CardioCurrents

Good nutrition important at any age

We should eat right at every stage of life, but this is especially true for older adults. Most don’t get all the nutrients they need, which can lead to malnutrition. They could be depressed, have difficulty chewing or take medicines that suppress appetite. Not eating well can lead to digestive and heart problems, muscle weakness, a weakened immune system and a greater chance of infections. If you think a loved one may be malnourished, observe his or her eating habits and look for outward signs of malnutrition (easy bruising, poor wound healing, dental problems, weight loss). Or ask your loved one’s physician to test his or her protein levels, which can help spot malnutrition.

The buzz on energy drinks

Energy drinks are the perfect way to give you some added oomph, right? Not if you have a heart problem. While many of the drinks claim to help your concentration, rev up your metabolism and boost your athletic performance, they may really only deliver a whole lot of sugar and caffeine. Excessive caffeine consumption has been tied to higher heartbeat rates, high blood pressure, anxiety, headaches, sleep problems and dehydration. And although some drinks’ labels warn people with heart ailments or those under age 18 to avoid them, not all drinks do. A better energy bet? Trail mix and a glass of low-fat milk or diluted juice.

Roll up your sleeves and donate

Maybe you just never thought about giving blood. Or maybe you wanted to donate but were too busy. Whatever the reason, now is the time to do it. Log on to the American Red Cross’ blood donation site at www.givelife.org to find a blood drive near you. Or just head to your local blood bank—most don’t require an appointment. Check out www.aabb.org to find a blood bank near you. Need more inspiration? Check out these facts about donating blood, courtesy of America’s Blood Centers:

• Thirty-eight percent of Americans are eligible to donate blood, but fewer than 10 percent actually do every year. To give, you must be at least 16 or 17 years old, weigh at least 110 pounds and be in overall good health. Certain conditions, such as pregnancy, make you ineligible.
• You can’t get AIDS or any other infectious disease by donating blood.
• Blood can be separated into different parts: red blood cells, plasma, platelets and cryoprecipitate. These lifesaving components can help everyone from burn victims to cancer patients.