by Dr Alex Jimenez DC, APRN, FNP-BC, CFMP, IFMCP | Chiropractic
As the body ages, changes in the gastrointestinal tract occur, reducing the absorption of nutrients and slowing down intestinal motility. As a result, malabsorption, nutrient deficiency and constipation are relatively common health problems that affect elderly people of both genders.
A high-fiber diet helps to stimulate intestinal motility and prevent constipation. There is also evidence dietary fiber helps to lower cholesterol levels and regulate blood glucose levels. Ask your doctor about the benefits of adding more fiber to your diet.
Dietary fiber is common in plant foods such as fruits, vegetable and legumes. Although dietary fiber cannot be digested or absorbed, it still contributes to health in a variety of ways. Dietary fiber comes in two types: soluble and insoluble fiber. Soluble fiber dissolves in water and becomes gel-like, causing it to stick to bile, toxins and other debris and drag them from your body. Insoluble fiber attracts water like a sponge and acts to clean your intestines, increase intestinal motility and stimulate regular bowel movements. Constipation is more common in the elderly due to reduced intestinal peristalsis or rhythmic contractions, inactive lifestyles and diets low in fiber.
The Institute of Medicine of the National Academies recommends that total fiber intake for adults older than 50 should be at least 30 grams per day for men and 21 grams for women. Because insoluble fiber absorbs water, you need to drink plenty of water, too, or a high-fiber diet can lead to constipation and compound existing problems with bowel movements. Elderly people sometimes have difficulty regulating fluid levels because their thirst mechanism may be suppressed, so a conscious effort to drink a total of eight to 10 glasses of water is a good idea. Purified water, fresh juice, herbal tea and other non-caffeinated liquids are best.
Most whole grains, vegetables, fruits and legumes are sources of insoluble and soluble fiber. For example, multi-grain bread, wheat germ, brown rice, broccoli, spinach, celery, carrots, zucchini, apples, pears, most berries, chickpeas, lentils and virtually all beans are especially good sources of dietary fiber. Furthermore, psyllium is a high-fiber compound you can mix into water or fruit juice. Nut and seeds contain fiber also, but you may find it difficult to properly chew them if you have dental problems or dentures. Consequently, softer sources of fiber, such as beans and whole-grain bread, are not only easier to chew, but are usually much more affordable.
In addition to combating constipation, dietary fiber may help reduce high cholesterol and regulate blood sugar levels, thus lowering your risk of heart disease and type-2 diabetes, according to the book �Human Metabolism: Functional Diversity and Integration.� High-fiber diets also make you feel full for longer periods of time, which may help you reduce your calorie consumption and lose excess weight.
Sourced through Scoop.it from: healthyeating.sfgate.com
As previously discussed, with age, the body begins to change, especially the digestive system, where it’s normal function slows down, requiring additional care to optimize health. Fiber is an essential part of our diet, and for seniors, an intake of the proper amount of fiber can ensure the digestive system is functioning to its fullest.
For more information, please feel free to ask Dr. Jimenez or contact us at 915-850-0900 .�
by Dr Alex Jimenez DC, APRN, FNP-BC, CFMP, IFMCP | Chiropractic, Scoop.it
As you grow older, individuals are more likely to suffer from indigestion, constipation and other ailments of the digestive system, mainly due to the fact that age can indeed affect the structures and their function. Although a natural process, several issues and conditions may develop as a result.
Sacramento gastroenterologist Roger Mendis, M.D., of Sutter Medical Foundation quoted this exact theory �Aging doesn�t necessarily mean you will start to have GI problems, but it definitely increases the odds that you might. Everything changes as our body ages, and some of those changes do impact your GI tract.� Because of this, the health of an individual’s digestive system is essential, and learning to identify these specific complications can be the first step for taking action.
Below are some of the reasons that problems with digestion might begin after the age of 60, even in healthy adults.
- Sluggish Metabolism
A slower metabolism can trigger constipation. The work of the colon involves the coordinated contraction of smooth muscle in the gut. Activity level, diet, water intake and metabolism all play a role in digestive health. As we age, our metabolism may slow, as does our activity level, resulting in harder, drier stools that are more difficult to pass. Drinking more water, modest activity (walking) and incorporating fiber into the diet may be beneficial in maintaining healthy bowel habits.
- Susceptibility to Diverticulosis
Almost half of older adults will have this condition, in which small pouches develop in the lining of the colon. Most adults remain symptom free, but these diverticula pouches can also cause constipation and discomfort. If the pouches become inflamed (diverticulitis), they can cause pain, fever and abdominal tenderness. Bleeding may occur in a minority of individuals.
- Seemingly Unrelated Conditions
Health problems like diabetes or thyroid conditions can impact your metabolism and your digestive system, causing constipation or diarrhea. Diabetes may cause slowing of the stomach emptying or �gastroparesis.�
- Medications
As we age, we are more likely to take medications for other conditions, such as heart disease or arthritis. Calcium channel blockers, often prescribed for heart conditions, can cause constipation. Pain relievers, particularly narcotic pain relievers, are well known to cause constipation. And aspirin or other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAID) pain relievers, sold over-the-counter, can upset the stomach and cause GI bleeding.
- Being Overweight
As your metabolism slows, it takes more effort to keep the pounds off. Increased weight can lead to increased acid reflux and heart burn, as abdominal fat pushes the stomach into the chest.
- Inactivity
Painful arthritis can cause us to become more sedentary as we age, and that too can slow digestion. Your digestive system works best when you are active and mobile. If aging means you spend more time sitting and less time moving, your GI tract may become sluggish.
- Increased Sensitivity
Aging may impact your �iron stomach.� While Dr. Mendis says it hard to pinpoint exactly why, older adults commonly find they can no longer tolerate the spicy foods, alcohol or coffee in the quantities they used to love. Complaints of being more �gassy,� more apt to have heartburn or dyspepsia are common, but generally not serious issues.
Sourced through Scoop.it from: www.mylifestages.org
While age can alter several functions of the body, most commonly slowing down the digestive system, not many individuals understand the impact aging can have on their overall health if they do not follow specific guidelines to maintain their function. When it comes to digestive health, it’s essential to be aware of the natural changes which affect the digestive system.
For more information, please feel free to ask Dr. Jimenez or contact us at 915-850-0900 .
by Dr Alex Jimenez DC, APRN, FNP-BC, CFMP, IFMCP | Chiropractic, Scoop.it
Aging puts the body at higher risk for an assortment of health ailments and conditions.
With age, many bodily functions slow down, including your digestive tract, it just might not work as efficiently or as quickly as it used to. The muscles in the digestive tract become stiffer, weaker, and less efficient. Your tissues are also more likely to become damaged because new cells aren’t forming as quickly as they once did.As a result, digestive tract problems that can occur as people age.
It�s important that you to seek help for any digestive discomforts and not simply brush them off as part of aging.
Seniors may also have unusual symptoms of more serious digestive disorders that can easily be missed. Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) tends to be more serious in seniors, but older adults may show less common reflux symptoms, such as coughing or wheezing, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center.
The main reason that aging affects the digestive tract is that aging usually brings on other health conditions � and medication to deal with those conditions.
- Diabetes and gastroparesis. “As people age, they get diabetes, and that can cause a lot of [movement] problems in the bowel,” says Francisco J. Marrero, MD, a gastroenterologist with the Digestive Health Center at Lake Charles Memorial Health System in Louisiana. “They also get gastroparesis � that’s probably the most significant effect of aging on the bowels.” Gastroparesisis a disorder in which food takes a long time to clear the stomach, resulting in many unpleasant symptoms. Gastroparesis tends to be more common in women, notes the American College of Gastroenterology, and causes frequent bloating and nausea.
- Artery blockages. Dr. Marrero says blockages in older people are also very common. Blockages in arteries can affect blood flow to the bowels, a condition called intestinal ischemia, during which blood flow to the intestines decreases in a fashion similar to what happens with a heart attack. “More systemic problems that are more common with age are really the reason for digestive tract issues,� he explains.
- Arthritis and hypertension. Many older people also take a variety of medications to manage chronic conditions like arthritis and high blood pressure, and the drugs used to treat both of those conditions can have digestive tract side effects.
“Older people tend to have more joint problems with arthritis and therefore may need medication to treat that,” Marrero says. “They are at increased risk of peptic ulcer disease when they take nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs [NSAIDs], a fact often overlooked in people that are prescribed those medications.”
People taking over-the-counter NSAIDs for everyday aches and pains are also at risk of developing ulcers and other digestive tract problems. “They should always be on something to protect their stomachs,” Marrero recommends. Senior women, in particular, are more susceptible to developing an inflammation of the stomach called gastritis, which can result from frequent use of NSAIDs, according to the American College of Gastroenterology.
Sourced through Scoop.it from: www.everydayhealth.com
As people age, it’s important to maintain a close overview of their health, as many of the functions of the body naturally change with time. From degeneration of the joints, among others, the function of the digestive tract may slow down, and it’s essential to be aware of its effects and what to do to ease these bodily functions.
For more information, please feel free to ask Dr. Jimenez or contact us at 915-850-0900 .
by Dr Alex Jimenez DC, APRN, FNP-BC, CFMP, IFMCP | Chiropractic, Scoop.it, Seniors, Spinal Hygiene, Spine Care
The aging process can cause a variety of conditions and health issues that mostly occur to the elderly. From chronic pain, arthritis, loss of mobility, and other issues, as a person get older, many health complications can affect individuals, however, senior citizens have found that chiropractic provides some great benefits for the older demographic.
Improved Range of Motion
Regular chiropractic care has been shown to increase spinal range of motion as well as in the extremities. Limited range of motion can occur due to age or inactivity, sometimes a combination of the two.
An improved range of motion can allow elderly patients to actively engage with their environment. Increased range of motion is one of the most common and necessary benefits of chiropractic treatment.
Preventing Joint Degeneration
When there’s a spinal subluxation, or misalingment, it can cause other areas of the body to also become misaligned and compensation of movement can create further issues for these individuals. Additionally, this can result in an abnormal wearing down of the joints. Over time, the joints can degenerate, becoming painful, causing difficulty in mobility and flexibility.
Chiropractic care is a very effective treatment for decreasing the degeneration of the spine and even other joints. When the body is in proper alignment it no longer has to adapt through postural compensation. This reduces stress on the spine and joints while relieving pain and restoring mobility.
Symptoms Relief
Chiropractic has long been recognized for its effectiveness in providing drug-free pain relief for back pain to headaches and arthritis. While pain medication and anti-inflammatory drugs only temporarily relieve the symptoms, chiropractic can treat the complication at the source and relieve the pain for good.
Spinal alignments and other chiropractic techniques help to relieve pain for a variety of issues, not just back and neck pain. What�s more, chiropractic does not have the undesirable, sometimes dangerous side effects that drugs can.
Increased Balance and Coordination
The aging process can have a significant impact on a person�s balance and coordination. This can have a variety of causes including degenerative changes to the spine, typically in the neck area. Injury to this area is another culprit.
There are special receptors that reside along the cervical spine in the rear of the joints. These receptors work to send vital messages to the brain regarding coordination and balance. When the spine and especially the neck are out of alignment, it can hinder how these receptors send and receive messages to the brain. The result is a condition called loss of proprioception, or sense of body awareness.
Elderly patients affected by this can be prone to falling, and such, can cause further issues for the individual.
Injuries from falling are one of the most common reasons elderly people visit emergency departments each year. Chiropractic can help realign the neck and spine, allowing the messages to move much easier, thus restoring balance and coordination.
Overall Health and Wellness
Proper spinal alignment can greatly benefit a person�s health, wellbeing, and even their mood. It allows them to become more active so they get exercise. They sleep better and have more energy.
An aligned spine also lets them more fully engage with their family, friends, and the world. They can get out and do things they were once unable to do and when they are active and happier the entire body benefits.
Sourced through Scoop.it from: www.sceniccitychiro.com
Insight
With age come a variety of natural, wear-and-tear conditions and unfortunately sometimes injuries which can cause difficulties for older adults. However, chiropractic has been demonstrated to benefit elderly patients, helping to increase their range of motion, decreasing the degeneration of joints and relieving painful symptoms. among other benefits.
For more information, please feel free to ask Dr. Jimenez or contact us at 915-850-0900 .
by Dr Alex Jimenez DC, APRN, FNP-BC, CFMP, IFMCP | Chiropractic, Scoop.it
Physical therapy helps people of all ages who have medical conditions, illnesses or injuries that limit their regular ability to move and function.
A customized physical therapy program can help individuals return to their prior level of functioning, and encourage activities and lifestyle changes that can help prevent further injury and improve overall health and well being. Primary care doctors often refer patients to physical therapy at the first sign of a problem, since it is considered a conservative approach to managing problems. Wondering what makes physical therapy so important? There are 10 ways physical therapy may benefit you.
- Reduce or eliminate pain.�Therapeutic exercises and manual therapy techniques such as joint and soft tissue mobilization or treatments such as ultrasound, taping or electrical stimulation can help relieve pain and restore muscle and joint function to reduce pain. Such therapies can also prevent pain from returning.
- Avoid surgery.�If physical therapy helps you eliminate pain or heal from an injury, surgery may not be needed. And even if surgery is required, you may benefit from pre-surgery physical therapy. If you are going into a surgery stronger and in better shape, you will recover faster afterwards in many cases. Also, by avoiding surgery, health care costs are reduced.
- Improve mobility.�If you�re having trouble standing, walking or moving�no matter your age�physical therapy can help. Stretching and strengthening exercises help restore your ability to move. Physical therapists can properly fit individuals with a cane, crutches or any other assistive device, or assess for orthotic prescription. By customizing an individual care plan, whatever activity that is important to an individual�s life can be practiced and adapted to ensure maximal performance and safety.
- Recover from a stroke.�It�s common to lose some degree of function and movement after stroke. Physical therapy helps strengthen weakened parts of the body and improve gait and balance. Physical therapists can also improve stroke patients� ability to transfer and move around in bed so that they can be more independent around the home, and reduce their burden of care for toileting, bathing, dressing and other activities of daily living.
- Recover from or prevent a sports injury.�Physical therapists understand how different sports can increase your risk for specific types of injuries (such as stress fractures for distance runners). They can design appropriate recovery or prevention exercise programs for you to ensure a safe return to your sport.
- Improve your balance and prevent falls�. When you begin physical therapy, you will get screened for fall risk. If you�re at high risk for falls, therapists will provide exercises that safely and carefully challenge your balance as a way to mimic real-life situations. Therapists also help you with exercises to improve coordination and assistive devices to help with safer walking. When the balance problem is caused by a problem in one�s vestibular system, Physical therapists can perform specific maneuvers that can quickly restore proper vestibular functioning, and reduce and eliminate symptoms of dizziness or vertigo.
- Manage diabetes and vascular conditions. As part of an overall diabetes management plan, exercise can help effectively control blood sugar. �Additionally, people with diabetes may have problems with sensation in their feet and legs. Physical therapists can help provide and educate these patients on proper foot care to prevent further problems down the road.
- Manage age-related issues�. As individuals age, they may develop arthritis or osteoporosis or need a joint replacement. Physical therapists are experts in helping patients recover from joint replacement, and manage arthritic or osteoporotic conditions conservatively.
- Manage heart and lung disease.�While patients may complete cardiac rehabilitation after a heart attack or procedure, you also may receive physical therapy if your daily functioning is affected. For pulmonary problems, physical therapy can improve quality of life through strengthening, conditioning and breathing exercises, and help patients clear fluid in the lungs.
- Manage Women�s Health and other conditions.�Women have specific health concerns, such as with pregnancy and post-partum care. Physical therapists can offer specialized management of issues related to women�s health. Additionally, PT can provide specialized treatment for: �Bowel incontinence, breast cancer, constipation, fibromyalgia, lymphedema, male pelvic health, pelvic pain, and urinary incontinence.
If you have questions about how physical therapy may help you or someone you care about, please don�t hesitate to ask your health care provider or local PT for information.
Sourced through Scoop.it from: www.burke.org
Remaining physically active is essential for people of all ages towards maintaining overall health, especially for elderly patients. And, when an injury or a condition has challenged an individual’s lifestyle, physical therapy can have tremendous benefits for them.
For more information, please feel free to ask Dr. Jimenez or contact us at 915-850-0900 .
by Dr Alex Jimenez DC, APRN, FNP-BC, CFMP, IFMCP | Personal Injury, Scoop.it, Texas Department Insurance News
Dr. Alex Jimenez, chiropractor, has been helping his patients find the proper legal representation they need to settle their personal injury cases, also helping them find the right insurance agent to offer proper compensation for property damages and injuries they may have suffered. Dr. Jimenez has been working alongside numerous insurance agents to ensure individuals receive the best treatment.
Street Address
6322 Edgemere Blvd
El Paso, TX 79925
Landmark
1 mile from Ft Bliss SE Gate. Come down Airway, RT on Edgemere. Bassett Village SS on left.
Mailing Address
6322 Edgemere Blvd
El Paso, TX 79925-3517
Office Phone:�915-778-8335
Fax:�915-778-8128
Office Hours
Mon-Fri 9:00am to 5:00pm
After Hours & Sat by Appt.
Languages
License:�TX-13683
Contact El Paso State Farm Agent Mike Halpin at (915) 778-8335 for life, home, car insurance and more.
Sourced through Scoop.it from: www.mikehalpin.us
Finding a qualified, experienced and knowledgeable insurance agent who can effectively help settle a personal injury claim after being involved in an automobile accident is important, in order for the individual to gain the proper compensation they deserve for their case. State Farm insurance agent Mike Halpin is a highly regarded individual who can help guarantee you receive the proper care for your injuries and property damages.
For more information, please feel free to ask Dr. Jimenez or contact us at 915-850-0900 .
by Dr Alex Jimenez DC, APRN, FNP-BC, CFMP, IFMCP | Physical Rehabilitation, Scoop.it, Seniors
According to Dr. Alex Jimenez, chiropractor, participating in physical activities is important for an individual’s overall health and when we start to age, remaining physically active becomes more important than ever. The body undergoes a natural process of degeneration over time, however, exercise and a balanced nutrition can help slow down this process and make it smoother for the individual, avoiding the development of conditions or injuries resulting from these. But, once an older adult has suffered an injury or aggravated a condition, physical therapy can be the best choice to restore the individual’s quality of life.
Physical therapy can help seniors retain their independence, whether they are managing a long-term illness or just want to improve their general health and mobility. The goal of physical therapy is to help restore and improve functionality, reduce pain and increase mobility for better strength and balance.
Falls are the major reason seniors require physical therapy.
As people age, they tend to lose flexibility, strength and often their balance, so maintaining the desired level of fitness becomes increasingly challenging. �Loss of these functions could lead to a fall that could cause serious injury. Physical therapy helps improve these functions.
Osteoporosis, which is a progressive bone disease characterized by a decrease in bone mass and density, can lead to an increased risk for fractures.� It is often the cause of many falls. Physical therapy and a regular exercise program help control the effects of this condition.
Strength training and exercise provided in physical therapy can also help alleviate the symptoms of arthritis. �People with arthritis can benefit from physical therapy because it provides exercises to help preserve the strength and use of the joints.� �Physical therapy also teaches therapeutic methods to relieve discomfort through both physical techniques and activity modifications.
Physical therapy is prescribed in many cases following a hospital stay.� Skipping on post hospitalization therapy can cause serious repercussions.
Consequences of Skipping Physical Therapy
- Falls � After a hospital stay, many are weak and more prone to falling. Failing to have therapy after hospitalization could potentially lead to a re-hospitalization due to an injury from a fall.
- Infections- Without active movement because of weakness that could have been improved with physical therapy, there is an increased risk for pneumonia. There is also increased potential for skin problems, such as ulcers, which may develop because of lack of movement.
- Reduced Long Term Strength and Endurance- During recovery, physical therapy can influence your strength and endurance level that you will have long after you finished your sessions.This can also cause increased blood pressure and heart rate and decreased oxygen saturation levels, which can lead to stroke, blood clots and heart attacks.
- Reduced Education- Education through physical therapy shows ways to complete activities of daily living in a more efficient way to help improve physical and mental well being and quality of life.
- Increased Pain- If you�re not moving because you are not taking physical therapy, joints tends to get stiff. Decreased mobility leads to more pain.
Physical therapy for seniors has a variety of benefits which can include not only gaining strength and balance, but also providing a renewed sense of confidence.� Physical therapy can give seniors back their independence and make daily tasks easier.
Working with a physical therapist will not only reduce pain, but it will also help improve overall strength and ability and reduce the risk for injuries, helping you maintain a higher quality of life.
Sourced through Scoop.it from: www.ascseniorcare.com
Insight
As mentioned before, when people age, the body can naturally lose flexibility, mobility, strength and even balance. Because of this, staying active is of utmost importance for seniors. Physical therapy can help the elderly improve their general health as well as help rehabilitate those with an injury or condition. As with any other type of therapy, however, the individual should first visit a healthcare professional to receive an appropriate exercise regimen.
For more information, please feel free to ask Dr. Jimenez or contact us at 915-850-0900 .
