Medicare Changes for 2013

With all the news coverage of the changed in legislation surrounding Affordable Care Act(also commonly referred to as ObamaCare), it can be difficult to know what really affects YOU. The National Council on Aging has put together a few highlights of changes in Medicare in 2013. In addition, they also have posted some helpful links to items such as new preventative care options (such as a smoking cessation program) as well as Medicare’s chart of the monthly payments due in 2013. There are some positive changes to look forward to including: an easier-to-read benefit summary…discounts to combat the prescription coverage […]

Avoid Re-Admittance After A Procedure or Hospitalization

Avoid Re-Admittance After A Procedure or Hospitalization A recent study conducted at the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health found that patients who received assistance with medication compliance in their home following a procedure or hospitalization reduced their risk of re-admittance to 11% as compared to 34% of those who received no supportive in-home care. This is just another study affirming the value of home health care and its vital role within a continuum of care which seeks to provide support medical providers such as physicians and hospitals. The goal of Aker Kasten Home Health Care is to keep you […]

Aker Kasten Helps Raise Funds for Memory & Wellness Center

We were delighted to be Bronze Sponsors and send a team of caregivers to participate in a fundraiser for a local Memory & Wellness Center to help them reach out to those in our community living with memory disorders! Here’s a picture of our team, giving of their time on a Sunday to walk for this great cause: Aker Kasten Home Health Care, a leading Boca Raton FL home care company, is here to help you and your senior loved ones. Contact us anytime to discuss your care needs.

Warnings Signs of A Heart Attack or Stroke

Review the Warning Signs of Heart Attack and Stroke Not all of these warning signs occur in every heart attack or stroke. If you think you may be having a heart attack or stroke call 911 immediately. Heart Attack Warning Signs Uncomfortable pressure, squeezing, fullness or pain in the center of the chest that lasts for more than a few minutes or goes away and comes back. Pain or discomfort in one or both arms or shoulders, the back, neck, jaw or stomach. Shortness of breath with or without chest discomfort. Other signs such as breaking out in a cold […]

Whole Grains for a Healthier Heart

New research suggests people who regularly eat whole grains instead of refined grains take in less of a body fat called VAT, a fat linked to a higher risk for heart disease and Type 2 diabetes.  Researchers published an analysis of dietary surveys and body-fat scans of more than 2,800 men and women between the ages of 32 and 83 in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.  They found that eating several servings of whole grains a day is associated with lower amounts of VAT. However, those who ate whole grains without giving up refined grains did not seem to benefit from […]

5 Ways to Lower Blood Pressure & Sodium Intake

Do you have a heart condition, high blood pressure, or a concern about your weight? If so, your physician may have encouraged you to modify your diet to improve your cholesterol, blood pressure or weight. It may seem overwhelming at times when you feel need to make a lot of changes in your eating plan to make a difference in your cholesterol, blood pressure or weight. The good news is you can make simple, small changes with both your food choices and how you prepare your foods in order to positively impact your health. In the coming weeks, we will […]

Increase in Veterans Administration Aid & Attendance Benefit

Good news! The Veterans Administration has increased the pension benefit for Aid & Attendance benefit in 2012. Those eligible can get up to $24,239 per year towards home health care services. Contact our Business Coordinator, Laurel at LRagaller@akhomehealth.com if you would like more information on this resource available to veterans! Aker Kasten Home Health Care is the Boca Raton home care leader and is here to help you and your loved ones.

Don’t Take a Holiday from Exercise: Tips to Help Seniors Stay Active

Courtesy of the Private Duty Home Duty Association Exercise is an important part of life, particularly for senior clients. It’s a known mood and energy booster, great for the heart, and it helps control certain diseases and ailments, like diabetes. While most people are busy preparing for the approaching holiday, don’t take a holiday from maintaining fitness. Encourage group fitness classes. When people exercise with others, they are more likely to feel encouraged and continue their fitness routine than when exercising alone. Find a list of group senior fitness classes in your area, and encourage clients to attend. Ask Aker Kasten […]

8 Foods That Will Boost Immunity

By Lucy Danziger and the staff at SELF One sure sign that winter is on its way: Drugstores are already advertising for flu shots, and in fact, some started weeks ago! If you haven’t gotten your vaccine yet, there’s still plenty of time, but do schedule one: It reduces your risk for infection by as much as 90 percent, says Anne Moscona, M.D., professor of microbiology and immunology at the Weill Cornell Medical College in New York City. And while you’re at it, try working some of these delicious immune-boosting foods into your daily diet to fight cold-weather bugs naturally […]

Vaccination Recommendations

Vaccination Recommendations for Older People by Simeon Margolis, M.D., Ph.D. Jul 22, 2011 As seen on Yahoo! Health Flu: Influenza (flu) vaccine Many older people think they don’t need to worry about something as insignificant as the flu. But an annual vaccination against influenza virus is recommended each fall or winter for adults of all ages. Although earlier studies probably overestimated the dangers of influenza in the elderly, bouts of the flu can produce severe symptoms, may require hospitalization, and can be fatal. Influenza is also recognized to increase the risk of heart attacks. One problem is that the flu […]