis. Exercise, contrary to the opinion of many people, need not be strenuous or painful, and nor does it have to be a very time consuming activity to be beneficial. Exercising as little as for fifteen to twenty minutes three times a week can have positive results. Even taking a walk at a moderate and comfortable pace can bring about the desired healthy effects.

Drinking has always been an acceptable part of our society. From sharing a bottle of wine over dinner, going out for drinks with friends, and celebrating special occasions. There are any number of acceptable reasons to take a drink and that is why it can be difficult to see when drinking is crossing that line of acceptable moderate and social use to becoming a problem. It is important to be aware of warning signs that a drinking problem exists and to take action once you recognize there may be a problem.

Substance abuse experts have a clear distinction between alcohol abuse and alcoholism, also known as alcohol dependence. Alcohol abusers still have the ability to set limits on their drinking. Those who suffer from alcohol dependence do not have that ability. It is not completely understood why some people can drink regularly without any harmful effects, and others may on occasion suffer with hangover symptoms, while millions of people who are afflicted with alcoholism and alcohol abuse cannot drink at all without it becoming dangerous for their health, losing their family, or jeopardizing employment. There are definitely some connecting factors such as genetics, social environment, how you were raised, and your physical and emotional health. Statistics report that those individuals who have a family history of alcoholism or they themselves suffer from a mental health problem such as anxiety, depression, or bipolar disorder are at a higher risk because of the tendency to use alcohol to self-medicate.

Some common signs and symptoms of alcohol abuse include: neglecting your responsibilities at home, work, or school because of your drinking; using alcohol in situations where it is physically dangerous; having repeated legal problems due to your drinking; continuing to drink even though your alcohol use is causing problems in your relationships.

Some common signs and symptoms of alcohol dependency include all of the signs and symptoms of alcohol abuse but also have the physical dependence of alcohol. If you rely on alcohol to get you through the day, or if you feel compelled to drink because you will feel better physically, you have crossed the line from alcohol abuse to alcohol dependency. This is a very large red flag that indicates you need help. Alcohol Rehab can help you get through this and get back on track with your life.

It is often very difficult to figure out where the line is between social drinking and problem drinking. However, if you take an honest look at why you drink, you should be able to realize which side of that line you are on. One thing is for certain, if your drinking is causing problems in your life whether at home or at work, you have a drinking problem. If you or a loved one suffers with alcohol abuse or addiction there is hope in overcoming it through Alcohol Treatment Centers. There are also many Private Alcohol Rehab Centers to accommodate those who wish to get through this disease privately. The first step on the road to recovery is to recognize that there is a problem.

Today we went to a party at the Senior Citizens' Center for a special birthday girl. Katie celebrated in full regalia. I'll describe her from head to toe. Katie's hair was gray and brown and it actually looked natural. Nestled in well coiffed curls was a rhinestone headband about an inch wide. At first I could not see the earrings. They were dangling so low they were hidden by the green boa feathers around her neck that reached almost to the floor. Also, she wore a string of pearls at least six feet long--the kind flappers used to twirl when they did the Charleston. Katie was dressed in a silver lame skirt and blouse with a yellow flowered jacket. This is an excellent article that everyone should read.
http://www.myafricantravels.com/2010/03/05/a-southern-belles-birthday.html

While housing needs are basic to the human experience, they differ for people of various ages and situations. Young children, for example, need an enclosed and safe environment, while older people need a more accessible living area, with different safety considerations. The living accommodations designed for older adults need to take into consideration their declining mobility and health, while being cognizant of their financial situation. The need for affordable housing is a universal need, but especially for senior citizens who are generally on a fixed income, often significantly less than they had available before they reached retirement. Fortunately for many seniors, governmental assistance, from the federal, state, or even the local government, are available to help out. There are many housing projects set up for senior citizens, where the rent is based on the tenant's income and utility costs are included in the rent. Another concern for seniors is accessibility. Some people as they age may experience problems getting in or out of tubs and showers. In many of the senior housing developments, special showers with no ledges or steps and tub enclosures that have pass through doors are available. The placement of cabinets are often another consideration for many seniors. Safety is another concern for seniors. Falling is a major fear for seniors as is being incapacitated and unable to call out for help. Since many seniors end up living alone, they fear falling down or becoming ill and not having any way to get help. Many buildings designed especially for seniors have special "help call" systems. For those living elsewhere, there are special pendants or bracelets that can be used to summon help. It is very important that seniors or their caregivers take any of these or other special needs be taken into consideration when selecting a residence.

Causes, Risks & Complications of Obesity

Seniors and Daily Exercise

Alcohol Abuse & Treatment

A Special Birthday Girl

Practical Living Solutions For Seniors