One in Three People Get Shingles During Their Lifetime

We have all heard about shingles but many of us are confused as to whether it is contagious and what are the chances we will get it. Experts explain shingles is caused by the varicella-zoster virus, which is the same virus that causes chicken pox. Moreover, if you had chickenpox as a child, you are at risk for getting shingles sometime in your life. 

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports one in three people develop shingles during their lifetime. While this means many will never get shingles, some people get it more than once and others can develop flare-ups periodically throughout their lives. Dr. Michael Urban, a senior lecturer and director of the doctorate of occupational therapy program at the University of New Haven in West Haven, Connecticut, explains flair-ups can be a full range of symptoms or barely noticeable. 

Statistics show in recent years younger people are getting shingles but typically the disease occurs in those over 50 years of age and the risk increases the older we get or with various health conditions. People undergoing cancer treatment as well as being ill or under a lot of stress are all at a higher risk for shingles. 

Symptoms vary and include feeling like you may have the flu, and/or a red, itchy, painful rash or fluid-filled blisters. Before the rash appears, you may feel an uncomfortable sensation, numbness or tingling, and may be the only symptoms you ever experience. Experts say shingles are not contagious but you can give someone the chickenpox if they have never had it; but only if they come in direct contact with the fluid in the blisters such as through a wash cloth or bed sheet. To ensure your safety, talk to your doctor about getting a shingles vaccine if you are over the age of 50 or suffer from chronic diseases like renal failure, COPD and diabetes among others.

MorningStar of Albuquerque is a true retirement homes where residents can comfortably and safely age in place. We have 48 suites for assisted living and 21 secure suites devoted to the care of residents with Alzheimer’s or other dementia-related diseases. Please visit our website to learn more about our broad range of amenities, wellness programs, and care services.     

MorningStar is guided by a culture rooted in our mission of honoring God, valuing seniors, and investing in our team, which allows us to deliver services with warmth, sincerity and depth of purpose. We have built a reputation for creating true retirement homes filled with an atmosphere of love and community. Please contact us to learn more about the finest senior living Albuquerque offers.

MorningStar of Albuquerque Offers the Best Retirement Homes in Albuquerque, NM

If you or your loved one is looking for a retirement homes in Albuquerque, NM, look no further than MorningStar of Albuquerque. From our excellent staff to our superb dining experiences to our affordability, we offer everything that retirees and their families are looking for in assisted living.

Wellness

At MorningStar of Albuquerque, we know that wellness in assisted living depends on investment in the physical, intellectual, social, and spiritual aspects of our lives. We are constantly working to create new ways to help community members stay active, connected, and fulfilled. 

We host regular activities and maintain common areas that are perfect for quiet meditating or spending time with friends. You’ll find everything you need to live life at your preferred pace.

Dining Experience

The dining experience at our community is centered around personal wellness. People need proper diets, which depend on having healthy choices readily available. We believe that food is the best natural medicine and also one of the great joys of life. 

Our trained chefs design nutritious seasonal menus that include fresh, locally sourced ingredients. We provide an all-day menu mostly prepared from scratch. Our menu can also be adjusted for any dietary restrictions or specific nutritional needs.

Quality Care

The staff members at MorningStar of Albuquerque are among the most dedicated assisted living professionals in the industry. They work each and every day not just to provide care and make residents feel comfortable, but also to truly develop a bond with them. 

We are also leaders in the industry for seniors struggling with chronic diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia. Our memory care services are excellent, and we stay informed on the latest treatments and best practices to ensure residents are receiving the best care possible.

Affordability

We understand that the cost of care can be an area of concern for retirees and their families. That’s why we are proud to offer affordable and flexible options for our residents. 

We also help residents explore all of their options to pay, whether it is through government programs, grants, or gifts from local organizations. 

We have partnered with Elderlife Financial Services, which helps families identify resources available to pay for senior living. We never want the cost of care to come between a senior and the care that they truly need.

Explore the Best Assisted Living Has to Offer with MorningStar of Albuquerque

MorningStar of Albuquerque stands ready to help you or your loved one transition to assisted living. We know that the decision to transition out of a family home is not always easy, but our staff is dedicated to making our residents feel welcome from day one. 

Whether it is assisted living or memory care, with MorningStar of Albuquerque, you’ll always have peace of mind that your loved one is receiving the best quality care, day in and day out.

Community Living is Often the Answer for Loneliness

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, almost one-third of all seniors live by themselves. In terms of numbers, that’s nearly 14 million seniors. Experts say living alone doesn’t necessarily mean an individual is lonely, but it often is the case. Not to mention, the pandemic certainly made matters worse as many seniors self-isolated from family and friends.   

Whatever the cause of loneliness, research shows it takes a toll on people. In fact, a study from Brigham Young University reports loneliness can be as deadly as smoking or obesity. Study authors explain senior isolation “may complicate existing conditions, encourage an unhealthy lifestyle, and affect cognition.”

The American Psychiatric Association says seniors who report feelings of loneliness are more susceptible to depression and poor health habits including excessive drinking, smoking and lack of exercise. Research from the Rush Institute for Healthy Aging found the “risk of Alzheimer’s nearly doubled in lonely adults, and mental decline was faster.”

Senior living communities like MorningStar of Albuquerque provide residents a lifestyle that focuses on wellness, comfort and community. Along with extensive care services, we offer a broad range of wellness programs and activities designed to enhance physical, intellectual, spiritual, and social connectivity. Programs range from physical exercise classes to art classes, trivia and card games, clubs and more. We tell residents if we do not offer something you wish to pursue, start a club and encourage others to join.

Assisted living residents receive a range of services such as 24/7 care managers, certified med care managers and scheduled health & wellness evaluations. A licensed nurse is onsite during weekdays and on-call 24/7. Furthermore, MorningStar helps families arrange auxiliary care services to deal with other health concerns on an as needed basis. 

We believe every moment you are alive is an opportunity to grow, set new goals, dream new dreams, and do better. MorningStar is committed to excellence and helping seniors have better lives. If you are looking for the best retirement homes Albuquerque offers, we encourage you to learn more about MorningStar.  

MorningStar takes tremendous pride in the reputation we have earned for excellence and authenticity since our inception in 2003.  We believe the human capacity to grow, to learn and to contribute is ageless; and we act upon that truth daily, as we care for, inspire, and love the residents under our roof. Contact us for more information about the finest senior living in Albuquerque.

Source: aplaceformom.com/caregiver-resources/articles/senior-isolation-facts

A Healthy Diet Plays a Role in Our Immune System

Over the last several years, we have seen firsthand the benefit of having a robust immune system, which is vital to helping resist and combat diseases and illnesses, and a healthy diet plays a role in the proper functioning of our immune system. While food alone doesn’t directly boost the immune system, experts explain “a well-rounded diet can help prevent nutrient deficiencies that can hinder immune function, which in turn helps to ensure our immune system functions smoothly.” 

We all need certain vitamins and minerals in order for our immune cells to grow and function; and nutrient-dense foods help protect our bodies in the event of an invasion of bacteria, fungi or viruses. Likewise there are foods known to be harmful to the immune system.  

Alcoholic beverages are one of those things. If you do drink, it is recommended you limit your daily intake to no more than 12 oz. of beer, 5 oz. of wine and 1.5 oz. of liquor. Another thing to avoid is caffeinated foods or beverages too close to bedtime; and overall the FDA recommends no more than 400 milligrams of caffeine daily. 

Foods high in sugar and salt should also be avoided as well as fast food and processed foods loaded with empty calories, fat and sodium that offer little in the way of needed vitamins and minerals. Dairy products can be problematic for some individuals and lead to inflammation, which in turn affects the immune system. Experts say another good rule is to avoid snack treats with lots of food additives, colorings, and preservatives, which are associated with inflammation, and weaken the immune system. 

At MorningStar of Albuquerque, we recognize that good nutrition is important to the wellbeing of seniors. Residents of our retirement homes enjoy seasonal menus that are prepared largely from scratch and feature the freshest ingredients from high-quality producers, locally sourced when possible.  Meals are also modified to include an array of low sodium, sugar free, no sugar added, vegetarian and low-fat choices for residents to self-manage. 

Our beautiful community offers 48 stylish suites for assisted living and another 21 suites devoted to the individualized care of residents with Alzheimer’s or other dementia-related diseases.  Visit our website to see what sets our community apart from other senior living Albuquerque offers and why our residents are happy to call MorningStar “home.”

MorningStar takes tremendous pride in the reputation we have earned for excellence and authenticity since our inception in 2003.  We believe the human capacity to grow, to learn and to contribute is ageless; and we act upon that truth daily, as we care for, inspire, and love the residents under our roof. Contact us to learn more about the finest senior living Albuquerque, NM has to offer.

Source: health.usnews.com/wellness/food/slideshows/foods-that-can-harm-your-immunity