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5 Easy Crafts for Seniors With Dementia

August 31, 2023

There are several ways you can keep someone with dementia engaged. Check out this guide for some easy crafts for seniors with dementia.

13.9% of Americans have some kind of dementia. Art and crafts are a great way to entertain and help dementia patients pass the time. They create new neural connections.

Engaging in creative activities can have a positive impact. Both on the mental and emotional well-being of seniors. This is especially true for folks with dementia.

Crafts provide a stimulating and enjoyable way for seniors to express themselves. They can reminisce and maintain a sense of purpose.

Here are five rewarding and easy crafts for seniors with dementia.

1. Memory Boxes

Memory boxes are a wonderful way for seniors with dementia to connect with their past.

To create a memory box, gather a small, sturdy box. Collect various items, such as:

Old photographs
Postcards
Trinkets
Other sentimental objects

Encourage your loved one to decorate the box. Use paint, stickers, or markers.

As you work on the memory box together, prompt them with questions about the items they’re including. Encourage them to share stories and memories associated with each item.

The completed memory box becomes a valuable keepsake. It can be revisited and enjoyed repeatedly.

2. Collage Art

All you need are old magazines, scissors, glue, and a piece of paper or cardboard as the canvas.

Request your loved one to cut out images and words from magazines. These images should appeal to them or bring back memories.

As you create collages, discuss the pictures and words they choose. Ask open-ended questions to spark conversations.

The process of creating collages allows for self-expression.

3. Painted Rocks

Painted rocks are a simple and enjoyable craft. It can be done indoors or outdoors.

Collect smooth and flat rocks.

Provide non-toxic acrylic paint, brushes, and water. Ask your loved one to paint the rocks however they prefer.

Painted rocks can serve as garden decorations or paperweights. The act of painting the rocks promotes creativity and focus. It also offers a sense of achievement.

It’s a craft that can be done at a relaxed pace. This allows for breaks and conversations as needed.

4. Bead Jewelry

This craft enhances fine motor skills and provides a sense of accomplishment. You can create necklaces, bracelets, or even keychains.

To get started, gather an assortment of items, like:

Colorful beads
Strings
Clasps
Pliers

Guide your loved one through the process. Help them select beads. Offering assistance with threading and fastening clasps if needed.

Bead jewelry provides a tactile and visually stimulating activity. The finished pieces can be proudly worn or gifted to loved ones.

5. Paper Flowers

You’ll need colored paper, scissors, glue, and green pipe cleaners.

Ask your loved one to cut out petal shapes from colored paper. Attach them to the pipe cleaner stem with glue.

These paper flowers are simple to create. They can be arranged in vases or used for various decorative purposes.

Choose Easy Crafts for Seniors With Dementia

Living with dementia isn’t easy either for the patient or their relatives. That’s why easy crafts for seniors with dementia can be such a boon. They can entertain and help build a connection.

Check out WelbeHealths Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE). It’s a full-service option for seniors. It allows them to stay at home and in their community. Learn if you qualify here.

How to Ask for Help With Depression: A Guide for Seniors

July 31, 2023

Living with depression can be challenging, but you don’t have to do it alone. This is how to ask for help with depression.

Are you experiencing a loss of interest in activities you used to enjoy? Do you have feelings of sadness and hopelessness or difficulty sleeping? If so, you may be struggling with depression.

As we get older, life can become more lonely and it may leave you feeling lost.

Living with this disorder can be challenging, especially if you don’t know how to ask for help with depression. You might feel it’s not worth reaching out to someone.

If this describes you in any way, keep reading. This article discusses depression, the symptoms, and how to ask for help so you don’t have to feel this way any longer.

What Is Depression?

Depression, also called depressive disorder, is a mental disorder. It’s common and is characterized by an all-encompassing sadness or negative view of life. Depression affects how you think and act, leading to various emotional and physical problems that interfere with daily functioning.

Depression can occur at any age; however, it begins more commonly as an adult. There are several types of depression, such as:

Major Depressive Disorder
Persistent Depressive Disorder
Seasonal Affective Disorder

Signs of Depression

Depression can present differently from person to person. Typically, symptoms include:

Feelings of sadness
Loss of interest or pleasure in previously enjoyed activities
Changes in appetite
Changes in weight
Trouble sleeping
Excess fatigue
Feelings of worthlessness
Feelings of guilt
Difficulty concentrating
Thoughts of suicide or suicide ideation

How to Ask for Help With Depression

Depression as a senior is manageable if you seek treatment. A medical professional will typically prescribe an antidepressant and possibly a mood stabilizer. If you’re unsure of how to ask for help with depression, there are a few things you can try.

Find a Trusted Person

Identify a trusted person with whom you can confide in. This can be a family member, friend, pastor, etc.

Be Open and Honest

When you sit down and chat with a trusted person, you must be open and honest about your feelings. Ask them if they’re willing to help you through this difficult time.

Seek Professional Depression Treatment

If you need help seeking professional help, ask someone you trust to help find a professional or accompany you to one. A professional will have the necessary experience to help.

Help Is Around the Corner

Living with depression can be challenging as a senior, but it’s not something you have to battle alone. If you’re unsure how to ask for help with depression, ask someone you trust if they’re willing to listen.

You want to choose the right time to ask, and when they accept, be honest with how you feel. Professional help is strongly recommended wherever possible to assist with medications if necessary.

WelbeHealth provides full-service healthcare and personalized support to help you age well at home and in your community. Our Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) meets the changing needs of seniors, often at no cost. Many of our centers have support groups available to help you through your difficult times. To learn more visit: www.welbehealth.com/contact/

Stay Safe in the Sun – A Guide for Seniors

June 30, 2023

As the summer heat approaches, everyone loves to head outside and enjoy the outdoors after months of being cooped up indoors. However, the sun’s harmful ultraviolet rays can cause serious skin damage and lead to different types of skin cancer. For seniors, sun safety is essential to avoid skin damage and protect themselves from excessive heat. Let’s discuss some important tips and tricks on how seniors can stay safe in the sun.

Wear Sun-Protective Clothing
One of the easiest ways for seniors to stay safe in the sun is to wear sun-protective clothing. This includes wearing long-sleeved shirts, wide-brimmed hats, and other clothing that will keep your skin protected from the sun. Look for fabrics that are lightweight, moisture-wicking, and provide UV protection. Opt for clothes that cover your arms and legs as much as possible to minimize sun exposure.

Apply Sunscreen Regularly
Sunscreen is a must regardless of age. Seniors should choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher. Apply sunscreen liberally at least 30 minutes before you go outside and reapply it every two hours or more often if you sweat or swim. Don’t forget to apply sunscreen to your ears, back of the neck, hands, and feet. These areas are often overlooked but can be severely affected by harmful UV rays.

Avoid Peak Sun Hours
Typically, the sun’s UV rays are most intense between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Seniors should avoid being outside during these peak hours or plan outdoor activities early in the morning or late in the afternoon when the sun’s rays are less intense. Even on cloudy or overcast days, it’s essential to stay cautious and wear sun-protective clothing and sunscreen.

Stay Hydrated
Staying hydrated is essential in the summer heat, especially for seniors. Make sure to drink plenty of water even if you don’t feel thirsty. Carry a water bottle with you at all times when you’re outside and avoid sugary drinks like soda or energy drinks. Dehydration can quickly set in, making you feel dizzy or nauseous, and can lead to heat exhaustion.

Seek Shade and Cool Off
Lastly, if you start to feel overheated or uncomfortable in the sun, it’s important to seek shade and cool off. Find a shady spot under a tree or bring a parasol or umbrella with you. Take breaks regularly, go indoors to an air-conditioned room, or take a dip in the pool or ocean to cool off.

Sun safety is essential for seniors, and following these tips can help keep them safe and protected when enjoying the outdoors. Wearing sun-protective clothing, applying sunscreen, avoiding peak sun hours, staying hydrated, and seeking shade are all simple and easy ways to avoid harmful UV rays. Being proactive about sun safety can help seniors reduce their risk of skin damage and keep them healthy and happy all summer long.

Seniors deserve to have access to the greatest care possible. Learn more about PACE so you can improve the quality of your life.

Top 5 Ways to Care For Senior Mental Health

May 1, 2023

In the famous words of Isaac Newton, “A body in motion stays in motion.” As you age, it’s important to stay active to maintain your body’s ability to perform various activities throughout the day.

Did you know this principle also applies to your mind? There are many things you can do to support your mental health as you age.

In honor of Mental Health Awareness Month, we’ve put together five of the best ways to care for senior mental health.

1. Eat Well

A healthy diet can help boost your mood and keep your body and mind feeling well. After all, around 20% of your daily calories go toward powering your brain, so it only makes sense that how you eat would impact your mental health!

Incorporate as many of the following into your daily diet as you can:

Fruits
Vegetables
Legumes and nuts
Whole grains

Also, do your best to limit saturated fats and processed sugars.

2. Stick to a Sleep Schedule

Maintaining a consistent sleep schedule is one of the best ways to preserve your mental health as you age. Despite popular belief, even seniors need around eight hours of sleep every night!

To help you get restful sleep and cut the number of times you wake up throughout the evening, practice good sleep hygiene habits. Reduce as much noise and light in your sleeping space as you can, invest in a high-quality mattress and pillow, and put screens away before you get ready for bed.

3. Engage in Social Activities

Our relationships are at the core of our well-being. Having strong relationships can help you feel happier and even slow the progression of dementia and cardiovascular diseases.

Talking with close friends and family throughout the day can help you feel a sense of purpose and fill your days. If you can, set up in-person visits with your loved ones, as you’ll get a greater sense of connection than from texting or a phone call.

4. Incorporate Movement Into Your Day

Efforts to maintain your mental health can be greatly boosted by matching efforts to maintain your physical health. While you don’t have to push yourself to discomfort or pain, even moderate movement throughout the day can have lasting benefits for your mind, including stress relief and increased levels of energy throughout the day.

If you’re the kind of person who benefits from exercising in community, you have many options available to you. See if there’s a gym in your neighborhood that holds gentle yoga, stretching, or other classes accessible for seniors. If not, try your local library, or gather a group of friends yourself!

5. Exercise Your Mind

Finally, exercising your mind is just as important as exercising your body. Even a few minutes of brain teasers and word puzzles every day can go a long way toward maintaining the long-term health of your mind. Next time you hit a patch of boredom, consider picking up one of the following activities:

Jigsaw puzzles
Crossword puzzles
Brain teasers
Sudoku
Scrabble
Bingo
Solitaire

Caring for Senior Mental Health

By eating well, getting enough sleep, maintaining relationships, and prioritizing movement throughout the day, senior mental health can be preserved for years to come. Go grab a friend, a crossword puzzle, and your walking shoes, and get started today!

Here at WelbeHealth, our goal is to help seniors thrive. We do this by prioritizing human connections, pursuing resourceful solutions, and working toward a common purpose. Together, we want to help you gain access to live the life you deserve.

Want to find out if you qualify? Contact us today!

Senior Nutrition: Eating the Right Things as You Age

April 10, 2023

The right senior nutrition will help you prevent age-related illnesses. Use this list to create the best meal plan for your health.

Did you know that around 17% of the population in the United States is 65 years old or older? With such a large group, it’s crucial that we pay attention to the foods we eat as we get older to maintain our health and well-being.

As more people are waiting to have kids and raising smaller families than before, we can expect the senior population to continue to boom over the next few generations. With this in mind, it’s crucial for all of us to educate ourselves on senior welfare topics so we can all support each other.

Are you well-versed in senior nutrition? Eating healthy matters at all ages, but it becomes even more vital as we get older. Keep reading our guide if you’d like to dive deeper into the world of senior nutrition so you can make sure that you cover all of your bases.

Managing Your Calories and Staying Active as You Age

One of the hardest aspects of getting older is learning how to reduce your calories in a mindful way as your metabolism slows down. Since seniors tend to expend fewer calories, eating smaller meals can help prevent unhealthy weight gain.

To make this transition easier, you should try to maintain an active lifestyle. Not only will this allow you to eat a bit more without gaining weight, but it will also nurture your physical and mental health. Active seniors reduce their risk of developing a wide range of wellness issues.

Eating Right as a Senior: A Balanced Diet for Essential Nutrients

Lots of people are alarmed to hear that 92% of Americans are deficient in at least one vitamin. The reason why it’s crucial to get as many nutrients as you can in your diet as you get older is that your body wears down more. For example, being diligent about getting enough calcium in your diet can help you avoid breaking your bones if you fall down.

The good news is that you don’t need to spend a bunch of time mapping out your meals for the week to increase your nutrient intake. All you need to do is cook with nutritious ingredients. Fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, whole grains, and heart-healthy fats have everything you need to thrive as a senior.

It’s Important to Learn About Foods to Avoid and Reduce

Labeling foods as good or bad can take a lot of joy out of life. Instead, you should focus on the wellness benefits. Lots of people enjoy following the 80/20 lifestyle that involves getting 80% of their calories from nutritious foods, while 20% can be for fun.

A key component of eating well is reducing your consumption of processed sugars, refined carbs, and hydrogenated fats. These foods are empty calories that can trigger inflammation and sap energy.

This Senior Nutrition Can Help Everyone Stay Healthy as They Age

The principles of senior nutrition are easy to follow. As long as you stay close to the principles, you can start making healthier choices that help you feel incredible from the inside out.

Seniors deserve to have access to the greatest care possible. Learn more about PACE so you can improve the quality of your life.

Seven Simple Exercises to Reduce Blood Pressure in Seniors

March 27, 2023

High blood pressure in seniors can be worrisome. Utilize these very simple exercises to help keep your blood pressure in the normal range.

Most adults over the age of 65 have high blood pressure to some degree. This number is expected to rise over the coming years due to a combination of diet choices, the aging population, and unhealthy lifestyle choices.

Hypertension can result in decreased blood flow to the heart and reduced oxygenation of your body’s organs. It can cause chest pain, heart failure, strokes, and more. The worst part is that it can easily go unnoticed without regular doctor’s checkups.

Here are seven exercises to reduce blood pressure in seniors that may be at higher risk.

1. Walking

One of the simplest and easiest forms of exercise for reducing hypertension is by going for short walks at least a few days a week. You should walk for at least 30 minutes at whatever pace is most comfortable. Doing so can reduce your stress levels, help with blood flow, and is a good way to burn off extra calories.

2. Jogging

If you want a more efficient way to reduce high blood pressure, you can also jog. This is a higher-impact option that requires a higher level of fitness than walking. It’s harder on your joints, so it may not be a good option for everyone.

3. Dancing

A fun way to have fun and lower blood pressure at the same time is by dancing. Not only does it help you burn off stress but it’s also something you can do in the comfort of your own home.

4. Swimming

Anyone with access to a pool can engage in swimming exercises. This provides a great way for anyone to get active without suffering much joint pain.

5. Cycling

Cycling is another activity you can do both indoors and outdoors. It’s a great exercise for your lower body, helps burn calories, and gets your blood pumping. You also won’t have to worry about excess joint pain since you’ll be seated.

6. Gardening

If you’ve just started up some new blood pressure medication, a safe form of exercise is gardening. Taking care of some flowers or vegetables in your yard requires a lot of bending over, sitting down, standing up, and doing minor digging.

One of the biggest benefits is that you can garden on your own property, so you can start and stop whenever you like.

7. Hiking

Anyone who wants to explore the outdoors and get some sun will enjoy hiking. How strenuous this activity will be for you will largely depend on the trail you choose.

Some inclines and hills require more muscle power to traverse. However, you can also find plenty of easier trails if you want to take in the scenery. Just remember to wear sunblock while you’re out.

Achieve Lower Blood Pressure in Seniors

High blood pressure in seniors needs to be avoided at all costs. Try out some of these different exercises if you want to become more active and improve your health.

WelbeHealth provides full-service healthcare and support catered to seniors. Get home care, transportation assistance, and more. Contact us to find out if you qualify.

The Importance of Regular Eye Care

February 28, 2023

The secrets that an eye exam can unlock

Making regular eye care a priority can be life-changing. Eleven million Americans need help with their vision, and technology has improved drastically in recent years. Eye exams can prevent trouble by alerting your doctor to health conditions you didn’t know you had and prevent vision loss. The typical eye exam is fast, simple, and pain-free.

What is a basic eye exam?

Just by taking a few simple eye images, a doctor can get an early glimpse of eye diseases and use treatments to preserve your vision or restore what you may have already lost. The first step is usually a dilated eye exam given by an optometrist. The test measures eye alignment, eye movement, visual sharpness, and depth perception. New technology offers an alternative to dilated eye exams. Sometimes, a doctor will snap a simple picture of your pupil, allowing them to see as far inside as they need without eye drops.

“Eye exams can also highlight other health issues. If we can see trouble coming, we can treat it faster and get ahead of it,” says Otashe Golden, MD, Regional Medical Director at WelbeHealth.

Many people, when they try on a new pair of glasses, suddenly see clearly and realize how out of focus the world had become. “Most of us have experienced it – and it can be scary,” says Dr. Golden. “One day you can read street signs perfectly well, and the next, you are driving on the highway at night and can’t find your exit.”

Many eye diseases are relatively common and can go unnoticed for a long time, such as cataracts, glaucoma, and age-related macular degeneration.

Diabetes is the leading cause of blindness in adults

Diabetes patients are at higher risk for glaucoma and cataracts. Diabetic retinopathy — scarring on the retina’s blood vessels — can happen due to high blood sugar levels and is the leading cause of blindness in American adults. Diabetic retinopathy is also the most preventable cause of blindness. By seeing an eye doctor, early detection and treatment can prevent or delay blindness. For most people with diabetes, there can be very little treatment available if the diagnosis comes too late.

How often do you need an eye exam?

How often should you get an eye exam depends on certain factors. For people with diabetes, it is recommended to get an eye exam every year. On the other hand, individuals who are African American and aged 40 years and older, Mexican Americans who are 60 years or older, and those with a family history of glaucoma should have an eye exam at least every two years.

Get Ways to Protect Your Vision

Get regular eye exams.
Eat a healthy diet and maintain a healthy weight.
Wear sunglasses that block out 99% to 100% of UA and UVB sunlight.
Don’t smoke.
Use protective eyewear to avoid injury.
If you are reading on a screen, be sure to take frequent breaks to give your eyes a rest.

Pay attention to symptoms of eye trouble.

Call your family doctor, nurse, or eye doctor if you notice eye symptoms such as:

Difficulty seeing or double vision
Redness of the eye or pain in the eye
Flashes of light
Floaters (specks look like they float in front of you)
Circles/halos around lights

Social Interaction and Longevity Amongst Seniors

January 31, 2023

How Does Social Interaction Improve Health and Longevity Amongst Seniors?

Social interaction has been integral to the wellness of all adults — particularly older adults. But why is social wellness so important?

To begin, social stimulation benefits well-being, including lightening your mood and making you feel happier, lowering your risk of dementia through the power of conversation, and promoting a sense of safety and belonging. For an aging population, the results of healthy socialization are to improve overall wellness.

What Research Indicates

Research completed by the University of Washington St. Louis’ department of Psychology details how meaningful conversation impacts how older people perceive themselves and their life purpose. The study focused on both working and retired adults. Ph.D. candidate and research student Gabrielle Pfund says, “Specifically for our retired older adults, this is a construct we should really care about,” she said. Pfund says, “The people in your life are going to have a very, very big impact on that. If you find yourself surrounded by people who bring you down … that’s going to have an impact.” She continues, “On the flip side, if you’re surrounded by people who lift you up and who infuse your life with positivity, that’s going to have an impact, too.”

Social Wellness

The practice of social wellness can include keeping regular contact with friends and loved ones, engaging in volunteer work if able, joining a group based on interests, or joining a cultural organization. These examples and many others provide a social outlet to improve mental health through feeling a sense of belonging. Socializing also provides opportunities for meaningful conversations, improving the ability to recall and discuss information. Socializing exercises the brain in a way that can reduce the chances of developing memory loss disorders such as dementia. Reflecting on this research, Pfund says, “Having a sense of purpose is about more than feeling good. Prior research has shown that adults with a higher sense of purpose lead longer, healthier, and happier lives. They have lower rates of Alzheimer’s disease and heart and other cardiovascular problems.”

It is essential to reflect on the importance of healthy social interaction and how it can provide a sense of individuality and purpose while improving mental health.

References Being Social May Be Purposeful in Older Adulthood: A Measurement Burst Design

Managing Sadness and Grief Over the Holidays

December 21, 2022

Although it is not uncommon for people of all ages to experience some degree of sadness over the holidays, be it from having been isolated during the pandemic or having experienced the loss of a loved one, older adulthood is a time of greatest risk and could result in substantial increases in death by suicide. For this very reason, it is encouraged to start a conversation with a friend, family, therapist, or another medical professional about how your mood is going and if you might be experiencing some degree of depression. This is not to say that most seniors are depressed, but we do recognize that the experience of declining health or mobility, plus the shrinking of one’s natural support system due to loss, can raise the sense of loneliness and despair.

Warning Signs

In their toolkit for suicide prevention among seniors, the Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Administration identifies the following warning signs of suicide:

Talking about wanting to die or kill oneself.
Looking for a way to kill oneself.
Talking about being a burden to others.
Increasing the use of alcohol or drugs.
Acting anxious or agitated, behaving recklessly.
Sleeping too little or too much.
Withdrawing or feeling isolated.
Showing rage or talking about seeking revenge.
Displaying extreme mood swings.

If you experience any one or more of these behaviors, please reach out to your doctor or mental health professional they can listen to your thoughts and feelings around these matters.

From conducting one of the longest-running support groups at WelbeHealth in Stockton, Forever Friends, I can attest that not only do other seniors share your concerns, but they are ready to help out whenever possible

– Randall Ramírez, LCSW, LMFT | Behavioral Health Specialist

Strategies for Coping

As an alternative way of approaching the holidays, seniors can:

Be Proactive

Becoming more proactive in planning ahead on how they want to celebrate the season and how they can build special celebrations or memorials around those loved ones who have passed on or who are distant from them.

Sharing Memories

This may include raising a toast at the holiday dinner table to the lost family member or friend and asking others to offer one cherished memory. Or it may involve setting a place for them at the table and reminiscing.

Making a Donation

It could also be as simple as setting up a spot to collect donations to the loved one’s favorite charity. All these approaches not only honor the person we lost, but they create a space for acknowledging our collective sadness and feelings.

Socializing

We hold onto the belief that seniors retain talents, strengths, and skills into their later years that can be shared with others. Because seniors are living longer, we also support the idea of embracing quality of life and progressing with your dreams into the Golden Years. Joining a group that hosts activities, whether at a Senior Center or local club, aim at creating strong connections and bonds with fellow seniors.

Senior woman applying sunscreen for UV safety

Best UV Safety for Seniors: Keep it Simple with These Tips

July 15, 2022

July is UV Safety Month

Enjoying the warm weather is one of the delights of summer. However, it is important to practice Ultraviolet (UV) light safety. For seniors and others, this means limiting your exposure to the sun’s harmful rays, which can cause skin damage and lead to skin cancer. Around 90% of the signs of skin aging are caused by the sun. Those who have accumulated the most exposure to UV rays over the years are – you guessed it – seniors.

July is UV Safety Month. Using better UV protection can protect your skin from harm. And there are even ways to reverse some damage. Use these simple tips:

UV Safety for Seniors – Go By the Clock

UV protection is most important between 10 am and 4 pm because the sun’s harmful rays are the strongest between these hours. Aim for early morning or evening if you can plan your time outside. If you must be outside mid-day, try to stay in the shade.

The Best UV Safe Sunscreen for Seniors

Not all sunscreen is equal for UV protection. Choose one that has an SPF of 30 or higher. UVA and UVB sun rays both damage skin cells. Read the label to make sure your sunscreen has “broad spectrum” or “UVA and UVB” printed on the bottle.

Using SPF Correctly

Apply your sunscreen 20 minutes before sun exposure for it to work best. Re-apply sunscreen every 2 hours and after you sweat or swim. People with fair skin, especially those with light-colored eyes and hair, accumulate sun damage more easily and should use UV protection carefully. You can take a quick quiz to find your skin type here.

Reverse Years of Damage

Even if you have had many sunburns or avoided using sunscreen over the years, you can reverse the damage using new technology. Creams or gels with retinoids can help to remove precancerous lesions. Ask your doctor about these topical medications.

Beyond Sunscreen

You have options for protection in addition to sunscreen. Some clothing is designed to protect your skin from the sun. A long-sleeved shirt, long pants, sunglasses that filter UV rays, and a hat with a wide brim can offer protection. Remember also to protect yourself from heat stress during the summer months.

Skin Changes with Age – Lifestyle Matters

Our skin thins as we age. This can weaken the skin’s defenses to UV light. Proper sun protection for seniors, a balanced diet, and avoiding smoking and pollution can help prevent skin diseases.

Watch for Skin Changes

Be aware of any suspicious growths on your skin. The Skin Cancer Foundation recommends a self-examination once a month. You can find out how to do one here. Visit your dermatologist once a year to check for skin cancer. Bring questions about anything you have noticed that has changed size, is new, or has an irregular border. Also, if you have a growth that causes crusting, irritation, or bleeding, tell your doctor right away.

Remember: skin cancer is among the most treatable cancers. So do your best to catch it early. Enjoy the sunshine safely this summer.