Seniors

Aches and Pains

Rest the affected area and avoid the activity that causes pain.
Apply ice wrapped in a towel or cloth to the injured area for 15-20 min at least three times a day.
Elevate the injured area above the level of the heart.
Lose weight if you are over weight.
Stand up straight and alter your walking style.
Stay active.

Anemia

Eat 2-3 servings of protein a day.
Eat lots of green vegetables and try breakfast cereals fortified with folic acid.
Avoid hot tea and ice tea.

Angina

If angina comes on during an activity stop whatever you are doing.
Sit up or stand up if you have angina pain when you are lying down or sleeping.
Try deep breathing.
Stop smoking if you are a smoker.
Keep Aspirin in hand.
Don't hop right out of bed, take you time to get up in the morning.
Avoid heavy lifting.
Walk daily.
Identify what triggers angina.

Arthritis

Stay active, walk 20 min daily (walk softly).
Loose weight if you are over weight.
Eat more salmon or other cold water fish.
Apply a package of frozen peas or ice wrapped in a towel or cloth if you have swelling especially after any physical activity.

Asthma

Avoid strong odors and exposure to chemicals.
Eat lots of vegetables and fruits.
Stay indoor if pollution is high.
Take care of acid reflex.
Keep the room dust free.

Back Pain

If you feel that you need bed rest, take it but not more than 2-3 days. Try walking around every few hours.
Avoid activities that may strain the lower back.
Apply ice wrapped in a towel or cloth for 15-20 minutes.
After the first couple of days, apply heat for up to 15 minutes at a time by using heating pad.
Daily do some gentle stretches as soon as you are able to do it.
Don't bend and lift incorrectly.
Avoid lifting loads of more than 10-12 pounds.
Don't sleep or sit for long periods on soft, cushy sofas or recliners.
Avoid standing for long period of time, vary position frequently.
Sleep right. Choose good mattress and pillow to maintain neck and back in correct posture.
While driving, use a small pillow and vary its position on your back for comfort. On a long trip take a break about every two hours and walk a bit.

Bad Breath

Scrape the tongue twice a day for 5-6 days.
Gargle with mouthwash (containing zinc) for about 30 seconds every morning.
Brush your teeth atleast twice a day and floss at least once a day. Brush at least for two minutes.
Clean dentures every day by brushing them with a commercial denture cleaner.
If the dry mouth is contributing bad breath have some orange juice.
Don't skip the meals. Eat three meals a day.
Favor odor-free eating.

Bedsores

Get a good pressure relieving mattress.
Move around in bed. Shift at least once an hour.
Maintain good nutrition.
Use canola or flaxseed seed oil for cooking. Avoid corn or safflower oil.
Cover sores with gauze bandages coated in petroleum jelly to help speed healing.
Keep the wound moist and the surrounding skin dry.
Keep the wounds clean. Use soap and water to clean, avoid disinfectants.

Body odor

Select an antibacterial soap.
Apply talcum powder to odorous areas.
Avoid spicy foods, if that is causing body odor problem.
Change socks frequently.

Bone Spurs

Apply ice wrapped in a towel or cloth 4-5 times a day in acute pain.
Apply heating pad or hot water bottle wrapped in a towel on the affected area for 10-15 min, 4-5 times a day in a chronic condition.
Wear a well supportive, well padded shoes.
Massage gently by applying pressure in a circular motion.

Brittle Nails

Apply moisturizer frequently to the nails.
Keep the nails short.
Use gloves while washing dishes or cloths.
Maintain good hygiene.
Don't wash and dry hands frequently.
Don't use nail polish remover containing acetone, instead of that use acetate.

Bruises

Take rest.
Apply ice to injured spot as soon as possible.
Wrap the bruise gently with an elastic bandage.
Elevate the area.
Take lots of citrus fruit and food containing vitamin C.
Apply fresh crushed parsley leaves.
Wear protective clothing over the areas which tend to bruise repeatedly.

Constipation

Eat lot of fibre rich food such as fruits, vegetables and all brans.
Increase water intake. Drink 6-8 glasses of water a day.
Try to walk up daily for 30 minutes.
Don't ignore the urge to defecate.
Don't use laxative or enemas habitually.
Soak feet or legs in a hot foot bath for five minutes and then plunge them into cold water for a minute.
Above age 65 there is a risk of colon cancer. See doctor immediately if constipation is accompained by abdominal pain or blood in stool.

Cough

Try coughing in a rhythm that begins with several small, gentle coughs and then one large one. This will help less irritating throat or straining of muscle.
Gargle with warm salt water to reduce the pain.
Have a hot cup of tea with a little bit of honey.
Avoid smoky environment.
Sip water throughout the day, aiming for 7-8 glasses.

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