The Importance of Getting a Flu Shot

Medical professionals stress the importance of getting a flu shot this year. They worry too many people may assume given the relatively small outbreak last year, it won’t be a problem this season. To illustrate, the CDC reported only 818,939 specimens were tested for influenza from late September 2020 through late May 2021, and only 0.2 percent came back positive as compared to 26 to 30 percent during a normal season. 

The concern of experts now is that the few cases last year may actually result in a worse season this year. Clare Rock, an infectious diseases physician and hospital epidemiologist at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine say the light flu season last year “means some of the natural immunity that would be in the population is not going to be in the population now.” He adds, “We may have more vulnerable people.”

It is hard to predict the severity of this year’s flu season as health professionals do not yet know the extent of people who will still practice social distancing and mask wearing due to COVID-19. It is also hard to predict how close this year’s flu shot will address the various strains of flu that turn up. Other good reasons to get a flu shot are many hospitals are filled with COVID patients and the fact that children are physically back at school.  

There is also another roadblock to a more accurate prediction of this year’s flu numbers. In typical years experts look at the number of cases in the Southern Hemisphere (their flu season is during our summers) to use in predictions. This year things are not normal given the amount of COVID currently affecting the area as well as strict mitigation rules in effect in many countries. With all of these unknowns, healthcare providers stress the importance of everyone eligible getting a flu shot.   

At the Casa Sandoval senior living community, our mission is to enhance quality of life for residents.  We do this through a full component of wellness programs and activities, hospitality and care services, luxury amenities and a team that feels honored to serve seniors. Contact us to learn what sets us apart from other assisted and independent living Hayward offers and why residents are happy to call Casa Sandoval “home.”

Casa Sandoval offers the very best in senior living with our distinct mission statement of “to honor, to serve, to invest.”  Our foundation is built on honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve to create an atmosphere that promotes a healthy, engaged lifestyle.  Please call for more information about the finest assisted and independent living Hayward, CA has to offer.

The Many Benefits of Senior Living

If you have gotten tired of the constant maintenance and repairs that home ownership requires, it may be time for a change.  Perhaps you feel like your social life has shrunk since you retired, or maybe you have recently suffered the loss of your spouse and are lonely.  Many seniors who have felt like you do have discovered the advantages of 55+ senior living communities like MorningStar’s Casa Sandoval, and have not looked back.  

To start with, senior living means never having to worry about mowing the lawn, taking out the trash, or coming up with the money to replace a furnace or air conditioning system.  Seniors also say they enjoy living in a community of people around their same age and who share many of their same interests.  At Casa Sandoval, residents have opportunities for new friendships as well as to participate in a range of activities as much or as little as they like.  We additionally give residents the security of knowing someone is always around with a 24-hour emergency call system. 

If you are downsizing from a home that is larger than you need, senior living may even be financially beneficial.  Predictable budgeting is another peace of mind benefit as all of your bills are rolled into one monthly payment.  Weekly housekeeping services, restaurant-style dining, and onsite amenities including a general store, fitness center, and salon among others, ensures your retirement years are truly stress-free.    

Moreover, for seniors who require a little help with activities of daily living (ADLs), we offer compassionate assisted living Hayward families can count on with 24/7 care managers, access to licensed nurses and more. If you need respite care, (short recuperative stays) or wish to sample our community with a trial stay from one week up to a full month, contact us for availability.    Please visit our website for contact info, list of amenities, floorplans, photos, and map as well as information about The MorningStar Senior Living Company.  

MorningStar’s Casa Sandoval provides the very best in senior living with our distinct mission statement “to honor, to serve, to invest.”  Our foundation is built on honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve to create a true “home” for residents.  Visit our website to learn more about the finest independent and assisted living Hayward, CA offers.

About Half of Americans will have Cataracts by the Age of 75

The Mayo Clinic defines cataracts as a clouding of the normally clear lens of the eye and explains it is like looking through a frosty or fogged-up window.  While they develop slowly and do not affect our vision much early-on, as the condition progresses, people find it is difficult to read and drive a car, especially at night.  Symptoms also include hazy or less colorful vision, sensitivity to light and glare, double vision in one eye, and the need for brighter lights for reading and other activities.  

About half of Americans will have cataracts by the age of 75 but they can also be the result of an injury or certain genetic disorders.  In addition, diabetes, the long-term use of a steroid medication, or past eye surgery can cause cataracts to develop.  

Doctors say when cataracts start interfering with your vision as the “clouding becomes denser and involves a bigger part of the lens, to the point your vision becomes blurred,” it is time to think about cataract surgery.  The good news is that the surgery is typically very safe and effective.  

Cataracts and other eye problems are more common in seniors and is why the American Academy of Ophthalmology recommends adults over the age of 65 get a complete eye exam every year or two.  During your exam, your ophthalmologist will check not only for cataracts but age-related macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, and glaucoma as well as help to identify certain health conditions such as diabetes or stroke.  They also recommend wearing sunglasses to screen out the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) light rays or wear regular eyeglasses with a clear anti-UV coating to slow down the formation of cataracts.  

MorningStar’s Casa Sandoval is a beautiful, vibrant senior community just 25 miles south of San Francisco in the East Bay region. Our community has 233 stylish suites for independent and assisted living with a variety of floor plans. Visit our website to see what sets our community apart from other senior living Hayward offers and why our residents are happy to call Casa Sandoval “home.”

MorningStar’s Casa Sandoval provides the very best in independent and assisted living with our distinct mission statement “to honor, to serve, to invest.  Our foundation is built on honoring God, valuing all seniors and hiring staff with a felt calling to serve.  We are a true home for residents within a peaceful setting; and encourage you to contact us to learn more about the finest senior living Hayward, CA has to offer.

Source: mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/cataracts/symptoms-causes/syc-20353790

Your Anger may be Affecting Your Health

Studies show that anger can be as bad for a senior’s health.  While we all suffer from bouts of anger, unfortunately some people struggle with the emotion all too frequently to their detriment.  Doctors have known since the 1950’s that chronic anger, tension, and irritability can take a toll on our cardiovascular health but current research shows it may be even more damaging to the elderly.  

According to a recent preliminary study published in the journal of Psychology and Aging, researchers report that “anger in people 80 and older is associated with higher levels of inflammation and chronic illness.” They add that while inflammation can be useful to fight infection or injury, “too much of it is associated with health problems, including heart disease and dementia.”

The study consisted of 200 participants between the ages of 59 to 93 who had blood samples drawn, which were tested for biomarkers of inflammation.  For subjects in the 80+ range, researchers found that regular bouts of anger suggested a significant link to deteriorating health than did even expressing feelings of sadness.  However they did not find a similar response in participants in their 60s and 70s.  

As a preliminary study, other medical professionals say we probably need more research, but all agree that it is never too late to learn how to more effectively manage anger.  One suggestion is to practice mindfulness.  When we actively pay attention to our body’s response to hostility, it gives us time to pause and think about our reaction.  Another technique includes taking a walk or engaging in some type of exercise as it can help to bring our temper down.  Learning to use constructive communication techniques for problem-solving is also helpful.  If your anger problem is not getting any better, you may want to think about therapy; or talk to your doctor about whether antidepressants may help.         

At MorningStar’s Casa Sandoval, we proudly offer senior living in the Hayward area that is not only affordable but offers a lifestyle of comfort, wellbeing and security.  Our 233 bright suites come in a range of floor plans, and we are pet friendly.  Please visit our website for pricing and availability.  

MorningStar Casa Sandoval’s unique mission statement “to honor, to serve, to invest” sets us apart from other senior living options.  Our foundation is built on honoring God, valuing all seniors and hiring staff with a felt calling to serve.  We are set in a warm, loving environment with exceptional architecture and resort-style amenities.  Please visit our website to learn more about the area’s best independent and assisted living in Hayward.  

Source:health/healthy-living/info-2019/anger.html