How Socialization Affects Your Overall Mental Health

How Socialization Affects Your Overall Mental Health

For many people, socialization is something that effortlessly occurs in their lives every single day. They have gotten so used to the habit of planning gatherings with their best friends or joining a few coworkers for happy hour after work. What they don’t realize is how beneficial these social encounters are for their overall mental health. Staying connected to family, friends and activities plays a very important role in every individual’s life. 

Here are some ways that socialization is beneficial to your overall mental health:

Socialization reduces the risk of mental health issues such as depression

Isolation is one of the main signs of depression with people of all ages. Many studies prove that surrounding yourself with other people can help ease the feeling of depression. Belonging to some sort of social group, whether it’s a gardening club or a group of friends who meet once a week for lunch, will put those individuals at a lower risk for depression. The stronger the connection that the person has, the less likely they are to develop this mental health issue. 

Socialization wards off diseases such as Dementia and Alzheimer’s

For a long time, socialization has been considered an important factor for preventing Dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. In a study conducted by the American Journal of Public Health, older women who had larger social networks were less likely to get Alzheimer’s or Dementia by 26% than women with a small social network. The more connected an individual is, the better they are with memory and cognition. It’s not the number of social acquaintances you have, it’s about the quality of the connection. 

Socialization keeps stress levels at bay

Socializing with others and having a friendly support system not only has a huge impact on defeating psychological problems such as anxiety and depression, but it also plays a key factor in reducing stress as well. Stress leads to serious problems such as heart disease, asthma, obesity, accelerated aging, premature death and more. Social networks that include family, friends and even pets can help foster relaxation in individuals and keep their stress levels at bay. 

Socialization improves mental function

Many studies have come to the conclusion that socializing, even something as simple as talking to another person, can provide mental benefits such as improved memory, improved self-monitoring, and an improved ability to limit internal and external distractions. Socialization provides a short-term brain boost that is comparable to playing games that exercise the brain such as Sudoku or crossword puzzles. 

We’ve got your social life covered!

Here at Bella Vista Health Center in Lemon Grove, we understand the importance of social interaction when it comes to better overall mental health and an improved quality of life. We have multiple organized social activities that are mindfully planned for our guests every single day. 

Come see for yourself! Call (619) 644-1000 to schedule a visit of our 5-star skilled nursing facility. 

Improve Your Vision with These Simple Tips

Improve Your Vision with These Simple Tips

Did you know that about 80% of the information your brain receives is from the eyes? More often than not, people take advantage of how important their vision actually is. They don’t realize how much they rely on it until their vision begins to get worse. 

Fortunately, there are ways to help you improve your vision and protect your eyes from getting worse over time. 

Good Nutrition

Like most things having to do with your health, the future of your vision depends heavily on the food on your plate. Nutrients such as vitamin C, zinc and omega-3 fatty acids provide nourishment to the eyes and work to prevent age-related vision problems such as cataracts. 

A few examples include:

• Fish such as salmon and tuna
• Citrus fruits or juices such as oranges
• Protein sources such as eggs and almonds
• Green, leafy vegetables such as kale and spinach

Protect Your Eyes from the Sun

People often forget that the sun’s ultraviolet rays can have a harmful impact on the health of their eyes. Too much exposure to the sun can lead to eye diseases in the future such as cataracts and macular degeneration. Choose a pair of sunglasses that are labeled with “UV Absorption” so they protect your eyes from damage. It is also recommended to choose a style with a thick frame that wraps around so they protect your eyes from every angle. 

Also, even though many brands of contact lenses offer UV protection, it is still recommended to wear sunglasses with them while outdoors. 

Limit Your Computer Screen/Television Exposure

This one might be a little bit more difficult for individuals who are required to look at a computer screen all day as part of their job. There is a common rule called the 20-20-20 rule that you should be following. It means that for every 20 minutes you are looking at your computer screen or television, take a 20 second break and look at objects that are about 20 feet in the distance. This will help with dry eyes, eyestrain, headaches and blurry vision. 

Get Regular Eye Exams

Regular visits to your optometrist will help protect your eyesight and prevent problems with your vision and eye health in the future. It is recommended that you should have a regular eye exam at least once a year. These exams can also find diseases that have no symptoms such as glaucoma. Finding these diseases as soon as possible allows them to be easier to treat. 

We Care About Your Vision!

Our purpose here at Bella Vista Health Center in Lemon Grove is to make sure our guests are as healthy as possible. We thrive to transform the recovery and rehabilitation process into a comfortable and nurturing experience for each individual while simultaneously providing the resources to improve our guest’s overall health. 

Call (619) 644-1000 for more information or to schedule a visit of our 5-star skilled nursing facility. 

Benefits of Occupational Therapy

Benefits of Occupational Therapy

The average adult spends a great deal of time doing basic activities without even thinking about them: using the bathroom, making the bed, putting on shoes, pouring a cup of tea – the list goes on and on. But as we get older, we begin to experience physical and cognitive changes that make certain tasks more difficult.  

Occupational therapy is a wonderful resource for those who are aging and undergoing changes that limit their abilities to perform daily tasks. Occupational therapists (OT) can play a major role in helping seniors adjust to these changes and find new ways to perform the activities of daily living. Sometimes this means teaching the patient new techniques or training the patient with adaptive equipment. Other times, the OT will help adapt the environment to meet the patient’s needs and keep him safe. 

For example, a gardener who has developed arthritis may find that hip pain makes it almost impossible to get down on the ground to pull weeds in a flowerbed. An occupational therapist may recommend a raised garden, where the weeding can be done without bending over or squatting. 

Or perhaps a person finds herself paralyzed by stroke on one side. An occupational therapist might show her one-handed techniques for opening packages or using a computer. 

At Bella Vista Health Center in Lemon Grove, we offer occupational therapy services because we see the important role it plays in maintaining both independence and a high quality of life for our residents. 

Benefits of occupational therapy for seniors

The benefits of occupational therapy range far and wide. The list below is just a brief glimpse at the many ways OT can help increase or maintain quality of life for seniors. Take a look at these examples of benefits of occupational therapy for seniors. Occupational therapy can:

• Help seniors maintain independence wherever possible
• Provide strategies for overcoming everyday challenges
• Provide instruction for ways to maintain balance and avoid falls
• Teach skills to protect joints and conserve energy
• Empower seniors with new skills and support reliance on skills they already have
• Help eliminate fear and frustration at changes brought about by the aging process
• Provide therapeutic exercises and activities designed to improve range of motion, endurance, and strength
• Serve as a great resource for family members who want to learn how to interact and enjoy activities with their loved ones

Occupational therapy and sleep

Unfortunately, older adults often get less sleep than they need. Insufficient sleep can put them at risk for falling, depression and memory problems, and generally decrease their quality of life. 

Occupational therapists consider the big picture for each patient. Not only do they assess the patient’s needs and goals and evaluate how the environment can be adapted to meet them, but they also bring awareness to the importance of sleep for the patient’s well being. 

Licensed occupational therapists help older adults develop individual sleep routines that allow them to get the quality sleep they need. In a short-term care facility like Bella Vista Health Center, this sometimes means helping to keep patients engaged during the daytime, encouraging exercise and socialization in order to help set the stage for a good-night’s sleep.  

Occupational therapists also help address nocturnal toileting safety, the maintenance of turning schedules for immobile patients, or other factors (such as noise- or light-reduction) that may affect a patient’s sleep quality.  

The benefits of occupational therapy for seniors cannot be emphasized enough, which is why we offer OT as one of the many services available to our residents. 

At Bella Vista Health Center, we understand that when it comes to your loved ones, the highest quality care is the only acceptable kind. 

We promise to care for your loved one just as we would care for our own. 

To learn more about Bella Vista and the services we offer, give us a call or come see us in Lemon Grove today. 

How to Reduce the Risk of Heart Disease

How to Reduce the Risk of Heart Disease

Much like arthritis and loss of hearing, many seniors assume heart disease is just another risk that comes along with getting older. While the threat of heart disease does increase as a person matures, it doesn’t have to be an inevitable part of old age. In fact, there are quite a few lifestyle changes aging adults can make that will help keep their hearts healthy for years to come. 

What is heart disease?

Heart disease is a term given to a group of different medical conditions that affect the structure and function of the heart. With time, the heart naturally loses some ability to keep up with demand, and plaque can build up along the artery walls. This condition, which is the most common form of heart disease among seniors, is called coronary artery disease. And once you get it, you’ll always have it.

Am I at risk for heart disease?

Certain traits and habits can affect your risk for developing heart disease. These are called “risk factors,” and the likelihood that you’ll develop coronary artery disease increases with the number of risk factors you have. If you are a smoker or have high cholesterol, high triglyceride levels, and high blood pressure, you are at a greater risk for heart disease. Seniors who are overweight or obese, have an unhealthy diet, and suffer from stress are also at risk. 

If you have any of these risk factors, don’t panic. These are all traits and habits you can change to keep your heart healthy and reduce your chances of developing heart disease.

How to reduce the risk of heart disease

1. Quit smoking. This is easier said than done, but if you smoke it’s important to try to quit. Smoking puts you at greater risk for heart disease than other risk factors. If you’re having trouble, ask your doctor for information on products and therapies that can help.
2. Improve your cholesterol levels. You are more likely to get heart disease if your total cholesterol level is over 200 and your triglyceride levels are over 150. To help lower your cholesterol, eat a healthy diet high in nutritious fruits and vegetables and low in salt, saturated fat, and refined sugar.
3. Stay active. As we age, exercise can become more of a challenge. But that’s all the more reason to get up and move! Seniors with a Body Mass Index over 25 are considered overweight and have a greater risk for heart disease. Achieve a healthy weight by working your way up to 30 minutes of activity most days of the week.
4. Minimize stress. A small amount of stress is inevitable, but too much stress can greatly contribute to your risk for heart disease. Lower your chances by finding healthy outlets to relieve stress such as yoga, knitting, listening to music, quiet mediation, or cuddling with your pet.

We can help

At Bella Vista Health Center, our extensive menu of services will help you succeed on your heart-healthy journey. All residents are provided nutritious meals, have access to on-site doctors and dieticians, can stay active with yoga classes, and relieve stress in our meditation center. We even host companion pet visits from the San Diego Humane Society and Love on a Leash to give residents the added health benefits of interacting with animals.

We have everything you need to be your healthiest and happiest at our five-star facility in Lemon Grove. Give us a call today to schedule your visit. 

Nursing Facilities: How They Can Help You Achieve Better Health and Happiness

Nursing Facilities: How They Can Help You Achieve Better Health and Happiness

For children with aging parents, deciding how mom and dad will receive the long-term care they need can be overwhelming. In many cases, elderly parents are hesitant to leave the comfort of their own homes to live in an unfamiliar place, making the situation even more difficult. However, transitioning to a skilled nursing facility could be the very best option when it comes to their quality of life, socialization and overall well-being.

In the past, seniors who moved into a skilled nursing facility hoped and expected to live in a place where they would feel safe and cared for. Today, there are many options available for long-term care that promise a lot more than that. In fact, research has shown that living in a skilled nursing facility is often more beneficial to seniors than living alone, as communities have broadened their offerings to provide fun social activities, chef-prepared meals, and concierge services.

There are so many ways a skilled nursing facility can help ensure better health and happiness for your loved ones. Here are just a few of the services to look for when selecting their new home:

Nutritious meals

Proper nutrition is an important aspect of health, rehabilitation, and recovery. A skilled nursing facility will provide three balanced, nutrient-rich meals to residents every day that are tailored to the changing health needs of seniors.

Physical activities

Exercise becomes increasingly important as we age, offering benefits like pain management, improved balance, and increased energy. To help residents stay healthy, many skilled nursing facilities offer yoga classes, gym equipment, and even personal trainers. 

Salon services

For many seniors, maintaining their outward appearance is important for boosting their confidence and self-esteem. Some skilled nursing facilities offer salon services with in-house beauticians and barbers to meet their guests’ needs without having to leave the facility grounds.

Social activities

Living at home can be isolating for an elderly parent, and social relationships become harder to maintain with age. Skilled nursing facilities offer planned social activities and outings such as knitting clubs, movie nights, special performances, field trips and Bingo to keep residents happy and healthy.

Rehabilitation services

Skilled nursing facilities provide residents with rehabilitation services such as physical, occupational, and speech therapy. These programs are designed to help aging adults alleviate pain, carry out activities of daily living and care for those who have trouble with communication.

Make yourself at home

At Bella Vista Health Center, we often receive calls from adult children looking for a skilled nursing facility for their aging parents. We understand that choosing a place where your loved ones will feel safe, comfortable, and cared for can be emotional, so we ease the process by providing a nurturing environment where residents and guests always feel welcome.

We invite you to visit us at our location in Lemon Grove to see how a skilled nursing facility can help your aging parents achieve better health and happiness in their golden years. Once you meet our compassionate, professional staff, you’ll know you’ve come to the right place. 

How Exercise and Recovery Change with Age

How Exercise and Recovery Change with Age

Your entire life you’ve been told exercise is good for you. The benefits are plentiful: It keeps your heart and bones healthy, prevents unhealthy weight gain, and improves your flexibility and appearance. But as you age, the advantages of exercising go beyond the obvious. In fact, as you grow older, an active lifestyle becomes more important than ever.

Unfortunately, many seniors assume they are too weak or frail to exercise and fear they will injure themselves. Some have never exercised before and have no idea where to begin, and others associate exercise with doing something strenuous they’re incapable of. While these are all valid concerns, what these individuals don’t realize is that not exercising could pose the biggest risk of all. 

Exercise is the key to healthy aging

As they age, seniors who don’t exercise may begin to find that activities they’ve always looked forward to become a little bit harder. Playing with grandchildren, gardening, and shopping are suddenly challenging rather than enjoyable. This becomes frustrating and discourages many aging adults from engaging in physical activity at all. Regardless of your age or current physical condition, regular exercise can actually help alleviate the symptoms of illnesses or pain that prevent you from doing the things you love. 

Aside from managing pain and illnesses that often come with aging, exercise can also boost your energy, improve your balance, help you maintain independence and prevent dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. And, reaping these benefits doesn’t have to involve vigorous workouts at the gym. Anything that gets your body moving counts as exercise. Whether you prefer taking a brisk walk, joining a water aerobics class, riding a bike, or playing a game of tennis, you’ll begin to feel the healing effects of exercise right away.

How recovery changes with age

If you haven’t been active in a while, it’s important not to go “all out” right away. Instead, build up your exercise program little by little and give yourself enough time to recover in between activities. As you age, more rest is required to prevent injury or illness. You can also avoid discomfort by warming up, cooling down, and keeping water handy during and after your workout.

At Bella Vista Health Center, we understand the importance of staying active as you age. However, we also recognize that starting a new exercise routine and sticking to it can be challenging the older you get. This is especially true if you are suffering from arthritis pain or recovering from a surgery or illness. 

That’s why we provide patients in our care with the medical attention they need as well as access to a variety of exercise opportunities in a supportive, nurturing environment. From yoga classes to physical therapy, we do everything we can to maintain a high quality of life for all our residents. Give us a call and schedule a visit to see first hand how our five-star facility can empower you to be your personal best.

Aging Gracefully: What You Can Do to Feel Great from the Inside Out

Aging Gracefully: What You Can Do to Feel Great from the Inside Out

It’s no secret – we all want to look great as we age. After all, if you feel young and vibrant on the inside, there’s no reason your outside can’t match. But as the years go by, aging gracefully often feels like more of an uphill battle than something that happens naturally. 

Of course, everyone knows that woman who seems to defy age with effortless grace, carrying herself with an air of confidence that radiates from the inside out. What’s her secret? The following ideas are a great place to start. They can help you take care of your mind and body to feel great no matter how many candles are on your birthday cake. 

Do things that make you happy. 

A recent study reported that happy people are less prone to mental decline. Positive people are also less likely to develop coronary heart disease, which is the main form of heart disease amongst seniors. Stay away from negative people and places and instead spend your time doing things you enjoy. You’ll age gracefully and live longer than your unhappy peers.

Eat the right types of fat.

Out with the bad and in with the good. The saturated fat found in many types of meat and dairy increases your cholesterol and boosts your risk for developing type 2 diabetes. On the other hand, eating healthy fats like omega-3 fatty acids can reduce your risk for dementia. You can find them in fish, nuts, olive oil and green leafy vegetables. 

Stop adding salt to your food.

Aging gracefully isn’t just about looking good on the outside; you have to keep your insides healthy as well. A good place to start is by reducing your salt intake. A high sodium diet is a trigger for high blood pressure, which can lead to serious health problems like heart attack, stroke, and cognitive decline. Try to stick to foods with less than 20 percent of your daily-recommended value of sodium.

Learn to manage your stress.

Studies have shown that stress can make a person appear 10 years older than they really are. Some degree of stress is inevitable, but the key to taming it lies in finding something that helps you relax. Whether its yoga, meditation, swimming, riding a bike or listening to soothing music, taking some time for yourself every day to unwind is essential to aging gracefully.

When it comes to indulging, moderation is key.

Nearly everyone is guilty of indulging her vices every once in a while. Consuming alcohol, ice cream, sweets, and soda is acceptable in moderation, but having too much can take a toll on your health and outward appearance. Set some limits for yourself and stick to them to avoid major health conditions like diabetes, obesity, and high cholesterol.

We support healthy aging

At Bella Vista Health Center in Lemon Grove, we provide quality, compassionate care to help you age gracefully in a manner that supports your overall wellbeing. All of the residents in our nursing facility receive nutritious meals, opportunities for salon services, exercise, yoga, meditation, and many other programs that help support them through the aging process. 

If you or a loved one is in search of a new home or a place to recover or rehabilitate, we invite you to come visit us. At Bella Vista Health Center, our recently remodeled 5-star facility is powered by a professional staff whose primary goal is to put the needs of patients and their loved ones first.

Give us a call to schedule your visit today.

Improve Your Memory with These 6 Techniques

Improve Your Memory with These 6 Techniques

Sometimes, forgetting simple things is just another part of life. You’re running late and can’t remember where you set your keys down. Your friend just introduces you to her co-worker and you instantly forget her name. You think back on a book you read not too long ago and you can’t seem to recall the name of the protagonist. 

These types of memory lapses are completely normal, and everyone is guilty of having them at one point or another. However, the older we get, the more common these lapses in memory seem to occur. And the more they occur, the more we worry about what they could possibly mean. 

Well it turns out that there are actually ways to help you prevent memory loss. Follow these 6 tips to boost your brain and improve your memory.

#1 Use it or you’ll lose it

That’s the perfect saying when it comes to keeping your memory sharp. This means doing basically anything that keeps your mind active and alert. Skip out on the television before bed and instead start reading that mystery novel you bought a while back. Give the Sunday crossword puzzle another try. Try taking a new route on your way to work. The more you exercise your brain, the more in shape it will be.

#2 Get a good night’s sleep

Getting a good night’s sleep puts the brain in the right state of mind to learn and remember information as you go about your day. Yes, this means getting that full seven to eight hours of sleep that is needed every night. Studies show that your brain actually processes the day’s events while you are sleeping and it works to consolidate them into your memory during this time. 

#3 Stick to a healthy diet

This includes both eating the right types of foods to give your brain the nutrients it needs and making sure you are drinking enough water throughout the day. A few foods that are known to save your memory include salmon, dark green leafy vegetables, avocados, peanut butter, sunflower seeds and oil-based salad dressings. 

#4 Get plenty of exercise

Exercising will increase the blood flow to the brain, which will keep your memory sharp. Not sure if an intense aerobic cardio session is really for you? Even something as simple as a brisk walk around your neighborhood or a slow and steady bike ride down the boardwalk will get the blood flowing and be beneficial to your brain. 

#5 Keep things simple

What we mean by this is if you’re constantly forgetting things, it might be because you have too much going on at once. Tone down the multitasking. Many people don’t realize that the brain doesn’t actually multitask, it switches from one task to the other. Instead, try focusing on one task at a time. Your memory will thank you later.

#6 Stay organized

When things get a little chaotic in your life, it’s easy for your memory to get a little jumbled as well. Make it a point to keep your home organized and clutter-free. The act of physically writing down items you need to remember helps you memorize them. Keep up-to-date to-do lists of tasks you know you need to remember.

We’ll make sure we’re doing everything we can to help

At Bella Vista Health Center in Lemon Grove, we take pride in knowing we are doing everything we can to help our guests be as healthy as possible. We provide our guests with nutritious meals, physical activity opportunities and guidance and education to help keep your memory sharp and alert.

7 Steps to Cut Processed Foods from Your Diet

7 Steps to Cut Processed Foods from Your Diet

We all lead busy lives, and sometimes that means having to make choices that are more for  short-term convenience than for long-term well-being. The biggest example of this has to do with the consumption and convenience of processed foods.

What you eat has a direct effect on your health. That being said, why wouldn’t you choose to consume the foods with the most nutrients and beneficial health factors? Well, most of the time it’s more convenient to go with the already-made (and most of the time delicious) processed foods instead of taking the time to prepare a full meal with whole foods. 

Most people are so used to consuming a diet that is largely made up of processed foods and quitting cold turkey usually results in the individual turning back to an unhealthy diet. Fortunately, there are small steps that could lead you in the right direction to eventually cutting processed foods from your diet once and for all.

Switch to Healthy Oils

Instead of using refined oils such as vegetable oil, canola oil and margarine, try using healthier oils like olive oil, coconut oil or hemp. Replacing refined oils with healthy oils will give your body more energy while boosting your immune system and providing your bones with the nutrients it needs.

Eat More Fruits and Vegetables

Make it a habit to incorporate at least one fruit and at least one vegetable into every breakfast, lunch and dinner meal. Not only will you be consuming a great source of vitamins, minerals and fiber, but eating more fruits and vegetables will ensure that you are filling up on the right kinds of food.

Cut Out Sugary Processed Beverages

Some people don’t realize that drinking those processed, sugary drinks such as sodas and juices are a major part of what makes up an unhealthy diet. When you’re thirsty, water is always going to be the number one choice. However, if you’re one of those people who gets bored of plain, unflavored water, try reaching for a soothing cup of tea or a juice that you’re sure is 100% real. 

Stop Consuming Fast Food and Deep-Fried Foods

This can be really tough for some people who are constantly on the go and only have time for a quick and easy meal. Fast food is packed full of unhealthy processed ingredients and cooked in those unhealthy oils we warned you about above. If you have time to wait in a drive-thru line, then you have time to quickly run into a grocery store for a healthier alternative. 

Switch to 100% Whole Grains

This means that that all grains you are consuming should be switched 100% to whole grains. White flour is harder for the body to digest, causing the gluten to build-up and prevent the absorption of nutrients. With whole grains, you’re getting a great source of fiber, protein, vitamins and minerals.

Stop Using Artificial Sweeteners

Stop using all artificial sweeteners including, white sugar, raw sugar, brown sugar, splenda, agave, corn syrup, etc. If you really need to add some sweetness to your meal/beverage, try using a small amount of honey instead. 

Eat Local Foods

Eating locally grown food ensures that you are getting some of the freshest and best meats, eggs, nuts, grains, fruits and vegetables. Check out your local farmer’s market and slowly begin incorporating these local foods into the meals you prepare. 

We Care About Your Health

Here at Bella Vista Health Center, our goal is to make sure you’re getting everything you need to live a healthy life. This includes providing our guests with balanced and nutritious meals. Every meal is prepared with each individual’s health and dietary needs in mind.

Need a short-term nursing facility to help you recover back to your personal best? Give us a call to schedule a tour of our 5-star rated facility at (619) 644-1000. 

Common Infections in Older Adults and How to Prevent Them

Common Infections in Older Adults and How to Prevent Them

Have you ever noticed that in times of flu vaccine shortages, the inventory is reserved for infants, the elderly, and pregnant women? That’s because these are populations for whom the consequences of developing the flu are more severe. 

For the elderly, many infections can lead to complications that don’t usually arise in younger adults. You’ve probably heard the phrase, “Knowing is half the battle,” right? Well, in the case of infection prevention, it certainly rings true. Education is the first step in protecting our loved ones from infection. Take a look below at some of the common infections in older adults – and how to prevent them. 

Urinary Tract Infection

A urinary tract infection occurs when bacteria in the bladder or kidney multiplies in the urine. Along with uncomfortable symptoms, such as the frequent need to urinate and pain or burning with urination, an untreated urinary tract infection can also lead to hallucinations, dizziness, falling, kidney infection, kidney failure, or even sepsis. Because the uncomfortable symptoms that allow for early detection sometimes don’t show up in the elderly, prevention is that much more important. 

How to prevent it: 
Be sure your loved one drinks 2 to 4 quarts of fluid every day. Cranberry juice or cranberry tablets (unless you have a family history of kidney stones) also help. Cotton underwear should be worn and changed daily. 

Skin Infection

Our skin is the first line of defense against bacterial invasion. Our epidermis even has a resident microflora to add to our protection. Aging, however, alters those defense mechanisms, making our skin more vulnerable to infections. The likelihood of developing herpes zoster (shingles), pressure ulcers, cellulitis, and bacterial foot infections can increase with age. 

How to prevent it: 
Have your loved one vaccinated for herpes zoster. Be sure to help them practice good hygiene and frequent hand washing.

Influenza

Older adults are prone to severe complications from influenza, due in part to weakened immunity and co-existing chronic diseases. Most people recover within a week, but it may take much longer for older adults. During this time, they are also at higher risk for developing pneumonia. 

How to prevent it: 
Seasonal flu shots are a great preventative measure. Help your loved one stay away from people who are sick and practice good hygiene to avoid catching or spreading the flu. 

Bacterial Pneumonia

Pneumonia is one of the leading causes of hospitalization among the elderly. More than 60% of people ages 65 and older are admitted to hospitals because of pneumonia. Severe symptoms include cough, severe chest pain, labored breathing, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, and more. 

How to prevent it: 
Have your loved one vaccinated against bacterial pneumococcal pneumonia. Annual flu shots a great defense against the flu, which can lead to pneumonia. If necessary, help your loved one quit smoking and eat well to keep a healthy immune system. 

Gastrointestinal Infection

Gastrointestinal infections can be viral, bacterial, or parasitic. They cause inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract, as well as diarrhea, vomiting, and abdominal pain. One of the main dangers of gastrointestinal infections is dehydration. Some gastrointestinal infections resolve after a few days, but left untreated, some can lead to kidney failure, peptic ulcers, and even death. 

How to prevent it: 
Proper hand washing and cleanliness around food prep areas are both important for reducing the risk of infection. 

Your can trust us with the health of your loved one

At Bella Vista Health Center in Lemon Grove, we take the health of our residents seriously. Our staff is highly skilled and trained in the prevention of infection as well as the detection of early signs of illness. We care so deeply about your loved ones that they become our loved ones, too, and we’ll do everything we can to keep them safe and healthy.  

For more information about our skilled nursing care, rehabilitation programs, or any of our other services, give us a call or drop by any time.  We look forward to hearing from you.