Cutting back on sleep could harm blood vessel function and breathing control, a new study has found.

A bevy of research has shown a link between sleep deprivation and cardiovascular disease, metabolic disorders, and obesity.

However, it''s been unclear why sleep loss might lead to these effects. Several studies have tested the effects of total sleep deprivation, but this model isn''t a good fit for the way most people lose sleep, with a few hours here and there.

In a new study by Keith Pugh, Shahrad Taheri, and George Balanos, all of the University of Birmingham in the United Kingdom, researchers test the effects of partial sleep deprivation on blood vessels and breathing control.

They find that reducing sleep length over two consecutive nights leads to less healthy vascular function and impaired breathing control.

Following the first two nights of restricted sleep, the researchers found a significant reduction in vascular function compared to following the nights of normal sleep. However, after the third night of sleep restriction, vascular function returned to baseline, possibly an adaptive response to acute sleep loss, study leader Pugh explained.

In other tests, the researchers exposed subjects to moderately high levels of carbon dioxide, which normally increases the depth and rate of breathing. However, breathing control was substantially reduced after the volunteers lost sleep.

The researchers later had these volunteers sleep 10 hours a night for five nights. After completing the same tests, results showed that vascular function and breathing control had improved.

Pugh noted that the results could suggest a mechanism behind the connection between sleep loss and cardiovascular disease.

"If acute sleep loss occurs repetitively over a long period of time, then vascular health could be compromised further and eventually mediate the development of cardiovascular disease," he said.

Similarly, the loss of breathing control that the researchers observed could play a role in the development of sleep apnea, which has also been linked with cardiovascular disease.

Pugh added that some populations who tend to report sleeping shorter periods, such as the elderly, could be at an even higher risk of these adverse health effects.

The team will discuss the abstract of their study at the Experimental Biology 2013 meeting, being held April 20-24, 2013 at the Boston Convention and Exhibition Center, Boston, Mass.

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Nutrition Information for seniors

Nutrient deficiencies appear to increase with age. Some colleagues at the University of Iowa looked at over 400 Iowans 79 and older living independently in rural areas and found that 80 percent reported consuming inadequate amounts of four or more nutrients.

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When declining energy requirements are not matched by decreased caloric intake then total body fat increases. The Atkins diet leaves your body shy on some important nutrients, such as vitamin B, and also is negative for vitamins A, C and D, anti-oxidants that slow the effects of aging and calcium. Once again the lack of exercise has to enter into the equation also.

Nutritional status may be further compromised by other problems in conjunction with the illness, such as trauma, surgery, infection drug therapy which alter nutrient requirements. This makes recovery even more difficult. Each one of the above nutrients is needed to keep an aged body in good health. Elderly individuals should try to strive for a well-balanced diet and stay active. Adequate dietary fiber, as opposed to increased use of laxatives, will maintain regular bowel function and not interfere with the digestion and absorption of nutrients, as occurs with laxative use or abuse.

Some of the factors described above, like changes in the digestive system, as well as health concerns like the increased risk of fragile bones, means that nutritional needs change as you age. Periodic review of your diet is always helpful, particularly if you have specific medical conditions.

Taste and smell changes, as well as feelings of loneliness and depression, contribute to decreased appetite, while many elderly people may eat less because of chewing difficulties, fatigue, and social reasons. Another statistic for the elderly being the need for more nutrition because of disease or injury.

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What is Diverticulitis?

Diverticulitis is a disorder that comes from diverticulosis, which is characterized by small, bulging pouches in the digestive tract.

These pouches are called diverticula, and they are common in the U.S. Over half of the population older than 60 years of age have them. The pouches don't always cause problems and people often don't even know they are there.

However, the pouches sometimes can become inflamed or infected. This can cause pain in the abdomen, fever, nausea, and changes in bowel habits. Diverticulitis is present when the diverticula become infected. Cases can range from mild to severe, and the milder cases can be treated with rest, diet alterations and antibiotic medications. The more serious cases can require surgery to remove the affected part of the colon.

The good news is that most people with diverticulosis do not develop diverticulitis. The condition can be prevented by eating a well-balanced diet, including foods that are high in fiber.

Symptoms that are common of diverticulitis include:

Pain in the abdomen and lower right side

Tenderness.

Fever.

Nausea.

Diarrhea and constipation.

Other signs considered less common are:

Vomiting.

Bloating.

Rectal bleeding.

Frequent urination.

Pain while urinating.

Tender abdomen.

But what causes the diverticula to appear in the first place?

Usually, diverticula are formed when there are weak places in the colon that give way under pressure. Then, the pouches, about the size of a marble, protrude through the colon wall. Pressure in the colon can lead to infection of the diverticula.

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Problems of the elderly

One wonders whether the phrase "May you live to a ripe old age" is a blessing or a curse. Old age cannot be avoided. It is a phase of life, which will arrive and stay till death takes its toll. Problems of old age come in two forms: emotional and physical. Many studies have proved that the two are actually interconnected. No precautionary measures can avoid these problems; senior citizens just have to face them bravely.

Old age is feared in recent times; however. This was not the case in the olden times. In the good old days, life was not so complicated and family values were given more importance. Hence, the older generations held a very important position in the family tree and in society. They were the epitomes of wisdom. The younger ones benefitted from their profound knowledge and experiences.

The scenario is changing nowadays with senior citizens being considered as "non-productive" and. They are thought to be a social and economic burden. In urban areas, the entire responsibility is on the male child with whom the aging parent resides. Due to the nuclear family system, the aged people tend to feel neglected as all the others remain busy with their own schedule. The experiences of the old are considered primitive in this advanced ‘techno’ world and no one wants to pay heed to what they have to say.

Many are forced to sell off their property as a result of some dispute within the family or for their children’s career, making them solely dependent on their children later. After a certain age, their health starts deteriorating and their mental faculties begin to diminish. Sometimes, these people cannot recognize their own family members. In such situations, these people are considered to be a burden and are thrown out.

Those who can afford, try to reduce their guilt by sending their old parents to the home for the aged. But seldom do they realize that although their parents or grandparents may get physical care in these institutions, their emotional needs of affection and love by their own near and dear ones remain unfulfilled. What the youngsters of today fail to realize is that they will get old too some day and may have to meet a similar fate, because history is bound to repeat itself and a person reaps what he sows.

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Senior Nutrition & Diet Tips

For older adults, the benefits of healthy eating include increased mental acuteness, resistance to illness and disease, higher energy levels, faster recuperation times, and better management of chronic health problems. As we age, eating well can also be the key to a positive outlook and staying emotionally balanced. But healthy eating doesn’t have to be about dieting and sacrifice. Eating well as an older adult is all about fresh, colorful food, creativity in the kitchen, and eating with friends.

Senior nutrition: Feeding the body, mind and soul

Remember the old adage, you are what you eat? Make it your motto. When you choose a variety of colorful fruits and veggies, whole grains, and lean proteins you’ll feel vibrant and healthy, inside and out.

Live longer and stronger – Good nutrition keeps muscles, bones, organs, and other body parts strong for the long haul. Eating vitamin-rich food boosts immunity and fights illness-causing toxins. A proper diet reduces the risk of heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure, type-2 diabetes, bone loss, cancer, and anemia. Also, eating sensibly means consuming fewer calories and more nutrient-dense foods, keeping weight in check.

Sharpen the mind –Key nutrients are essential for the brain to do its job. People who eat a selection of brightly colored fruit, leafy veggies, and fish and nuts packed with omega-3 fatty acids can improve focus and decrease their risk of Alzheimer’s disease.

Feel better –Wholesome meals give you more energy and help you look better, resulting in a self-esteem boost. It’s all connected—when your body feels good you feel happier inside and out.

How many calories do seniors need?

Use the following as a guideline:

A woman over 50 who is:

Not physically active needs about 1600 calories a day

Somewhat physically active needs about 1800 calories a day

Very active needs about 2000 calories a day

A man over 50 who is:

Not physically active needs about 2000 calories a day

Somewhat physically active needs about 2200-2400 calories a day

Very active needs about 2400-2800 calories a day

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Health Tips for the Elderly and Seniors

1. Don't begrudge spending money on your own comfort, health and quality of life. You deserve it!

FOR THE OVER-60'S - The government's annual fuel allowance of Pds200 is meant to be used for our warmth and comfort, and to ease the worry of the increased heating bill.

The Winter Fuel Payments Help line is 0845 9 151515 If you are receiving a disability or income-related benefit, you may be able to claim a grant of up to Pds2,500 for insulation and heating improvements. Call Home Energy Efficiency Scheme 0800 952 0600. If you receive disability and income-related benefits you can claim Cold Weather Payments if the temperature falls below 00 C for 7 consecutive days.

There is also the Staywarm scheme. For a fixed charge you can use as much gas or electricity as you need. 0800 1 694 694

Finally, if you are unable to pay your winter fuel bill, in the first instance contact your supplier explaining your problem and informing them that you are a pensioner. Good news worth remembering, is that electricity companies and British Gas have a policy of not disconnecting pensioners between 1 October and 31 March - so keep warm and don't panic.

- - - - - . . . . AND DO YOU NEED REMINDING - DON'T WASTE YOUR MONEY AND HEALTH ON CIGARETTES. RESEARCHERS TELL US THAT THE AVERAGE BRITISH SMOKER WILL SPEND Pds91,832.43 ON CIGARETTES IN A LIFETIME. (Now, I've never smoked so I wonder what happened to my Pds91,OOO?) - - - - -

2. Keep your mind active, crosswords, sudoka, hobbies, etc.

NEVER STOP LEARNING. If you have an interested mind, people are more likely to enjoy your company and be interested in you.

3. Keep your body active.

As the saying goes, if you don't use it, you'll lose it Walk in the fresh air if possible. If you enjoy company while you are walking then join a rambling group. (Often 'rambling clubs' for the retired are more socially inclined 'ambling clubs'). Gardening combines the benefits of fresh air, exercise and the results can give you immeasurable pleasure. Dancing; particularly formation or line dancing exercises the memory also. Swimming, is a particularly good exercise for all parts of the body with the added advantage that the water is supporting you and therefore there is no weight on the joints.

4. Feed your body with the correct foods.

You wouldn't expect your car to work efficiently if you fed it the incorrect fuel. So feed your body with nutritious foods that contain the necessary vitamins and minerals in order for it to return optimum performance. With winter approaching we need to build up our immune system, so in addition to a well balanced diet of fresh fruit, fresh vegetables and nourishing protein (laced with the benefits of virgin olive oil and garlic), we should add a few supplements to help us on our way. In addition to a good multi-vitamin tablet, you'll probably benefit from extra Vitamin C, Echinacea, EPA fish oils, selenium, ginko biloba to aid circulation, particularly to the extremities, and glucosomine to help with those aching joints.

Don't forget your flu jab and the jab against pneumonia for the over 70's. There is also really excellent news on the common cold front. At long last there appears to be something that stops a cold developing. Vicks First Defence is a spray that you use at the first sign of a cold and it stops the cold virus in its tracks. This miracle goes on sale during October 05.

5 Socialise.

Possibly I don't have to remind you about this as the majority of retired folk I meet complain that they are busier now than ever they were, that there are not enough hours in the day, and they wonder how they ever found time to go to work.

There are so many clubs and groups to join. To name a few popular ones, U3A (University of the Third Age) for both sexes and with interesting speakers, and offering numerous sub sections for specific group interests and hobbies, Women's Institute, (has gained a new image after the film Calendar Girls), Townswomen's Guild, Gardening Clubs, Art Clubs, etc., and many clubs aimed specifically at the retired.

If transport is a problem, remember most local authorities offer free or reduced bus fares for senior citizens and travel tokens for the disabled. There is a Senior Railcard for reduced train fares for the over 60's. National Express have a Routesixty Scheme which enables over 60's to travel nationwide very cheaply (Tel 08705 808080). Also, occasionally, National Express offer their 'go anywhere for Pds5 scheme'.

If you have difficulty in getting around the town, then there is Shopmobility where you can hire mobility scooters (various models and sizes available) and electric and manual wheelchairs. Shopmobility is usually manned by helpers who will be only too pleased to instruct and allow you to practice before you are let loose on the town. Also there is the added advantage that there is usually a free car park attached to Shopmobility for clients' convenience. If you have difficulty in using public transport, often local authorities provide a 'dial-a-ride' service from your home to the shopping centre.

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Asthma Drugs May Boost Cataract Risk for Elderly

Elderly patients taking anti-asthmatic medications to treat their asthma or lung disease may be more likely to develop cataracts, a new study finds.

A Canadian research team studied data compiled over 14 years from more than 100,000 patients with either asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The data came from a provincial health database and included diagnosis and prescription information for each patient.

"We found that people over the age of 65 who take a cortisone-like medication called inhaled corticosteroids to lower their risk of asthma or COPD attacks are actually raising their risk of developing cataracts," study author Dr. Samy Suissa, an epidemiologist at McGill University Health Centre in Montreal, said in a prepared statement. "This important information to physicians and patients will help in the management of patients using these drugs."

For patients who took an inhaled corticosteroid each day, researchers found that their risk of developing cataracts was 24 percent higher than patients who did not use the drugs. Researchers also noted an increase in patients who took half the typical daily dose of a prescribed inhaled corticosteroid. Of all the patients studied, over 10,000 of them developed severe cataracts.

"We recommend that elderly asthma sufferers keep using these very effective medications, but make efforts to reduce the dose of inhaled corticosteroids as much as possible," Suissa said.

If patients are prescribed an inhaled corticosteroid, Suissa recommends a long-acting bronchodilator or anti-leukotriene combination therapy to reduce the risk of cataracts.

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