Safety renovations for seniors’ homes
COURIER LIFE, M PS ARCH 15–21, 2019 19
hen it comes to nutrition
and health, just as
important as what we
eat is what we eliminate. That
makes a well-functioning colon
key to well-being.
The colon is a major organ
whose primary function
is to eliminate waste from the
body. Also known as the large
intestine, the colon is five feet
long and made up of muscles
that move waste along in a
wave-like motion known as
peristalsis. If bowel movements
are not regular, waste
products accumulate and can
compromise health.
It’s been estimated that
50 percent of colorectal cancer
cases could be avoided by
maintaining a healthy weight,
engaging in moderate daily
activity, and eating healthfully.
Processed meats, such
as hot dogs, sausage, bacon,
and deli-style cold cuts, are
most strongly associated with
the incidence of colorectal
cancer. This can be attributed
to their manufacturing process,
which includes chemical
agents (such as nitrates and nitrites)
that can create carcinogens
(cancer causing agents)
in the gut when eaten. Red
meat and alcohol consumption
are both strongly associated
with the development of
colorectal cancer, so moderation
is the order of the day.
When it comes to proper
nutrition to help reduce the
risk of colon cancer, the hard
and fast rule should be to
choose a healthy diet — primarily
plant-based — which
allows you to get the nutrients
you need from the foods you
eat, instead of taking supplements.
Research has shown
that eating whole foods provides
us with known anti-cancer
compounds and fiber as
well as healthful substances
we may not even be aware of
at this time.
Because an ounce of prevention
is worth a pound of
cure, here are seven tips for
healthful eating to help maintain
colon health:
1. Eat your vegetables, all
of them! Vegetables and legumes
such as beans, lentils,
and soy, all contain fiber as
well as phytonutrients (plant
compounds thought to have
health-protecting qualities)
which have been shown to
fight cancer.
2. Enjoy garlic and onions
as often as possible. Both of
these vegetables, which we
utilize as seasonings, have
demonstrated their ability
to reduce the risk of colorectal
cancer. Hint: allowing
chopped garlic to sit 10 minutes
before using will increase
its health benefits.
3. Limit intake of red meats
(beef, pork, and lamb) to 18
ounces per week. Convincing
evidence based on recent studies
suggests that eating red
meat is strongly associated
with the development of colorectal
cancer. And the more
red meat you eat, the greater
your risk.
4. Cook meats at a lower
temperature. Marinade if
you’re grilling. Preparing
meat over an open flame or
in a frying pan causes the development
of cancer-causing
agents (heterocyclic amino acids,
as one example) that are
then deposited onto the meat
as it cooks. Marinating meats
decreases the creation of these
unhealthy chemicals.
5. Avoid processed meats
such as bacon, sausage, hot
dogs or deli-style meats. Bite
for bite, processed meats increase
the risk of colon cancer
to twice that of eating red
meat.
6. Choose low-fat dairy and
calcium-containing vegetables
such as spinach, broccoli,
and okra, often. Calcium-rich
foods are considered to decrease
the risk of developing
colon cancer.
7. If you drink, be moderate
in your intake. Two drinks
daily for a man and one drink
daily for a woman.
For more information or to
speak with a NewYork-Presbyterian
Brooklyn Methodist physician
about colon cancer and
prevention, please call 718-499-
2273.
—New York-Presbyterian
Brooklyn Methodist Hospital
Wellness
Feeling safe and secure at home is a priority
for any homeowner. But safety is of particular
concern for aging men and women who are at
greater risk of being involved in accidents at home
than younger men and women.
Harvard Health Publishing says that accidents
at home are among the leading causes of injury
and death in the United States. The chances for fatalities
increases as one ages, and by age 75 and
older, men and women are almost four times as
likely to die in a home accident as people a decade
younger.
As people age, their balance, eyesight, and general
physical abilities can begin to diminish. Furthermore,
a fall or incident that may only bruise a
younger individual can cause more serious breaks
or damage for seniors, resulting in potentially
lengthy recovery times.
The Home Care Assistance organization says
that one million elderly people are admitted to the
emergency room for injuries every year. People
concerned about the safety of their homes or the
homes of their aging loved ones can retrofi t such
properties to make them safer:
Falls
According to The Senior Social Club, which offers
care and community services to seniors, falls
are the most common accidents affecting seniors.
One out of every three seniors aged 65 and older
falls at least once a year.
In addition to working with doctors to improve
mobility and modify medications that may cause
unsteadiness, changes around the home can help.
Grab bars placed in bathrooms and high-traffi c areas
can help seniors stay more stable when changing
from sitting to standing positions.
Potential tripping hazards should be assessed.
Area rugs without nonskid backings, clutter on
fl oors, extension cords that extend into walking
areas, and uneven fl ooring pose tripping hazards.
Anti-slip coatings can be added to fl oors
to reduce the risk of tripping.
Poorly lit staircases and entryways also can
contribute to falls. Consider the installation of
motion-activated lighting so that dim areas can
be automatically brightened when necessary. A
nightlight or LED lights placed near molding can
help guide seniors to the bathroom during midnight
visits.
Physical limitations
Arthritis can impede seniors’ ability to turn on
and off appliances, water faucets, or handle certain
kitchen tools. Kitchen and bathroom modifi -
cations can include the installation of ergonomic
and user-friendly handles and spigots.
Task lighting can make it easier to prepare
meals, and appliances that automatically turn off
after a certain period of time can be a safety feature
for forgetful individuals.
Reorganize kitchen cabinets to make commonly
used items as accessible as possible.
Smart homes
Friends or family members can have greater
control over seniors’ homes by installing smart
home systems. This way they can remotely adjust
thermostats, control lights, view cameras, engage
locks or alarm systems, and much more without
having to be at the home. This can seniors allow
seniors to maintain their independence while offering
peace of mind to their loved ones.
Certain home modifi cations can reduce seniors’
injury risk.
As people age, their balance, eyesight, and general physical
abilities can begin to diminish.