Golden Points of Personalized Foot Care Feet are essential parts of the body that demand meticulous attention. Proper foot care includes various steps and measures to maintain the health of this valuable body part. Here are some important points for personalized foot care: 1. Appropriate Footwear: Choose comfortable, well-fitted, and arch-supportive footwear. Avoid wearing worn-out shoes, and replace your running shoes after about 450-500 miles. Consider using orthotic shoe inserts if you have flat feet, high-arched feet, or other foot problems. 2. Running/Walking Surface: Select an appropriate running or walking surface that does not strain your body. Flat ground is generally gentler on the body than hills. Avoid running on uneven or hilly surfaces, sand, or one side of the road. 3. Stretching: Incorporate stretching into your training routine, especially if you experience stiffness in specific muscles (calves, quadriceps, hamstrings, etc.). Always stretch after warm-up or at the end of your workout. Avoid static stretching before running. Make stretching consistent, comfortable, and relaxing, without forceful or painful movements. 4. Strength Training: Include strength training exercises to enhance natural resistance to injury and improve stability. Focus on core and hip muscle strengthening to boost stability and alignment. Regularly work on ankle strength and flexibility. 5. Adequate Sleep and Nutrition: Prioritize adequate sleep, as it is critical for growth and repair. Physically active individuals should aim for about 8 to 9.5 hours of sleep each night. Consume a proper diet with a balance of carbohydrates, protein, and electrolytes to support your running needs. 6. Pay Attention to Injuries: Do not ignore foot injuries, even mild ones. Deal with pain and swelling using Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation (RICE). Take adequate rest and recovery periods to ensure proper healing. Seek prompt medical attention for severe injuries or limitations. 7. Recovery Techniques: Incorporate recovery techniques into your routine, such as using bio-foam rollers and massage sticks. Ensure stress-free recovery by engaging in activities like watching movies, spending time with family, reading books, listening to music, or socializing. By following these personalized foot care practices, you can maintain the health and well-being of your feet and enjoy an active lifestyle.

Osteoporosis: The Most Common Bone Problem in the Elderly Bone problems are a natural part of the aging process and are common among individuals aged 40 to 60 and above. These problems may present with clinical manifestations such as pain, fractures, and swelling. As we age, our bones become less dense and more susceptible to thinning and fractures. One of the most prevalent bone diseases among the elderly is osteoporosis, which leads to a reduction in bone density, making the bones weak and brittle. It is estimated that approximately 1.4 million Canadians are affected by osteoporosis, with the majority being post-menopausal women and elderly individuals. What is Osteoporosis? Osteoporosis is an abnormal process that weakens bones and makes them susceptible to fractures. The condition involves the progression of bone demineralization, where even mild force or stress can cause a bone to fracture. It most commonly affects the bones of the spine, hips, and wrists. Women are somewhat more likely to be affected by osteoporosis, leading to low bone mass and density among them. Osteoporosis of the Foot Osteoporosis can also affect the bones of the foot, causing generalized pain with poor localization. Individuals with osteoporosis may be unable to pinpoint the exact location of their foot pain. The process of bone renewal is disrupted in osteoporosis, leading to weakened bones that can fracture more easily than expected. Osteoporosis of the foot can also result in the loss of normal foot arches. Diagnosis and Risk Factors The primary diagnostic technique for osteoporosis is the assessment of bone density through a “DEXA Scan.” This method can be used to diagnose the problem and predict the effectiveness of treatment. Several risk factors predispose an individual to acquire osteoporosis. Some important ones include higher age, which naturally leads to a decline in bone density, low levels of sex hormones that play a vital role in maintaining bone health, inadequate calcium intake in the diet, sedentary lifestyle, and certain medications like steroids. Prevention and Management While little can be done to reverse bone demineralization once it has occurred, timely measures can help stop the progression of the disease and lead to a more active life. Individuals experiencing bone pain, including foot pain, should seek consultation with a medical professional. Preventive measures include lifestyle changes such as selecting safe exercises that do not put harmful stress on already brittle bones. Elderly people having difficulty in walking should use walking aids to maintain a steady pace. The use of calcium and vitamin D supplements is recommended, especially for women above age 35, to prevent bone demineralization. Preventing falls is crucial, as they are a common cause of fractures in older adults. Early testing for bone diseases can identify and successfully manage bone problems, and a necessary consultation should be arranged in this regard. By taking preventive measures and seeking timely medical attention, individuals can improve their bone health and reduce the risk of fractures and other complications associated with osteoporosis.

Maintaining Health Among the Elderly As individuals age, certain physiological changes are a natural part of the aging process, which can affect overall health and abilities. Elderly populations may be more susceptible to certain diseases such as arthritis, osteoporosis, cognitive abnormalities, psychological dysfunction, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases. Mental health, in particular, can be greatly influenced by psychosocial factors faced by people aged 60 or above. However, not all changes that can impact health in this age group are irreversible. Implementing preventive measures as part of home care can help prolong longevity and improve health. The Role of Geriatrics and Geriatricians Geriatrics is a specialized field of medicine dedicated to the health and care of seniors. Geriatricians are trained physicians who specialize in this field and provide premium quality health services exclusively for older adults. As part of self-care, it is recommended that seniors seek a consultation with a geriatrician. Necessary screening tests can help identify the presence of diseases at an early stage, allowing for more effective management. Similarly, seeking timely treatment can prevent the worsening of existing diseases. Healthy Lifestyle Choices Healthy lifestyle choices are crucial for mitigating senior health risks. Seniors may face the challenge of managing chronic diseases to live longer, and both seniors and caregivers should be aware of relevant measures to achieve healthy outcomes. Some effective steps for maintaining good health among seniors include: 1. Dietary Modifications: Eating a well-balanced diet can yield astonishing results for health. Controlling calorie intake can prevent obesity, a common problem among seniors. Diet plays a critical role in managing certain diseases, such as diabetes and obesity. Adopting a low glycemic diet and consuming very low-calorie diets can be beneficial for individuals with diabetes. Naturopathy recommends meals that are low in saturated fat, sugars, and refined carbohydrates, while increasing fiber content in the diet. 2. Weight Reduction: Overweight and obese individuals are at greater risk for various medical conditions, including serious cardiovascular problems. Even modest weight reduction, around 5 to 10% of body weight, can have a significant impact on managing obesity-related diseases. Achieving a normal Body Mass Index (BMI) is particularly important for optimizing health in elderly individuals. 3. Regular Physical Activity: Engaging in regular exercise is essential for improving health among seniors. Recommended exercise includes at least 30 minutes per day, five days a week, of activities such as cycling, swimming, or brisk walking. Consistent physical activity can help prevent and manage chronic diseases and also has positive effects on mood and memory. 4. Safety Precautions: Elderly individuals should take general safety precautions at home to avoid falls and injuries. People with functional disabilities should use walking aids to aid mobility, and caregivers or family members can modify walking surfaces to enhance safety. Hearing aids should be used by individuals with hearing disabilities. Adequate sleep, compliance with medications, proper lighting at home, safe driving practices, and hiring a caregiver when necessary are all essential measures for maintaining the health and safety of older adults. By adopting these measures and staying proactive about health, seniors can improve their overall well-being and quality of life during their golden years.

Companionship Care Services At Ascent Caring™, we understand the importance of providing consistent and ongoing companionship and care for your loved ones. Our Companionship Care services are designed to establish a care routine that focuses on your loved one’s recreational activities and hobbies, while providing nurturing support to eliminate feelings of depression and loneliness. The Many Services We Provide Within Our Companionship Program: Medication Reminders: Our caregivers ensure that your loved ones take their medications on time and as prescribed. Pick Up Prescriptions: We can assist in picking up prescriptions from the pharmacy to ensure medication adherence. Running Errands: Our caregivers can run errands on behalf of your loved ones, such as grocery shopping or picking up essentials. Meal Preparation: We provide assistance with meal preparation, ensuring that your loved ones have nutritious and delicious meals. Social Functions: Our companions can accompany your loved ones to social functions and activities, helping them stay engaged with their community. Accompanying to Physician Appointments: We can drive and accompany your loved ones to appointments with their physician, providing support and ensuring their needs are addressed. Mail Sorting: Our caregivers can assist with sorting and organizing mail. Picking Up Meals: We can pick up meals or takeout for your loved ones, ensuring they have convenient and satisfying meals. Shopping Assistance: Our caregivers can assist with shopping, making the process easier for your loved ones. Providing Support for Depression and Loneliness If you or your loved ones are struggling with depression, loneliness, or simply require companionship and assistance with daily activities, our trained staff is here to help. We believe in enhancing the quality of life for all individuals, ensuring they can live life to the fullest. Available 24/7, 365 Days a Year We are committed to providing your loved ones with quality care, and our services are available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Whether your loved ones need assistance during the day or require overnight care, our compassionate and dedicated caregivers are always there to provide support and companionship. At Ascent Caring™, we prioritize the well-being and happiness of your loved ones, and our Companionship Care services are tailored to meet their unique needs and preferences. Let us be your trusted partner in providing companionship and support to enhance the lives of your family members.

Diabetes Care Management Services At Ascent Caring™, we are dedicated to providing specialized and comprehensive Diabetes care management services. Our goal is to empower individuals with Diabetes to live independently while safely managing their condition. Our highly competent team of professionals collaborates closely with the client’s physician, offering support, education, and assistance to Diabetic patients and their families. Diabetes Management Home Care Program Goals Establish Independence and Management: Our program focuses on helping individuals gain independence in managing their Diabetes and medications effectively. Enhance Quality of Life: We strive to encourage Diabetic patients to lead a good quality of life despite their condition. Home Safety Evaluation: We evaluate and provide instructions for maintaining a safe home environment for Diabetic patients. Reduce Hospitalizations: Our efforts aim to minimize the need for hospitalizations by providing proactive and efficient care. Safe Medication Administration: Our professionals ensure safe and appropriate medication administration for Diabetic patients. Comprehensive Diabetes Management Services Diabetes can impact various aspects of the body, and without timely diagnosis and a proper treatment plan, complications can escalate. Ascent Caring™ relies on standard clinical measurements like hemoglobin A1C and regular consultations to monitor patients’ conditions. We provide guidance on medication adherence, sleep patterns, diet, and exercise, enabling patients to better manage their chronic illness and achieve improved health outcomes. Our Diabetes Management Home Care Services Include: Assessment of Patient’s Condition: Our experienced team thoroughly assesses each patient’s condition to develop a personalized care plan. Monitoring Blood Glucose Levels: We provide instruction to patients and their families on monitoring blood glucose levels accurately. Dietary Counseling and Meal Planning: Our experts offer dietary counseling and assist in creating personalized meal plans to manage blood sugar levels effectively. Medication Teaching: We educate patients on the proper use and administration of medications. Awareness of Drug Interaction: We ensure that patients are aware of potential drug interactions and manage their medications safely. Treatment of Feet and Skin Issues: Diabetics are vulnerable to foot and skin issues, and we address these concerns to prevent complications. Circulatory Needs: We pay close attention to circulatory needs to prevent complications associated with Diabetes. Assessment for Adaptive Equipment and Occupational Therapy: We assess the need for adaptive equipment and occupational therapy to enhance patients’ independence. Coordination of Community Services: We facilitate access to community resources and services that can support Diabetic patients. At Ascent Caring™, we are committed to providing exceptional Diabetes care management services, helping individuals with Diabetes lead fulfilling and healthy lives. Our proactive approach and dedicated professionals ensure that our clients receive the support and assistance they need to manage their condition effectively.

Alzheimer’s & Dementia Care Caring for individuals suffering from Alzheimer’s and Dementia requires immense attention and patience from both family members and caregivers. These conditions often necessitate constant supervision, making long-term care challenging for families to provide alone. At Ascent Caring™, we understand the critical importance of delivering the highest quality care to those dealing with Alzheimer’s and Dementia. Our compassionate and flexible staff offers the comfort and support needed during this difficult journey for both clients and their families. Alzheimer’s is the most common form of Dementia and progressively worsens over time. The needs and requirements of individuals with these conditions change throughout the process, demanding caregivers to be aware of how to best care for them at any given moment. In the early stages, individuals with Alzheimer’s can still function independently, but their ability to handle everyday tasks begins to diminish, necessitating increased assistance. This can be challenging for both the client and their family, leading to growing frustration over time. Making Things Easy Caring for individuals with Alzheimer’s and Dementia requires considering ways to simplify their lives. As cognitive abilities decline, establishing routines becomes essential to reduce confusion and increase predictability. Our caregivers can assist in planning and organizing challenging tasks at times that are easiest for the individual. We exercise patience when activities take longer than usual and ensure those with Alzheimer’s are given the space they need to participate in daily activities to the best of their abilities. Easing Challenges Alzheimer’s and Dementia can present various challenges for clients, their families, and friends. To alleviate overwhelming stress, our caregivers aim to strike a balance that makes the process easier for everyone involved. Creating a supportive and compassionate environment helps ease frustrations that arise when routine activities become difficult. Clear communication and maintaining a daily routine enable individuals to find comfort and security in moving forward with life. Helping Loved Ones Caring for individuals with health issues can be emotionally and physically taxing for both the affected individuals and their loved ones. Family members who are responsible for providing care at home can become overwhelmed and experience their own challenges. Our private in-home care services can offer much-needed support, allowing family members to care for their loved ones with the assistance and expertise of our trained caregivers. We strive to alleviate the burdens and stress, ensuring that both the clients and their families receive the care and support they deserve.