Issue 1 2016
Managing Cholesterol making the most of your smartphone
Useful Apps for Seniors
The sunshine vitamin
Are you getting enough vitamin D?
Win
a 2-night HOTEL break in Waterford
We welcome your feedback on Flourish magazine. Email enquiries@informireland.info Advertising enquires call: 061 338580 ii
Published by: INFORM Display Systems Ltd Mulcair House Annacotty Business Park Annacotty Limerick Issue 1
Contents WELCOME to the first issue of magazine!
Lifestyle
In this issue we look at health and lifestyle issue relevant to seniors, ranging from eyesight and hearing loss awareness to online dating. We hope you enjoy the read!
or iPad, best apps for seniors.
28
02 Getting a good night’s sleep 04 Making the most of your smartphone 26 Online dating, not only for the young!
Health & Nutrition
06 Healthy Nutrition 08 Changes in eyesight: focus on Age Related Macular Degeneration
15 Caring for a family member with dementia, practical communication tips
20 The Sunshine Vitamin, the importance of vitamin D in your diet.
06
04
22 Hearing Loss 24 Managing Cholesterol
Independent Living
12 Selecting the right homecare provider. 16 Personal Alarms: Seniors Alert Scheme
Competition Time
28 Win a 2-night hotel break in Waterford
Flourish magazine is distributed to GP surgery and health centre waiting rooms nationwide by INFORM Display Systems Ltd. 1
Getting a good night’s sleep
F
rom stress to menopause, there are a myriad of reasons for a bad nights sleep. As we get older we tend not to sleep for long periods of time. This isn’t because you need less sleep as you get older, contrary to popular belief, we all need the same amount of sleep irrespective of age. Lack of Sleep Not only does a lack of sleep cause the obvious problems such as an inability to concentrate for long periods, impaired memory, poor reaction time and of course a general grouchy demeanour but there are other serious implications to be mindful of. A poor nights sleep can mean you are more likely to catch a cold or other infections, because sleep helps to regulate the body’s response to infection. With this in mind, it’s important to make sure your sleeping environment and bedtime routine helps you to avoid sleep deprivation when possible. What to avoid Make sure you avoid certain drinks before you go to bed. Drinking stimulants such as caffeine can result in elongated periods in the lighter stages of sleep, as well as making it harder to fall asleep in the first place. A quick glass of wine or whiskey may seem like the perfect nightcap but in reverse to drinking caffeine, alcohol can cause one to fall straight into deep sleep. As the alcohol wears off, our bodies go back into a lighter sleep, which is much easier to wake from. 2
Keep to a routine Try to keep regular habits and routines around sleep with set bedtimes and avoid random ‘lying in’ days. If you enjoy a daytime nap, try to have this at the same time everyday. Remember that your eyes react to the light and dark even when closed. Daylight causes our brain to reduce the production of the sleep hormone melatonin. The less melatonin we have, the more alert and awake we become. Because of this, night is the best time to sleep, ensuring we get the appropriate quality and quantity of sleep necessary. If you need to sleep during the day then invest in a good pair of blackout blinds or even an eye mask. The sleep environment It’s important to ensure your sleeping environment is a quiet and comfortable one. If you are prone to lighter bouts of sleep, then you need to make sure that you avoid disturbances so turn alarms off and never fall asleep with the TV or radio on. Invest in a good bed Invest in a good bed and mattress that supports your back and neck to ensure a good quality of sleep. Ensure that your duvet is suitable for the time of year. A high tog rating may be perfectly cosy in the winter months, but you risk waking up hot and uncomfortable if you use the same tog rating over the summer. Following the tips above, will help to ensure you get a good night’s sleep. Issue 1
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Making the most of your smartphone or iPad Useful Apps for Seniors
S
martphones and iPads are not only the realm of the younger generation, a growing portion of the senior population are also getting on board with modern technology and finding great uses for it. Here’s a selection of Apps that we think you’ll enjoy having on your smartphone or iPad!
Mind & Soul Hello Brain Delivers scientifically designed exercises called ‘Brain Buffs’ to help your brain stay fit and healthy. Lumosity Keep your mind sharp with some of the best mind games around, designed by neuroscientists working to enhance memory, attention and other skills. Kindle Read a huge range of books from Amazon’s bookstore on your phone. You can sample books before buying or read the thousands of free books available. 4
Apps that can make your life a little easier Medisafe Medication Reminder & Pill Organiser A medical app that helps you to remember to take your medications and pills at the right time and day. Magnifying Glass Flashlight Hold your phone up to anything you’d like to read, and this app will make the text larger and brighter. It’s particularly handy when you’re struggling to read small print! Viz Wiz This app, developed by a team from the University of Rochester, is targeted at partially sighted users. It allows users to take a picture with their phone, ask a question and receive multiple spoken answers.
Issue 1
health & fitness Fitness Builder Like having a personal trainer in the palm of your hand, Fitness Builder gives you everything you need to introduce a new exercise plan based on your fitness levels and personal goals. With 200 workouts to choose from, the app also includes videos to explain moves and will track your progress. Moves This app records how many steps you take each day and how many calories you burn in order to assist weight loss or maintain a healthy weight. Running and cycling are also tracked.
Pedometer Step Counter & Walking Tracker by Runtastic This app calculates the speed and distance covered while you exercise. By beeping every 1,000 steps, you can easily reach your recommended 10,000 steps per day and keep your body fit and healthy. The app works in your pocket, purse, arm or hand. RCSI MyHealth Offers easy access for users to a credible source of health information. This app has been developed by the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland in conjunction with 16 of Ireland’s leading charity organisations.
social Skype What’s better than just talking with your friends and family over the phone? How about talking to them – and seeing them – on a video call. You will never be surprised by how much your grandchildren have changed again! Wunderlist From planning a shopping trip, to multiple work projects, Wunderlist helps you to tick off your personal and professional tasks. With the option of sharing lists with other users and updating in real-time.
Transport for Ireland App The Journey Planner from Transport for Ireland lets you see all of the public transport options and plan your journey times more accurately. The planner covers bus, rail, tram, taxis, ferries and walking – 120 operators in total. Covering all of Ireland including rural locations as well as cities, the app can save your favourite locations and recent journeys. The Weather Channel Keep up with the weather forecast on the go with the Weather channel’s 15-minute weather tracker. 5
Healthy Nutrition
A
s you get older, it’s important to continue choosing healthy foods and to enjoy dining with family and friends. However, as we get older our lifestyles and appetite change and this can affect the amount and types of foods we eat. It is important to use every meal as an opportunity for maximum nutrition and find ways to improve your diet to fit with your taste and lifestyle. Get your ‘five-a-day’ Did you know you can get your recommended ‘five-a-day’ from fresh, dried, frozen or tinned fruit and veg? Aim to eat two portions of fruit and three servings of vegetables daily. Include a combination of different coloured fruits and vegetables such as bananas, apples, oranges, cabbage, carrots, peppers, sweetcorn and beans. Include foods high in fibre Porridge or whole grain cereals, wholemeal bread and dried fruit are all high in fibre. Wholegrains help you to stay full for longer and maintain a healthy weight. They also help to prevent and alleviate constipation. Limit your intake of foods high in fat and sugar Cakes, sweets, biscuits and fried foods are all high in fat and should only be eaten occasionally. If you’re 6
in the habit of having dessert, aim to make it partly nutritious. Try fresh fruits with reduced fat yoghurt for sweetness and flavour. Choose wholegrain and/ or oat-based options for crumbles or cakes. Drink more water Water supports many vital functions in the body, including hydration and digestion however as you age you may not feel thirsty as often, even when your body needs fluid. Aim to drink at least 8 glasses of water a day and more if you’re exercising. Tea, coffee, mineral water and milk can all count towards your fluid intake. Dairy goodness for bone health Protect yourself against osteoporosis, by getting enough calcium and vitamin D. Milk and dairy products such as yoghurt and cheese are high in calcium and protein. Fish such as salmon or sardines are also good sources of calcium. It is recommended to have three servings of dairy per day for adults. Vitamin D helps the body to absorb calcium. Foods that contain vitamin D include oily fish, egg yolk and vitamin D fortified dairy products. For more information on nutrition for over 50’s, see The National Dairy Council Nutrition & You suite of booklets at www.ndc.ie.
Issue 1
The National Dairy Council
Nutrition&You Series The ‘Nutrition & You’ series has been developed by the National Dairy Council and endorsed by the Irish Nutrition and Dietetic Institute to highlight the importance of a healthy lifestyle throughout the life stages.
50+ Years Nutrition&You
In Ireland, as in many countries in the world, people are now living longer than ever before. To enjoy this phase of life to the full we need to maintain our energy and vitality – whether we choose to continue working into our later years, take up new hobbies or run after the grandchildren!
50+ Years
This booklet highlights the importance of a nutritious diet and active lifestyle at this stage of life. It provides advice for positive ageing with top tips on healthy living such as bone and muscle health, keeping active, dental health and practical food choices. 3724_NDC_AdultNutrition_50yrs_v9.indd 1
07/08/2015 14:41
Also available in the Nutrition&You series Nutrition&You
Nutrition&You
aged 5 years and up
The National Dairy Council Innovation House, 3 Arkle Road, Sandyford, Dublin 18, Ireland t: +353 (0)1 290 2451 e: nutrition@ndc.ie w: www.ndc.ie NDCIreland
@NDC_ie
August 2014 3401-NDC-ChildNutrition-A3 Cover.indd 1
12/09/2014 13:22
Booklets may be downloaded from www.ndc.ie/publications or a limited number of copies may be ordered by contacting info@ndc.ie
7
Changes in Eyesight
Focus on Age Related Macular Degeneration (AMD)
T
he Irish College of Ophthalmologists explain the condition, the symptoms and treatment options. Age Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) is an ageing change in the macula, the central part of the light sensitive retina. The macula is responsible for the sharp, straight-ahead vision that we use for seeing fine details, reading, driving, recognising faces, or seeing street signs. AMD is one of the most common causes of sight loss in older adults affecting approximately one in ten over 60 in Ireland. However it’s prognosis has been greatly improved with modern treatment. These treatments can stabilise the disease in 90% of cases and greatly improve vision in 30-40% of people with AMD. AMD does not, by itself, result in total blindness as the peripheral retina remains unaffected but without treatment severe AMD can lead to loss of central vision so early diagnosis is key to effective treatment. AMD can affect fine vision we use for reading and driving but most patients maintain independence and are able to continue those 8
activities that do not require detailed vision. Most people who have had vision loss from macular degeneration can be assisted with low vision aids for reading and other tasks. Types of AMD: DRY AMD is the most common form affecting 85-90% of patients with the condition. It is the milder type of the condition which results in some difficulty with reading and fine vision- the patient may simply need extra magnification and good light for reading. While there is no known cure of Dry AMD, eye doctors recommend measures such as eating a healthy diet, stopping smoking, controlling blood pressure and taking eye supplements. Research indicates that taking a nutritional supplement containing lutein or zeaxanthin may help delay the progression of dry AMD. ....WET AMD is the more severe but less common form of the condition affecting less than 10% of patients. continued on page 10 Issue 1
The Irish College of Ophthalmologists (ICO) is The Professional & Training Body for Eye Doctors and The Expert Body on Eye Care in Ireland. The central mission of the ICO is to reduce the number of annual cases of preventable blindness affecting people in Ireland. International research shows that 3 of every 4 cases of blindness (70-75% of eye diseases) are preventable as a result of early medical intervention. The most common eye diseases which affect patients in Ireland and can result in sight loss are age-related macular degeneration (AMD), glaucoma, cataract and diabetic retinopathy. All are treatable with early medical diagnosis and treatment. The ICO places a priority on raising the public’s awareness of eye health and the significance of eye health as an indicator of general health and wellbeing. The eye is not an isolated unit and has complicated relationships with numerous other bodily systems and functions including that of the brain and nervous system. Often when an eye problem presents, it can be an indicator of another underlying medical condition. Many eye diseases are associated
with general medical conditions and many general systemic conditions affect eye health (diabetes, sleep apnoea, various tumour’s, hypertension, sickle cell disease, lupus, and many others can affect the eyes and threaten vision). It is essential for people to understand that losing their sight is not an inevitability of the ageing process. The College is committed to educating the public on the importance of taking care of their eye health and understanding the significance early treatment and diagnosis can have on a prognosis. Having regular eye examinations and taking positive lifestyle changes (not smoking, eating a healthy diet and taking regular exercise) can reduce the risk or delay the onset of developing eye sight problems in the future. It is important to make an appointment to see an eye doctor or a health care professional if you notice a change, however slight in your vision. For more information on eye health, visit the ICO website at www.eyedoctors.ie
9
The main stay for treatment is Anti-VEGF Injections. These injections have revolutionised the treatment of both age-related macular degeneration and diabetic eye disease and can help stabilise the condition. Early diagnosis and treatment Eye doctors now have excellent treatments for Wet AMD. These treatments can slow and stabilise progression in 95% of cases and significantly improve vision for 30-40% of patients, however early diagnosis is crucial to maximise their effectiveness. How to take care of your eye health Regular eye examinations with the eye doctor are recommended in order to catch symptoms early, especially if there is a family history of the condition. This should be done every two years for the over 55s and annually if there is any hint of AMD. People need to be aware of how important lifestyle is for good eye health and the importance of reacting to any change they notice to their sight. After ageing, smoking is the biggest risk factor for developing AMD and also increases your risk of developing cataracts. Simple lifestyle changes can have a big impact and help to slow the progression or onset of AMD, like giving up smoking, eating a healthy diet rich in leafy greens, exercise, sensible use of sunglasses and having regular eye exams.
Look out for the following symptoms Key symptoms of AMD include: • Distortion, where straight lines may appear wavy or bent. For example, tiles in the bathroom appear wavy • Difficulty in reading or doing any other activity which requires fine vision • Difficulty in distinguishing faces • Dark patches or empty spaces, which appear in the centre of your vision • The need for increased illumination, sensitivity to glare, decreased night vision and poor colour sensitivity
How to make an appointment with an eye doctor For an appointment to see any medical specialist working in the HSE, including eye doctors, you need to get a referral from your General Practitioner. A GP has knowledge of the specialists in his/her area and can ensure that any important information relating to your medical history is passed to the eye doctor. Can I make an appointment directly with an eye doctor? While it is advisable to seek a referral from your GP, many eye doctors working in the community will give you an appointment directly - you can find contact details for eye doctors on the ICO website at www.eyedoctors.ie
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Issue 1
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Selecting the right
homecare provider W
e all age differently and will need varying levels of care over the course of our lives. In Ireland, life expectancy has increased in recent years. Most people prefer to maintain their independence and stay in their own home for as long as possible and so more of us will need access to homecare services as we age. Some people may only require temporary assistance as they recover from a hospital stay whereas others may need more help with simple every day tasks on a long-term basis. Here are some questions to consider when choosing a home care provider:
?
What level of care do you need? Do you need part-time help with the housework, or a more comprehensive level of medical care? It’s useful to discuss your needs with a family member and healthcare professional before you set about selecting the right homecare provider. An initial meeting with a homecare provider can also help in completing an assessment of how their services can best work for you.
How do I choose the right homecare provider for my needs? Ask your GP or Practice Nurse for a recommendation. Chat to friends or neighbours who may already use the services of a homecare provider. Do some research on homecare providers offering services in your area, this can be done online or by phone. It’s worth enlisting the help of a friend or family member for this task. 12
What services are available from the homecare provider? There are a variety of services available from homecare providers, depending on the level of care needed, ranging from help with simple every day tasks to providing full-time care. In case of emergencies, it is good to know if the caregiver is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. In moments of emergency or distress, a familiar face can be welcome. Will the same person provide care on an on-going basis? Many patients prefer to know exactly who will be overseeing the quality of care they receive. Familiarity can be comforting to patients and for some can be an essential part of the service provided. Caregivers that have developed a rapport with patients are also more likely to spot irregularities in health and wellbeing.
What is the cost? Compare the costs and services from a number of homecare providers before you make your choice. In Ireland, income tax relief is available on homecare fees to patients, or their relatives at their top rate of tax, subject to conditions. This means you could claim tax relief of up to 41% of the cost of service.
 Home Care Package The HSE also operate a Home Care Package scheme to help people who need medium to high caring support to continue to live at home independently. You can contact your local Citizens Information office for details of this scheme and how to qualify. Issue 1
Introducing A new quality home support service from
Irish Wheelchair Association IWA at Home provides superior quality home support services to people with limited mobility, physical or sensory disabilities and older people. We offer assistance in the home, community, school and workplace. The services which IWA at Home provides are all designed to support independent living and improve quality of life. We provide one-to-one support through our Personal Assistants who can assist you or your loved one. Our range of services include: Mobility Assistance Light Housekeeping Assistance to Appointments Bathing Assistance Help with Medication Incontinence Care Help with Grooming and Dressing Special Diet and Meal Preparation A Break for Family Members Shopping Recreational Activities Rehabilitation
Please call us today at Lo Call 1850 80 41 42 or email info@iwaathome.ie for any further information or to have a confidential conversation about your circumstances.
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Issue 1
Caring for a
Family Member with Dementia Practical Communication Tips
C
aring for someone with dementia can be rewarding but it can also put pressure on the physical and emotional health of the carer. A partner, friend or child of a person with dementia may become defined as a Carer. This is often a role that is assumed without thinking, and some may not identify themselves as a carer. When supporting a person with dementia, it can be helpful for carers to understand the impact that dementia has on how the person thinks and feels. The person may experience a different world to those around them. It will help if the carer offers support while trying to see things from the perspective of the person with dementia. People are unique with their own history and personality. It is vital to focus on the person’s capabilities instead of what they have lost. It is important to focus on what the person feels rather than what they remember. It is important that families, friends and carers support the person to do things for themselves rather than ‘taking over’. This increases the person’s wellbeing and helps maintain their dignity and self-esteem.
Three tips on how you can offer support:
1
Do things together, when offering assistance, be patient and encourage self-sufficiency.
2 3
Focus on things the person can do, rather than their inabilities. Allow more time for tasks. Offer reassurance and encouragement.
Communicating with a person with dementia: • Ensure you have their attention. Maintain eye contact. • If the person finds verbal communication difficult, speak slowly and use simple words and sentences. • Make sure the person is included in conversations. Don’t speak on their behalf, complete sentences for them or allow others to exclude them. • Listen to the person. Try not to interrupt. • Even if the person seems not to understand, assume they do. Disregarding them can make them feel isolated. • As dementia progresses, the person may become confused about what is true and false. If the person says something you know is incorrect, find ways to steer the conversation around the subject. Contradicting them directly may make them self-conscious. • Keep your sense of humour and laugh with the person. For more information or a copy of relevant factsheets, contact the National Alzheimer’s Helpline at 1800 341 341 or helpline@alzheimer.ie 15
Personal Alarms
Seniors Alert Scheme I
f you’re worried about having a fall and not being able to get up again, a personal alarm can provide you with the reassurance that you can call for help if you need it. We often think that nothing will ever happen to us, but accidents happen and it’s important that you can get help quickly. Provision of Monitoring Alarms Under the Seniors Alert Scheme, the government funds the provision of basic monitoring alarms for people with disabilities and older people. Local community and voluntary groups nationwide operate the scheme on behalf of the Department of Environment. These groups have the application forms and submit them on your behalf for approval for funding. Once approved, you will get a call and a visit from the company supplying the monitoring equipment. The base unit will be installed which connects through a phone line to the monitoring station, which operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
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You are typically provided with a neck-hung pendant, which has a button that activates a call from the base unit to the monitoring station if pressed. The grant covers the cost of the unit and its installation but there is a charge for the monitoring service, which is paid for by the individual. You should wear the pendant at all times or have it near you so you can press the alarm button whenever you need help or reassurance. Try it out from time to time as well - it will remind you how to use it and make you feel more comfortable about using it. Never worry about continued on page 18 Issue 1
Assistireland.ie Information on daily living aids Provided by the Citizens Information Board
17
being a nuisance - the alarm centre will only send someone around if you need them. If you set the alarm off without meaning to, you can just explain it to the helper when they speak to you. They’ll just be glad to hear you are okay.
Other Alarm Systems If someone has more complicated needs, there are more sophisticated personal alarm systems (sometimes called ‘telecare’) available, which can monitor many different elements of the home environment. For example, they can be set up to provide an alert to family or carers if the front door is opened, or if the temperature goes below or above a certain level. They can even monitor the occurrence of health events such as an epileptic seizure, or alert and remind you to take your daily medication.
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More Information To find out more about personal alarms, grants and the huge range of equipment available to assist people in their daily living, visit www. assistireland.ie. Assist Ireland is a government initiative that provides independent information on aids and appliances. It is aimed at people with disabilities and older people living in Ireland. The website has details of more than 7,000 products and lists the supplier (or suppliers) and their contact details. It also contains more than 30 Information Sheets. These explain the different types of equipment such as bathing or showering equipment, or eating and drinking products. They can help you to choose the right solution for you. Contact Information If you are unable to find what you are looking for or would like to discuss your situation with someone, Assist Ireland can also be contacted by phone 0761 07 9200 (9am-5.30pm) or by email support@assistireland.ie. Assist Ireland is a website provided by the Citizens Information Board.
Issue 1
Providing an extensive range of • Wheelchairs • Mobility Scooters • Daily Living Aids and Appliances • Nationwide Wheelchair Rental Services For expert advice, tailored requirements and repairs contact our showrooms on LoCall: 1890 837 955 or Tel: 01 818 6453 or email: wheelchair@iwa.ie
wheelchairsolutions.ie 19
The Sunshine Vitamin… The Importance of Vitamin D in your diet itamin D is a vital nutrient for people of all ages, but particularly for older people. It is known as the ‘sunshine vitamin’ as it is mostly generated through sunlight.
V
health. In older people, it can increase the risk of falls and bone fracture. Low levels of vitamin D can also lead to bone and joint pain and muscle weakness.
In Ireland, it’s difficult to get enough vitamin D from sunlight alone, due to the quality and quantity needed to produce adequate vitamin D by the body.
How can I increase my intake of Vitamin D? It’s difficult for adults to get sufficient vitamin D from diet alone, no matter how good their nutrition. Small amounts of vitamin D can be found in: • Oily fish such as salmon, trout and mackerel • Egg yolks • Low fat supermilk (fortified with vitamin D) • Fortified cereals such as bran flakes
Bone Health Vitamin D helps build stronger bones by increasing the absorption of calcium. It also improves the function of muscles, which in turn improves your balance and decreases the likelihood of falling; it is therefore particularly important in helping to protect against fractures. Vitamin D Deficiency Without vitamin D the body cannot absorb sufficient calcium. When this happens, the body takes calcium from its stores in the skeleton, which can weaken the existing bone and prevent the formation of strong, new bone, potentially causing osteoporosis. Older adults, especially women, are at an increased risk of developing a vitamin D deficiency. This can have a major impact on bone 20
You may require a vitamin D supplement, talk to your GP or pharmacist about taking a supplement if you have limited exposure to sunlight or are concerned you may have vitamin D deficiency.
Did you know? Sitting by a window or in a conservatory, although warm and comfortable, will not help you take in vitamin D from sunlight. This is because the glass blocks the UV rays that stimulate vitamin D absorption. There is no replacement for fresh air and sunshine for your intake of vitamin D! Issue 1
Are you getting enough magnesium & vitamin D? Vitamin D is known as the sunshine vitamin
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Hearing Loss A
s we get older, many of us can develop hearing loss. In fact research shows that more than 30% of people over 60 years of age in Ireland have a significant hearing loss. The effects of hearing loss are often life changing and can: • Affect your self-confidence • Impact on your social life • Affect your ability to communicate with others • Have an impact on your employment prospects • Result in increased isolation from family and friends Research has shown that people with an acquired hearing loss are more likely to be socially isolated and less independent. They are also more likely to be at risk of developing symptoms of depression or dementia. How do I know if I have hearing loss? • As your hearing starts to decline, you may find it difficult to distinguish certain sounds such as ‘th’ or ‘s’ and high frequency noises (for instance children’s voices) may become difficult to hear. • Picking out particular sounds in noisy places such as a pub or crowded shop may also become increasingly challenging. • You may find yourself asking people to repeat what they said • Experiencing ringing or buzzing in your ears • Having to increase the volume of the radio or TV 22
Seek help If you are currently experiencing any of these symptoms, then it’s advisable to speak to your doctor and request a physical examination. As well as helping to measure the extent of your hearing loss, you will also be able to find out if another medical problem is causing the problem. Something as simple as earwax can block the ear canals and cause you to have difficulty with hearing. Many people don’t seek help with their hearing loss, often because of the social stigma of wearing a hearing aid. The sad part of this is that having hearing loss is far more noticeable than wearing a hearing aid. There are several treatment options available for hearing loss ranging from medical treatment to hearing aids. Treatment depends on the cause and severity of the hearing loss. For age-related hearing loss, hearing aids and other listening devices can help treat the problem and improve quality of life. Seek help from your health care professional as soon as possible if you suspect that your hearing is deteriorating.
Did you know? A Treatment Benefit Scheme is available from The Department of Social Protection for hearing aids provided by suppliers who have a contract with the Department. 50% of the cost of a hearing aid will be paid subject to a fixed maximum of €500 for each hearing aid every 4 years, and half the cost of repairs to hearing aids is also paid. Issue 1
Puzzle 1 (Easy, difficulty rating 0.40)
Complete the following grid so that every row, column and every 3 x 3 box contains the digits 1 to 9. Solve the puzzle by logic and reasoning alone, there is no maths involved. Solution below.
sudoku 8
7 6
3 4
8
5
7
1 8
9
3 1
5
9
5
4
8
4
2
3
6 4
5
3
7
4
1
8
9
1
4
2
2
6
7
7
7
5
6 8
8 3
9
5
6
8
3 2
9
2
6
8
7 3
5 1 4
8
6
9 1
3 4
7 2 5
3 1
4
2
5
7 9
6 8
2
5 7
9 6
8
1
4 3
4
9
5
6
2
1
3 8 7
6
7 2
3
8
9
4
5 1
1
8
3
7
4 5
2
9 6
Puzzle 1 (Easy, difficulty rating 0.40) Generated by http://www.opensky.ca/sudoku on Wed Dec 2 19:08:49 2015 GMT. Enjoy!
This could be your message! Your opportunity to reach an audience of 850,000 + healthcare consumers. Do you have a health information or advertising message you’d like to include in the next edition of Flourish If so, get in touch with us email: enquiries@informireland.info or call 061 338580
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Managing cholesterol
O
ne of the best ways to prevent heart disease and stroke is to keep your cholesterol at a healthy level. Cholesterol is a type of fat found in your blood. We all need a certain amount of cholesterol for our body cells and to produce important hormones, but if you have excess cholesterol in your body it forms a plaque between layers of artery walls, making it harder for your heart to circulate blood. There are two types of cholesterol: “good” and “bad.” Too much of one type or not enough of another can put you at risk of coronary heart disease, heart attack or stroke. Low Density Lipoprotein (Bad) Cholesterol LDL cholesterol is “bad” cholesterol because it contributes to plaque, which can clog arteries and make them less flexible. If a clot forms and blocks an artery, heart attacks or stroke can result. High Density Lipoprotein (Good) Cholesterol HDL cholesterol is considered “good” cholesterol because it helps remove LDL cholesterol from the arteries, back to the liver, where it is broken down and passed safely from the body. A healthy level of HDL cholesterol can protect against heart attack and stroke, while low levels may increase the risk of heart disease. 24
Lowering cholesterol A healthy diet and increasing exercise are important first steps in improving your cholesterol. Exercise is one of the best ways to lower your cholesterol by reducing or maintaining weight. Opting for a low-fat diet and choosing fish and vegetables over red meats and high-saturated fat foods will lower cholesterol. There are a variety of cholesterol-lowering foods available which can help reduce your cholesterol, including spreads, yoghurts and milk. They help to stop your body absorbing cholesterol. Dietary fibre found in pulses, vegetables, fruits and nuts, help cholesterol to pass through the body while oats and barley are rich in soluble fibre, which binds to bad cholesterol in the intestines and prevents it from being absorbed. For some people, cholesterol-lowering medication may also be required to reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke.
It’s important to know your cholesterol levels so that you and your doctor can determine the best strategy to lower your risk.Your total cholesterol count can be determined through a simple blood test. Issue 1
you don’t have to be an acrobat to balance your cholesterol
MorEPA CHOLESTEROL Maintain healthy cholesterol levels
Available from leading pharmacies and Healthfood stores. For more information, visit: www.shieldhealth.ie
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Online Dating….
Not only for the young! Tips for dating online
T
he desire for a healthy happy and intimate relationship is one that spans all age groups; it’s certainly not the reserve of the young. It’s also true that no matter what age, dating can be a fulfilling and often life-changing experience, but if you’re getting back on the dating scene after a while away it can be a daunting one too. Dating has changed significantly over the years. Just as we use the internet to shop for groceries, using the internet to meet new people is now also the norm. If you’re considering online dating, here are some top tips to ensure that your experience is a positive one. Be honest about what/who you’re looking for. This is the big question you need to ask yourself. Are you looking for a companion? Are you looking for romance? You also need to spend 26
some time thinking about the type of person and personality, you find most appealing. If you’re undecided, then there are plenty of dating sites that offer social events for mature singles that may be a good port of first call. Do Your Research There are many different types of online dating sites so spend some time on the computer researching what looks best for you. Many have tips and advice, which are ideal for beginners. Targeted sites will help you approach people of a certain age or interest but there are also nonspecific sites where you will be able to cast a wider net if that’s what you’re looking for.
Take advantage of any free month memberships to shop around and find a site that suits you and your interests. Issue 1
Consider paying for Membership Some sites are free to use and some charge for membership. It’s worth noting that the latter are more likely to attract those who are serious about finding a date. Please bear in mind that some sites have free and paid-for elements and it’s worth knowing what’s what before you create your profile, as the last thing you want is to be unable to respond to a message from the future love of your life! Safety is key Personal details such as your email address and phone number should be kept hidden from public view, pass them on with caution. Stay on the site, rather than using your personal email while communicating with new people. Any reputable dating website will have a team of moderators, as well as a function where you can report or block any users who send offensive messages, or ask for bank account details. For a first date, meet in a safe public place and make sure someone
knows where you’re going. Safety when dating is no different now than when you were a teenager, though most people are honest and well meaning, you shouldn’t take any risks at all. Ask friends for help. If you lack a little in confidence and could do with an objective eye, why not get your friends to create your profile? They can help you choose your profile picture and help you identify your personality traits too. You might even want to show them profiles of potential dates and get their honest feedback. Don’t give up! Dating should be considered as a social activity as well as one to find a potential partner. Chances are, you probably won’t find ‘the one’ on your first date but even the worst dates can be learning experiences, teaching you who and what you like and dislike. Persevere and eventually you’ll find that special someone. 27
Co
e m i T n o mpetiti
Win a 2-night hotel break with B&B and an evening meal for two people sharing in the iconic Dooley’s Hotel Waterford and FREE admission to the House of Waterford Crystal. Located in Waterford City Centre, Ireland’s Oldest City, Dooley’s Hotel is a third generation, family-run hotel that started with 8 bedrooms and has now grown to 112 bedrooms offering beautiful views of the River Suir. Waterford City, the oldest city in Ireland has a perfect blend of ancient and modern. Its collection of pubs, gourmet restaurants and excellent shops and boutiques, co-exist with medieval city walls, quaintly cobbled back streets and the grandeur of historical buildings still standing proud after more than a thousand years.
To be in with a chance of winning, simply answer the following question. Good Luck!
Waterford is Ireland’s ______ city? a. Newest b. Oldest c. Smallest Competition entries along with your name, phone number and email address can be submitted by email to enquiries@informireland.info or by post to: INFORM, Mulcair House, Annacotty Business Park, Annacotty, Limerick Closing date for entries is July 31st 2016 28
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Issue 1