Chase Bank and LivingSocial are committed to small businesses (Yes, we just snuck in under their definition of a small business). They have instituted a new grant program offering up to $3 million to small business owners nationwide, and awarding $250,000 in grant money to individual businesses.

ActiveForever is a big company with a high-touch small business feel. You can Vote for us at www.missionsmallbusiness.com.

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Visit https://www.missionsmallbusiness.com

Click on “Login & Support”

A window will pop-up, asking you to Login to Facebook. Click the Login button.

It will say $5 is added, go to the bottom of the page (NOT the Facebook page) to search for the business name “ActiveForever” Choose the State (Arizona) and City (Scottsdale).

Click the Blue Vote button next to the address on the right side to finish voting.

That’s it! It’s that simple!

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Several years ago research began to emerge (and gain media attention) that the Baby Boomer generation is in worse health than previous generations, and as the American obesity epidemic continues those health trends don’t appear to be changing. Today’s Boomers are more educated than previous generations, so why is the Boomer generation unhealthier than their parents?

Researchers do give credit where it is due, and they’ve found the Boomer generation is more healthy in some ways such as not smoking, but then are also more likely to report having difficulties getting up from chairs, going up stairs, etc.

Research suggests there are several reasons today’s aging population is suffering from health issues at a rate worse than previous generations did:

Boomers are less physically active than their parents. Yes, today’s Boomers own gym memberships en masse, but our average daily activities including sitting at a desk job all day and commuting in the car (for longer periods of time than previous generations) between work and home.

These are generations of processed foods. Previous generations of Americans may have worried less about caloric intake or types of fats, but they ate less processed foods.

STRESS! Yes, aging Americans today face more financial concerns (especially regarding retirement), job insecurity, and the more recent emergence of the Sandwich generation which is responsible for being a caregiver to their parents and their own children. All of these and more add up to a lot of stress for Baby Boomers, and that stress is linked to the increase in heart disease, obesity, and other health concerns.

Obesity isn’t an issue only relevant to Boomers; two thirds of all Americans are overweight. We could write a whole other blog (ok, whole books have been written on it) on the “why” so many of us are obese, but for now let’s just explore the health issues. Everything from diabetes and heart disease to arthritis is affected by obesity (which was less prevalent in previous generations).

Awareness is the first step. With the knowledge of how today’s aging population “stacks up” to those in the past, you also know what you can change to make a positive lifestyle difference that will allow you to age as healthier person. Eating right and exercise are keys to a healthy lifestyle. Baby Boomers can revolt against the current health trend to become a more healthy aging population than their parents.

Related blogs: Are Baby Boomers More Susceptible to Obesity Health Risks?

Written by Kate Harvey

Did you know that your balance starts to decline at the ripe age of 25, and 1 in 3 people aged 65 years or older fall doing normal daily living activities? When the elderly fall the injuries are usually much more serious (often breaking a hip) and significantly affects their future independence. Despite these grim statistics, all adults can improve their balance through simple exercises and decrease their risk of falls.

In general, “strengthening your buttocks, quadriceps, and hamstrings goes a long way in improving balance” (U.S. News & World Report). If you don’t already have an exercise program, talk with your doctor about your desire to start one to increase your balance, and (with your doctor’s approval) start exercising slowly and gently.

Some of the more common exercises recommended for better balance to prevent falls are seated leg raises and ankle rotations. Weak ankles can significantly increase your risk of falling, according to the American Council on Exercise. Move up to chair squats and balancing while standing on only one foot (closing your eyes increases the difficulty of the exercise). For other ideas on balance exercise, click here.

While yoga can be a great way to improve your balance, research has found Pilates and (especially) tai chi are more effective ways for older adults to improve balance to prevent falls. I have an elderly family member who has been taking tai chi classes at the local VA, and not only has his gait improved he also has been able to decrease the amount of oxygen he needs on a daily basis through his oxygen concentrator (!).

For seniors who aren’t comfortable standing to do balance exercises or tai chi, there is an excellent seated tai chi DVD that adapts traditional standing tai chi poses to chair exercises so anyone can do them. This can be a great way for caregivers or family members to do an activity with an older loved one (there’s no age minimum on tai chi chair exercises). For seniors able to exercise standing, there are numerous places which offer tai chi classes (try your local senior center) and give you the chance to improve your balance while making new friends.

If you’re not elderly you may not think fall prevention applies to you, but improving your balance is vital at any age. Whatever age you begin balance improvement exercises, continuing to do them as you age will provide you with decreased risks of falls as you age.

Written by Kate Harvey

When you enter the world of medical supplies you suddenly encounter a new vocabulary, and attempting to match the variety of products available on the market to the correct terminology can be confusing. We are frequently asked if wheelchairs and transport chairs are the same thing. Both are mobility aids and allow people with limited mobility greater independence but transport chairs and wheelchairs are two different types of medical equipment.

The key difference is that a manual wheelchair can be self-propelled by the user or pushed by a companion, while the only mobility option with a transfer chair is to be pushed by a companion.

A transport chair has smaller wheels, and the wheel size prevents the user from self-propelling the chair. On average, transport chairs weigh less than wheelchairs. Transport chairs are compact and often fold for easy storage and transport. The features of the transport chair make it ideal for travel, occasional use, and short trips (great for use in church, airport, mall, hospital, etc.). If a patient requires close supervision a transport chair is ideal.

A wheelchair has smaller wheels in the front casters and much larger rear wheels. There is a rim around the larger wheels which allows the user to self-propel the manual wheelchair. The larger wheels also offer more stability, and make the wheelchair easier to use on outdoors terrain than a transport chair. Wheelchairs work well for frequent and everyday use. The larger wheels contribute to the wheelchair weighing more than a transport chair, but there are lightweight wheelchairs as well as those that fold for easier transport. Independent users will appreciate that wheelchairs offer more features and sizes for a custom fit (where most transport chairs offer a more universal design).

If you are in a store and the sales person uses “transport chair” and “wheelchair” to explain the same product, ask for clarification about whether the product can be used independently by the user (and you’ll have the added benefit of knowing exactly what you’re talking about!).

Written by Kate Harvey

While not something most men want to discuss, the topic of erectile dysfunction (ED) is a common one and has launched itself into our living rooms with commercials promising Viagra (and other pills) as the ultimate ED treatment. Like any medication, drug treatments for erectile dysfunction have side effects and don’t work at all for approximately 30% of the men who try them. There are several natural ways to treat ED, and treating erectile dysfunction without drugs means you won’t have to worry about the possibility of a painful erection lasting four hours or longer (one of the potential side effects of ED drugs).

Penis pump

Austin Powers movies (and numerous comedy skits) made fun of them, but erectile vacuum devices (the pc name for the penis pump) are one of the most popular natural treatments for erectile dysfunction. An erectile vacuum works by pumping the air out of a tube (that the penis is placed into) to create a “vacuum,” which then brings blood into the penis shaft and causes it to swell into an erection. After removing the penis from the penis pump, a band is placed at the base of the penis to maintain the erection.

Using an erectile vacuum doesn’t allow for spontaneous sex, but creative couples report integrating their penis pumps into sexual foreplay as a fun solution to that “problem.” There are a variety of penis pumps on the market though the Encore erection devices remain the most popular choice of vacuum erection devices for their superior quality and ease of use.

Herbs

Some people disregard herbs for ED as a marketing scam, but clinical research studies have found herbs can help men with impotence issues. Some of the most popular herbs on the market for treating erectile dysfunction are yohimbe and ginkgo biloba. Some ED herbs (such as MD Science Lab Max Size ® Male Enhancement Supplements) can be used in combination with penis pumps. Note that if you take any prescription drug(s), have heart disease, high blood pressure, or another medical issue, you should consult with your doctor before taking herbal supplements for erectile dysfunction.

Acupuncture

When talking about erection issues, the last treatment suggestion men want to hear about is one that involves needles. You’ll be relieved to know the needles (which are small and painless) aren’t placed in the groin area at all, but in other places on your body (often the back and extremities) which eastern medicine says correlate to healing erectile dysfunction. In a study on the effectiveness of acupuncture to treat ED, Australian researchers found it was beneficial (some study participants even reported being “cured”).

Weight Loss

Overweight men may be more prone to erectile dysfunction, and the common explanation is the decrease in testosterone which occurs when a man is overweight. The issue is reversible, and when men lose weight the testosterone production increases again which can help or even end impotence.

Written by Kate Harvey

Opinions vary on whether Alzheimer’s can be prevented, but the Alzheimer’s Association predicts at least one out of every eight baby boomers will develop the disease within their lifetime. Ironically, many boomers have seen their own aging parents suffer from Alzheimer’s but aren’t clear on the increased risk for themselves. One article I read recounted the gay community raised awareness and funding of such fantastic proportions early on with AIDS that treatments came about within 10 years, and pondered what might happen if the boomer generation did the same for Alzheimer’s?

Statistics about Alzheimer’s disease are contradictory and confusing. On one side, is the claim that Alzheimer’s is the “only one of the top 10 causes of death in America that cannot be prevented, cured or even slowed down once it begins” (according to Dr. George Bartzokis, professor of psychiatry at the UCLA Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior). The Mayo Clinic points out currently there is “no proven way to prevent Alzheimer’s,” but adds the “the strongest evidence so far suggests that you may be able to lower your risk of Alzheimer’s disease by reducing your risk of heart disease.”

We’ve also heard many doctors say the best way to prevent Alzheimer’s are these three simple things: exercise, socialize and learn. By continuing to learn new things as you age, the brain is stimulated to continuously build new neuro-pathways. Try learning a new physical activity, and you kill two birds with one stone – popular choices include yoga, Pilates, and even Zumba.

What does socializing have to do with it? Experts explain engaging in conversations and reading others’ facial expressions (and body language) exercises your brain in unique ways. Engaging with others can also help prevent depression (another common health issue for aging populations).

Despite these prevention tactics haven’t not yet been proven beyond a shadow of a doubt to prevent Alzheimer’s, there isn’t any negative effects to practicing them in your own life. Staying active both physically and mentally are keys to health and happiness as you age, so take steps now to incorporate mental and physical activity into your lifestyle. If enough boomers adopt these healthy lifestyle behaviors many diseases currently affecting the generation can be prevented, not the least of which we hope is Alzheimer’s prevention.

Written by Kate Harvey

Caring for an aging loved one can be very stressful, but stress multiplies for long distance caregivers attempting to help aging loved ones (often aging parents) living more than 100 miles away. Long distance caregivers must make long trips to visit, may not be able to visit often, and they must ascertain when a situation warrants traveling to their loved one or it can be handled from afar. For a long distance caregiver it may feel like there are more questions than answers, so we’ve compiled this list of tips to help caregivers be as efficient as possible despite distance.

First, you’ll want to identify what kind of help your loved one is in need of. Is there unopened mail or unpaid bills? What are they eating and do they have enough to eat? Are they still able to safely drive? Are they bathing and grooming regularly?

If you’re not able to visit and investigate those things for yourself, consider having a geriatric care manager evaluate the same things and report back to you. Geriatric care managers are usually social work or nurse professionals who specialize in geriatrics; geriatric care managers “are a sort of ‘surrogate parent’ that can help families identify needs and how they can meet them successfully” (Boca Home Care Services).

Collect important information. You’ll want to have personal, medical, and legal information of the person you are caring for (these include everything from up-to-date medication lists to bank statements). Your caree will need to fill out paperwork giving you the right to talk to their doctors. Products like the Card4Life USB Medical Records Flash Device contain software that make it easy to store, organize, and quickly access all medical records and information.

Establish Local Contacts. You’ll want to make a list of local (local to your aging family member) resources and support. Enlist the help of your family member’s neighbors and friends – ask them to visit your loved one on a regular basis (they can help assess the needs mentioned previously). If you hire a geriatric care manager they will know what community resources are available. Every state has a Department of Aging listing all the available resources (Google the department and your state).

Make the most of your visits. If it is feasible, visit for a week. There are many things you might miss if only with them for a weekend, but a week is long enough to thoroughly asses the current state of your loved one’s condition. Schedule important doctor appointments to happen while you are visiting. Pay particular attention to the condition inside and outside the home – small things like loose rugs or piles of newspapers can easily be the cause of a fall; use time during your visit to address those issues (see “7 Ways to Prevent Falls” for more details).

Don’t lose sight of yourself. As a caregiver, you can get so busy caring for others you neglect caring for yourself. The stresses of long distance caregiving can affect your own health especially if you’re not eating or sleeping well. Know that you are doing the absolute best you can for your loved one, but it is impossible to do absolutely everything they need. Allow others to help you!

You may want to print out that last tip as a reminder. Being a caregiver for someone who lives more than 100 miles away is difficult, but not impossible. Being able to age in place and maintain our independence for as long as possible is what we all wish for as we age; as a long distance caregiver you’re helping a loved one do that. If you have a long distance caregiving tip to add, please share it with other caregivers below.

by Kate Harvey

Baby Boomers are redefining what it means to age, and the boomer generation is predicted to live longer than any previous generation but with age comes increased risk of some specific health issues. By now you’ve heard all about the health risks of being overweight, but seniors already at risk for age-related medical issues may find themselves even more at risk when overweight than younger generations.

One of the biggest health issues facing all Americans is obesity, and boomers especially need to be aware being overweight can be a factor in more serious medical issues such as heart disease, diabetes, and more.

If you already experience health issues common to seniors such as arthritis, being overweight will cause additional strain on your body which not only affects health but can lead to mobility issues.

Many people don’t realize how our nutritional needs change as we age. When you are 65 years or older your body actually requires less calories than a younger person needs to consume. Unhealthy diets and inactivity are two of the primary causes of obesity in America, and the obesity epidemic is already plaguing the boomer generation with an estimated 70% of baby boomers entering retirement overweight.

If you’re guilty of putting off a healthy diet and exercise until retirement (many of us tell ourselves we don’t have time now, but will have time for those things then) reconsider taking advantage of the present.

You can start simply – make a goal of walking 20 minutes every day. In the beginning you may be more comfortable approaching fitness in your own home by using a treadmill. If you’re not retired yet and you work at a desk job, there are a number of ways to add activity to your workday including using a stability ball office chair, using a pedal exerciser or mini stepper under your desk.

Age you can’t control and it isn’t always a significant factor in health issues. Seniors have more control over body weight, which is becoming more of a significant health risk for all Americans. As the boomer generation ages, the healthcare system will become more taxed but you have the advantage of knowing the health risks of obesity. Overweight baby boomers can be more susceptible to health risks, so use this knowledge to incorporate a healthier lifestyle into your current life.

by Kate Harvey

Being a caregiver for a loved one is stressful, but there is a line between having stress and being overwhelmed by stress and reaching what’s known as “caregiver burnout.” The effects of caregiver stress can spill out into all aspects of your life, and damage may occur before you even know what you’re suffering from. In order to keep yourself healthy, it is important for caregivers to know the signs of caregiver stress and burnout.

First, know that caregiver stress and caregiver burnout are not the same thing. Stress is usually a result of too much or too many pressures which overwhelm the caregiver physically and/or mentally. Caregiver burnout can be caused by excessive stress, but burnout refers to “feeling empty, devoid of motivation, and beyond caring. People experiencing burnout often don’t see any hope of positive change in their situations. If excessive stress is like drowning in responsibilities, burnout is being all dried up.” (Helpguide Organization)

Some signs of caregiver stress:

-          Sleeping too much or too little/feeling tired all the time

-          You don’t enjoy the activities you used to

-          Experiencing unusual weight gain or loss

-          Consistently feeling overwhelmed

Some signs of caregiver burnout:

-          You constantly feel exhausted

-          It feels like a waste of energy to care about your work or personal life

-          Every day feels like a bad day

-          You feel like nothing you do matters or makes a difference

Often caregivers suffering from stress or burnout isolate themselves, but if you notice the above symptoms in yourself it is important to reach out for support. National and local associations can point you towards resources such as a local support groups or caregiving classes. Reach out to friends and family and delegate responsibilities (even those long distance can help with some things) – you may want to prepare a list of ways people can help you (others could cook or grocery shop for you, visit with your caree while you relax, etc.). Taking care of yourself allows you to be a better caregiver to your loved one, so please be vigilant to signs of caregiver burnout or stress in yourself.

Related blogs: Stress Relief Massage – Great Ways to Massage Stress Away

Biofeedback Devices Provide LONG TERM Stress Relief

The Top Ten Best Ways to Reduce Stress

by Kate Harvey

We’ve all heard the importance of strengthening our core muscles – not just for flatter abs but a stronger core can aid in better balance and fall prevention as we age. Wanting to see if the “toning” claims of balance seat cushions were more hype or reality, I set out to “test drive” two best-selling seating balance cushions: the Fitball Wedge Balance Cushion and the FitBALL Seating Disc Balance Cushion.

Balance cushions utilize the same idea as sitting on a stability ball (there are even stability ball chairs), but I liked the balance seat cushions because they’re a bit more discrete. I tested both of the FitBALL Balance Cushions on my office chair at work, so one of the requirements was that they be comfortable enough to sit on for an entire work day (day after day).

I used each balance disc cushion for two months (no hasty judgments here!).

First test subject was the FitBALL Seating Disc Balance Cushion. The FitBALL balance disc is available in two sizes: 12” (green) and 15” (blue) diameters (I used the green). Other than the colors and diameter sizes, the two options are identical. One of the round, flat sides is smooth while the other side is covered with small round bumps (not sure exactly why that is, but my guess is for pressure points or better traction).

This seating disc balance cushion can be used as a seat cushion or as a fitness tool (you would use it in the same way you use a BOSU ball or stability ball). I’ll admit I just used it as a seat cushion so I can’t speak to how well it works for a workout, but just the size makes me think it would be great for a home gym (it is small but you could do a wide variety of exercises with it).

True to the claims, after a few weeks of sitting on the FitBALL Disc Cushion I did notice some toning of my side abdominal muscles. Initially I had pumped too much air into the cushion so it didn’t have enough give to force my muscles to continuously readjust. Once I remedied that situation, it worked well.

Next, I tried out the Fitball Wedge Balance Cushion. As the name implies, this balance cushion is a wedge shape (duh?) while the other balance cushion has a uniform, flat surface. In a beginning yoga class, the teacher had mentioned sitting your hips on a towel helped your hips relax and also made it easier to sit up straight. It worked in yoga and worked with this cushion! With the wedge shape, I noticed I not only had better posture but I was more aware of my posture (I noticed myself correcting my posture throughout the day – more so than I had done with the disc).

As with the disc, the FitBALL wedge has one smooth side and the other is covered with round bumps (again, I didn’t test it out as workout equipment); I preferred sitting on the smooth side. I also found this balance cushion seemed to relieve much of my lower back pain!

My final recommendations: If you are looking at a balance cushion more for its core toning I would suggest the FitBALL Balance Disc Cushion. If you want to improve your posture and/or relieve back pain I would recommend the FitBALL Wedge Balance Cushion. If you use a balance cushion let me know which one you use and how you like it by leaving a comment below! For additional core building products, click here.