Blog - Manors of the Valley

27Jun, 2016

Protecting Yourself From Heat Stroke

Heat stress is a potentially dangerous condition that occurs when your body overheats. Older adults are more susceptible to heat stress than younger people due to the inability of an aging body to optimally adjust to sudden changes in temperature. Additionally, a number of medical conditions and medications can impair the body’s ability to respond to heat and regulate its temperature.

Heat Stroke

Heat stroke is a very serious form of heat stress that occurs when the body is subjected to heat but is unable to control its temperature. As a result, body temperature rises quickly and can reach 106 degrees Fahrenheit or higher within 15 minutes. Heat stroke is a major medical emergency. If not treated right away, it can result in death or disability.

Signs and Symptoms of Heat Stroke

Signs and symptoms of heat stroke include a body temperature above 103 degrees Fahrenheit; dry, hot, and red skin; a strong, rapid pulse; dizziness; a throbbing headache; and nausea. If you or someone you love exhibits these symptoms, call 911 immediately. While you’re waiting for medical personnel to arrive, move to a cool place and do what you can to cool down, including taking a cool shower or sponge bath or wrapping up in a cold, wet sheet. Take small, frequent sips of cold–but not icy cold–water.

Prevent Heat Stroke

The best way to avoid heat stroke is to stay indoors during the hottest part of the day. If you need to be outdoors, wear lightweight clothing and seek out shade. Stay well-hydrated with non-alcoholic beverages, and don’t overexert yourself. If you’re feeling even slightly overheated, head indoors to cool off. A cool shower or sponge bath can help you cool down quickly.

Taking good care of yourself and staying mindful of how you feel in hot weather can help prevent both mild and severe forms of heat stress, and remaining mindful of how you’re feeling can help you recognize early signs of heat stroke before it takes its toll.

16Jun, 2016

The Power of Pen Pals

Saucon Valley Manor resident Clayton Fritz was recently featured in an article in the Allentown Morning Call. He is passionate about the dwindling art of written correspondence. Through his ongoing efforts, Mr. Fritz has maintained Pen Pal relationships with hundreds of people around the country. To read more, please click here.

2Jun, 2016

The Dangers of Dehydration for Seniors and How to Prevent It

Dehydration occurs when the body loses more fluids than it takes in. Initially, dehydration can lead to headaches, constipation, and lethargy. Prolonged or severe dehydration can cause serious health problems and can even lead to death. Staying adequately hydrated, especially in hot weather, is absolutely essential for seniors.

17May, 2016

Sun Safety For Seniors

Enjoying spring or summer weather lifts the spirits and gets seniors outside and moving around, which is good for body and soul. But sun safety is extremely important, particularly for older adults, who are more susceptible to the harmful and cancer-causing effects of the sun.

3May, 2016

Therapies for Dementia & Alzheimer’s Disease

Dementia affects 40 million aging Americans, according to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, and an estimated five million seniors have Alzheimer’s disease, the most common form of dementia. While there is no cure for Alzheimer’s, a number of treatment therapies have been found helpful in controlling the symptoms of the disease and improving the quality of life of those who suffer from it.

18Apr, 2016

Three Important Tips for Caring for Someone With Arthritis or Osteoporosis

Arthritis leaves the body’s joints inflamed and painful, and osteoporosis weakens the bones, both increasing the risk of disability. Both of these conditions are common among the aging and elderly, and they can both make life difficult and painful for a senior. If you’re caring for someone with arthritis or osteoporosis, here are three important things you should know.

4Apr, 2016

Healthy Eating: Feeding Your Mind, Body, and Soul

The National Institutes of Health and the Centers for Disease Control stress the importance of good nutrition for overall good health and wellness, particularly as we age. Although eating a healthy diet that includes plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains is essential for preventing a wide variety of illnesses and diseases, good nutrition has an impact on nearly every aspect of your life.

23Mar, 2016

Effects of Hearing Loss in Seniors and Available Treatments

According to the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders, nearly a quarter of adults between the ages of 65 and 74 and half of those over the age of 75 have disabling hearing loss. Unfortunately, fewer than a third of adults over the age of 70 who could benefit from a hearing aid have ever tried one.

16Mar, 2016

Breakthroughs In Alzheimer’s Disease, Making Strides for a Cure

The Alzheimer’s Association estimates that over five million Americans suffered from this devastating disease in 2015, and in January of this year, researchers from the UK announced a breakthrough in our understanding of what causes Alzheimer’s.

Researchers at the University of Southampton found more evidence to back up what scientists have suspected for some time: that the development of Alzheimer’s is driven by inflammation in the brain.

29Feb, 2016

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Staying Active at Whitehall Manor & Saucon Valley Manor

Staying active as we age is essential for preventing disease, but it offers a number of far-reaching benefits beyond good physical health. Here’s how exercise can improve your or your aging loved one’s overall quality of life and sense of wellbeing.