Kathleen’s parents and grandfathers all died because of heart disease. Now 65, she assumed her risk was probably high due to family history, her 20-year history of hypertension, and her current overweight condition. She’d made some healthful lifestyle changes over the years but wondered whether there was more she could do to prevent heart attack […]
Evelyn is an alert, oriented, and physically active 80-year-old woman. She’s worried about her younger sister June, who’s 70 and sedentary. June has begun to experience memory loss and is now relying more on others to assist her with daily activities such as housework and errands. June thinks her decline is inevitable because she’s “getting […]
Heart disease remains the number one killer in the United States for both men and women. February is a great month to encourage your clients to renew their commitment to heart-healthy habits. February’s focus on heart health is near and dear to me. My dear father had heart disease from the time I was 3 […]
When working with older adults who have chronic diseases such as CVD, physicians often prescribe strict diets. While these diets may help control symptoms of chronic diseases and conditions, they may not enhance quality of life for older adults. In fact, they may reduce the joy of eating, and they do nothing to encourage food […]
As the RD for a continuing care retirement community, you’ve been asked to do a presentation and set up a booth on good nutrition for older adults at an upcoming health fair. The audience will include former rehabilitation patients from middle age to older adults with a diverse range of health issues—from knee or hip […]
At age 88, Richard was hospitalized postmyocardial infarction (MI) for stent placement and management of heart failure. Other than hypertension, he’d been healthy, eating a regular diet, and either walking or using a stationary bike daily. Following the MI, his cardiologist restricted his physical activity and ordered a low-fat, low-cholesterol diet with no more than […]
Edna proudly tells you that without even trying her weight is down from 170 to 155 lbs in just three months. At age 76 and 5’ 1” tall her BMI was in the obese category, but now it’s in the overweight category—and Edna wants to lose more weight. So do you cheer her on? Or […]
