No Plans To Retire: 44 Years at McDonalds

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At the age of 94, McDonald’s employee has no plans to retire after 44 years.

Meet Loraine Maurer, she’s spent nearly half her life serving customers at McDonald’s. The 94 year old says she likes the work and her customers. “That’s why I work, because I love them,” Maurer told ABC News explaining why she has spent 44 years working for the fast food restaurant.

Last week the McDonald’s franchise in Evansville, Ind., celebrated her long time services with customers stopping by to say they loved her and show appreciation. Customers say Loraine provides inspiration as well as cheerful service while making constant efforts to get everything right. To her coworkers, “don’t serve them anything you wouldn’t eat,” in a video published by Evansville Courier & Press.

Loraine regularly sees her family, a mother a four, grandmother of six and great-grandmother of seven, comer to the restaurant to eat. Of course Loraine’s favorite dish is that fish sandwich.

When it comes to work, she is on a mission! She rarely misses a day of work, “I get in here at 5 o’clock when they open,” she further explains, “I have to get up at 3.”

Loraine’s co workers and customers are so close, they offer to pick her up and drop her off at home after work. “I know what goes on with them. I know some of their children. Some ask me to say a prayer, and I do.”

Stop the Age Tax

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Do you really understand what is like to have dementia?

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By Kristina Mancino

Looking for the right Assisted Living can be difficult. Don’t know where to start? Let Compass Senior Solutions help you. We are a FREE service to our clients & family members.

We are one phone call and DONE. We do the rest of the work for you.

Speak to an Intake Coordinator to get started.

Call Compass Senior Solutions today  at 407-630-0111!

Not-So-Sweet Chocolately Goodness

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Not-So-Sweet Chocolatey Goodness

By Kristina Mancino

Did you know the average American consumes up to 22 teaspoons of sugar a day? According to doctors, that’s way too much sugar to consume. Research finds that excess sugar can raise your risk of dying from heart disease by 38 percent. Not to mention all that glucose hanging out in your blood can promote diabetes and lead to obesity. Here’s how you can be more away of the sweet stuff.

Chocolate Lovers

We’ve all been hearing about chocolate is heart healthy and bursting with antioxidants but not all chocolate is created equally. The right chocolate can help counter some of the negative effects of all that sugar we were talking about before. Studies have shown “chocolate lovers” have a 12 percent lower risk of heart disease compared to those who didn’t indulge. Here’s a tip: the more cocoa the more antioxidants so choose darker!

White Chocolate*

17g of sugar, 20% cocoa

Milk Chocolate**

15g of sugar, 40% cocoa

70% Dark Chocolate*

12g of sugar, 70% cocoa

85% Dark Chocolate*

5g of sugar

99% Dark Chocolate*

1g of sugar, 99% cocoa

*Per 1.4-oz. serving

**Per 1.2-oz. serving

How Much Is Too Much?

A day, women should have 6 teaspoons (24 grams) and men should have 9 teaspoons (36 grams) says the American Heart Association.

Where Sugar Hides

Sugar in a candy bar may be a given but you may be surprised to find out places sugar may be. 

Booze Alcohol has no carbs but many mixers do. One drink a day for a women, two for a man, is linked to heart benefits – but anymore that the recommendation is harmful. 

A glass of Rose has 7 grams of sugar

White Carbs Things such as “white bread, white rice, and white pasta are broken down in your body like sugar,” says NYU Langone Medical Center cardiologist Nieca Goldberg. Opt for whole grains and steel-cut oats instead. 

Juice One glass of juice can have as much sugar as several pieces of fruit, but no fiber to slow absorption. Go for the whole fruit. 

12,500 – the number of steps per day needed to “cancel out” the ill effects of drinking two 20-ounce sodas.

Age Ain’t Nothing But A Number

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 Age Ain’t Nothing But A Number

Make way on the dance floor! These Japanese Grandmas my an incredible dance video for Bruno Mar’s song “24 Magic.”

These groovy ladies bust some moves in the viral video, which seals the debate that you can remain young at heart despite your real age. Go dust off your dance shoes and get out there and have fun.

Study Shows Mentally Stimulating Activities Reduce Cognitive Impairment

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By Kristina Mancino

          Mild cognitive impairment is known clinically as the intermediate stage between normal cognitive function and dementia. A new study researched whether or not mentally stimulating activities can reduce the risk of mild cognitive impairment. In several long-term studies, between 16 and 20 percent of people developed mild cognitive impairment (MCI). Mild cognitive impairment is the loss of cognitive function, it’s not severe enough to interfere with daily activities, but it’s likely 20 to 40 percent of people with MCI develop dementia.

         Dr. Yonas E. Geda from the Mayo Clinic in Scottsdale, AZ, led the new study, which took a look a the possible link between brain-stimulating activities and cognitive functioning in healthy adults aged 70+. The study also analyzed the influence of the apolipoprotein E (APOE) ε4 genotype. During the study, Mayo Clinic Study of Aging, 1,929 cognitively healthy seniors, were examined for 4 years to see how many would develop mild cognitive impairment. Dr. Geda and her team used the Cox regression models for statistical analysis and adjusted it for sex, age, and education.  Participants were given an examine before starting, all were cognitively normal and provided information about the brain stimulating activities they participated in during that year. Every 15 months each participant were given a neurocognitive assessment starting with the baseline for seniors. They also took blood tests to determine APOE ε4 genotyping with is commonly associated with a high risk of late-onset dementia. It has yet to be determined the mechanism responsible between the gene variant and the buildup of Alzheimer’s-related amyloid plaques.  

         The end result of the study showed 456 participants (over 23 percent) developed new-onset mild cognitive impairment. Furthermore, it was concluded that 512 participants (26.7 percent) carried the APOE ε4 genotype. The research also found that brain-stimulating activities such as computer use, crafts, social activities, and playing game significantly decreased the risk on new-onset mild cognitive impairment. Statistically, reading books was associated with a significant decrease. People who weren’t carriers of APOE ε4 genotype and participated in mentally stimulating activitied had the lowest risk of mild cognitive impairment. Noted, those did carry APOE ε4 and did not actively engage in mentally stimulating activities showed the highest risk of developing mild cognitive impairment.

         The conclusion of the study found that engaging in brain-stimulating activities later in life can lower the chances of developing MCI.

Executive Order: Halt & Review of Consumer Protection Rule For Retirement

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Executive Order: Halt & Review of Consumer Protection Rule For Retirement

By Kristina Mancino

         In April of 2017, The Department of Labor’s fiduciary rule, better known as the “conflict-of interest rule,” was set to be complied by financial professionals. The federal rule would make financial professionals to act in the best interest of their clients regarding any investment advice on retirement accounts.

“The Labor Department regulation covers financial professionals who are compensated for investment advice on 401(k)s, IRAs and other retirement accounts, whether through a flat fee or commission or other means. These professionals would have to adhere to a “fiduciary standard” that requires them to act in a client’s best interest — not their own.”

As the new President of the United States, Donald Trump, begins his first 100 days in office, he has sign a lot of executive orders. Some have been newsworthy while others slide by without anyone noticing. In the beginning of February, Donald Trump signed an executive order to further review, revise, or even get rid of the conflict-of-interest rule.

         So what does this mean for your retirement planning? Workers and other investors in IRAs, 401(k)s and similar account can continue to incur hidden fees that could chip away a person’s retirement security. It’s estimated, by proponents of the rule, that these fees cost Americans $17 billion a year on IRAs. The four-decades-old regulations on investment advice has been a hot topic with consumer advocated arguing that it’s outdated and lacks in protecting millions of Americans who are responsible for their own retirement plans through IRAs and 401(k)s.  

         To comply with the April 2017 deadline of implementing the new fiduciary standard, time and money have been spent by firms, brokers, and agents. Opponents of the conflict-of-interest rule argue that the new regulations would reduce advisers’ compensations from commissions and fees. This could result in higher services charges and could because unaffordable to small investors. Time will tell what happens with this new possible regulations. Either people will protected against hidden fees or they will continue to have to pay.

Natural Remedies for Rheumatoid Arthritis

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By Kristina Mancino

                   Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) affects an estimated 1.5 million people in the United States. More women than men deal with this autoimmune disease that can reduce a person’s quality of life and cause disability or premature death. Before we discuss natural remedies for this disease, we need to first identify what it is and what causes it.  Rheumatoid arthritis is a systemic disease in which the immune system attacks the individual’s own body tissues. Most commonly in small joints like the hands and feet, symptoms can also affect other parts like the lungs. RA creates inflammation which then causes the lining of joints to become thickened. If not checked, damage from inflammation can occur in the cartilage and bones. 

         Causes of RA is unknown but some information can be linked to genetics, environmental, and hormonal factors. Symptoms often begin around middle aged people or older. People commonly encounter inflammation, stiffness, pain, and swelling in the area of the joint. The body as a whole can experience fatigue and weight loss. Symptoms come and go over time and may vary from person to person. Before beginning any new treatment, including natural remedies, speak to a doctor to learn about the options and make appropriate lifestyle changes. If inflammation or symptoms become worse, talk to your doctor. 

          RA can be treated medically or non-medically, it’s not uncommon if both methods are combined. Since RA is a progressive disease, if it’s not treated and it becomes worse, treatment could be aggressive. It’s important to get a diagnosis, within 3 months of using disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) it can help reduce disease activity and prevent the joints from deforming. To help reduce discomfort and improve mobility, people with RA should discuss medical treatments with specialists and simple remedies that can help them.

         Physical therapy may help those who have RA according to clinical guidelines from Orgao Oficial da Sociedade Portugue sa de Reumatologia. Here are some suggested natural remedies for rheumatoid arthritis:

Stretching 

          A study published in Health Technology Assessment concluded simple stretches, as well as strengthening programs, of the muscle around the joint could relieve RA symptoms in the hands and wrists. It could be a more effective supplement to traditional care methods. To prevent undue stress, contact your doctor or physical therapist before beginning a stretching regimen. 

Exercise

          Stretching and dynamic low-stress workouts may help. Things like swimming or cycling can help strengthen the muscles around the joins affected by RA, reducing the impact and slowing the progression on joints. 

Heat and Cold

          Many experts have argued the medical evidence of putting heat and cold on the affected areas. It’s possible this method may provide relief to the sore areas on the body. People can use heat packs and ice packs at home. For a deeper level treatment, ultrasound heat and cold spray which can deliver into deep levels of tissue without noticeably changing the temperature of the skin. 

Balanced Rest

          Rest for aching joints is very important. Balancing strengthening exercise with the proper rest period should be closely monitored by a doctor and physical therapist. Note, too much rest can making aching joints worse.

Diet

         Since RA causes inflammation in the joints, maintaining an anti-inflammatory diet can be key in reducing inflammation and other symptoms of RA. Complementary Therapies in Medicine published a study with 600 participants who followed this plant-based diet. The diet was rich in fresh fruits and vegetable, whole grain, legumes, nuts, and seeds. During the study, researchers found a reduction of a specific protein that is know for causing inflammation. Those who followed an anti-inflammatory vegan diet showed a noticeable reduction of systemic inflammation. For overall wellbeing and to reduce pain, people with RA should maintain an anti-inflammatory diet to remain healthy. 

Supplements

          Supplements like fish oil from cold water fish like salmon, mackerel, tuna, cod, and herring contain high amounts of omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3 fatty acids helps to fight against the inflammatory disease by blocking inflammatory receptors in the body. The Nutrition Society used a study by meta-analysis, that indicated people who used both fish oil and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) for an extended time saw a decrease in joint pain. 

          Other supplements like boswellia or frankincense may also relieve symptoms. Researcher found that turmeric showed promise in reducing joint inflammation. Turmeric can be added to spice food up without side effect. *It’s noted that people who use turmeric supplements should use caution. People who are on Warfarin and other blood-thinning medication should not use turmeric. 

          Probiotics can also be beneficial for people with RA, a recent study stated, probiotic, L. casei 01 improved disease activity and inflammation. People can get all the probiotics they need by simply incorporating food such as yogurt, pickles, and cheese.

         Supplements may provide people with RA relief from this progressive disease but it’s important to speak with a doctor before taking any of these supplements because some can cause adverse side effects.. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) do not regulate herbs and supplements. 

Lifestyle Changes

It’s important to reduce any daily stresses on the body and mind. Things like mindful meditation, Tai chi, yoga, and qi gong can bring balance and relaxation to the body. Introducing these little changes can make a big impact to diminishing joint pain.

*Make sure to speak with you doctor and physical therapist before beginning any of these natural remedies.

White Bean Tuna Salad

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(Photography Credit: Elise Bauer)

White Bean Tuna Salad

Deliciously packed with Omega-3 and Protein. Great for people who are on an anti-inflammatory diet.

Ingredients:

  • 1 can (15.5 oz.) cannelini beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 can tuna packed in olive oil (5-6 oz.); olive oil drained
  • 1 cup chopped curly parsley
  • 1 cup arugula
  • 1/4 cup finely diced onion
  • (We like vidalia onions, but you can use any kind you’d like)
Dressing Ingredients:
  • 3 TBSP extra-virgin olive oil
  • 2 TBSP fresh lemon juice
  • Dash of black pepper
  • Dash of sea salt

Directions:

  1. In small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Set aside.
  2. In a large bowl, mix beans, drained tuna, parsley, arugula and onions. 
  3. Drizzle dressing over salad; eat immediately or store in a tupperware container for up to 2 days.

Anti-Inflammatory Diet Linked To Osteoporosis Prevention

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By Kristina Mancino

          The National Institutes of Health (NIH) estimates that more than 53 millions people, in the United States, has or has the risk of developing osteoporosis. Osteoporosis is a condition that affects our bones, it reduces strength which leads to a higher risk of fractured bones. It is the leading cause of fractures in postmenopausal women and the elderly. Injuries to the hip, wrist, and spine are most common with hip fractures being the most serious due to hospitalization and surgery. In previous years, it was believed to be a natural part of age but as research furthers, medical experts say it can be and should prevented.

         A new study lead by Tonya Orchard, an assistant professor of human nutrition at the Ohio State University, found a link between nutrition and osteoporosis. The study was published in the Journal of Bone and Mineral Density. Orchard and her team investigated data from the Women’s Health Initiative (WIH), the largest health study of postmenopausal women, was used to compared levels of inflammatory nutrients in the diet with bone mineral density (BMD) level and fracture incidence. Loss of bone mass can happen to anyone, postmenopausal women have higher risk of osteoporosis and bone fractures. The study wanted conducted to see if there were benefits to maintaining an anti-inflammatory diet.

         From the longitudinal study, conducted between 1993 and 1998, researchers used the dietary inflammatory index (DII) comparing the measurements with the risk of fractures in the hip, lower-arm, or other fractures. To assist the changes in BMD and DII, food frequency questionnaires were given to 160,191 women, average aged 63, reported they did not have a history of hip fractures at the beginning of the study. For 6 years the women were studied, of the BMD data 10,290 women collected fraction data. Orchard used Cox models to calculate fracture hazard rations and adjust for age, race, ethnicity, and other variables.

          The study found that highly inflammatory diets were linked to fractures, but only in those of younger Caucasian women. Results in women under the age of 63 also found correlations of low-inflammatory diets and its benefits in helping young Caucasian to lowering the risk of osteoporosis and the prevention of loss of bone mass. White women, 63 years old and younger, with a higher DII score had a 50 percent higher risk of hip fractures. Women who had a lower inflammatory diet overall had lower bone density. As mentioned above, it’s suggested that a high quality, anti-inflammatory diet can prevent and lower risks of osteoporosis. A list of foods that support an anti-inflammatory diet include: fruit, vegetables, fish, whole grains, and nuts.

“[Our study] suggests that as women age, healthy diets are impacting their bones. I think this give us yet another reason to support the recommendations for a healthy diet in the Dietary Guidelines for Americans.” – Tonya Orchard

The study’s senior author and director of Ohio State’s Center for Clinical and Translational Science, Rebecca Jackson, says the study confirms previous studies of inflammatory factors and how they increase the risk of osteoporosis.

“By looking at the full diet rather than individual nutrients, these data provide a foundation for studying how components of the diet might interact to provide benefit and better inform women’s health and lifestyle choices,” Jackson says.