COAST: A Comprehensive Older-Adult Screening Tool

Egg, tomato, avocado, and spinach on toast. Photo taken 07-19-18.

Nutrition risk screening is a first step to quickly identify individuals who might be malnourished or at risk of malnutrition. A malnutrition screening tool should be easy to use, quick to administer, and valid—able to correctly identify those at risk of malnutrition. The Comprehensive Older Adult Screening Tool (COAST) is a valid and practical tool to determine if community-dwelling older adults, specifically older adults of lower socioeconomic status, are at risk for malnutrition. This new 6-page publication of the UF/IFAS Food Science and Human Nutrition Department, written by Karima Alabasi, Nancy J. Gal, and Wendy J. Dahl, provides an introduction to COAST as well as the 5-question screening tool.
https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/fs393

Pi bon fason pou granmoun (kap pran swen lot moun) lave men yo

Elderly person receiving assistance from a caregiver with everyday tasks. UF/IFAS Photo by Marisol Amador.

Lave men enpòtan pou redwi transfè jèm mikwòb ki soti nan matyè fekal oswa poupou pou ale nan bouch, ki ka lakoz maladi. Timoun piti ak granmoun aje yo gen mwens kapasite pou yo konbat jèm mikwòb pase lòt kategori moun. Kòm moun kap pran swen moun ou ka ede diminye risk maladi ki ka pwopaje nan anviwònman ki gen anpil moun lè w swiv bon jan metòd pou lave men w. This is the Haitian Creole version of FCS8782, Proper Hand Washing for Caregivers. Written by Amy Simonne, translated and reviewed by Emmanuel Jean Claude Duvalsaint and Nicole Monval, and published by the UF/IFAS Department of Family, Youth and Community Sciences, March 2020.
https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/fy1490

Adecuado lavado de manos para cuidadores

Elderly person receiving assistance from a caregiver with everyday tasks. UF/IFAS Photo by Marisol Amador.El lavado de las manos es una forma importante de reducir la transferencia fecal-oral de gérmenes que causan enfermedades. Los niños pequeños y los ancianos con limitaciones tienen menos capacidad para combatir los gérmenes que otras personas. Como cuidador, usted puede ayudar a reducir el riesgo de transmisión de enfermedades en ambientes con multitudes mediante el uso de los adecuados procedimientos de lavado de manos. This is the Spanish language version of Proper Hand Washing for Caregivers (FCS8782Eng/FY724).
https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/fy1486

Adecuado lavado de manos para adultos mayores

An elderly person's bathroom can be made safer by adding items that will help them maneuver easier. UF/IFAS Photo by Marisol Amador.Lavarse las manos es una forma importante de reducir la propagación de enfermedades infecciosas. Los gérmenes de origen humano y animal pueden transmitirse a las manos, que a su vez pueden transmitir los gérmenes a otras personas, alimentos y cualquier otra cosa que toquen. El adecuado lavado de las manos puede reducir la cantidad de microorganismos infecciosos en nuestras manos y reducir el riesgo de contraer algunas enfermedades. This is the Spanish language version of Proper Hand Washing for Elders (FCS8785Eng/FY727).
https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/fy1489

Alimentacion Saludable: Organice Su Plato

Lettuce and kale leaves. Photo taken 11-07-18.

Planear sus comidas puede ayudar a controlar las porciones y la cantidad de carbohidratos que usted consume a través del día. Esto es especialmente importante si usted padece de la diabetes o si usted es una persona en alto riesgo de padecer de la diabetes. This 2-page document is the Spanish version of Healthy Eating: Create Your Plate. Written by Jennifer Hillan and Linda B. Bobroff, and published by the UF/IFAS Department of Family, Youth and Community Sciences, revised December 2018.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/fy907

Healthy Living: Monitoring Your Blood Pressure at Home

Homes in the Harmony energy efficient community that was developed with the help of UF/IFAS. Photo taken 06/14/16.

Do you think your blood pressure may be too high? Have you been diagnosed with high blood pressure? In either case, it is recommended that you monitor your blood pressure at home and get it checked at the doctor's office. This 4-page document discusses how to monitor your blood pressure at home. Written by Linda B. Bobroff, and published by the UF/IFAS Department of Family, Youth and Community Sciences, revised November 2018.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/fy1126

Alimentacion Saludable: Liquidos

A man examines a glass of water in the sunlight.

Más de la mitad del peso del cuerpo humano adulto es agua. El agua transporta nutrientes a las células en nuestros cuerpos y remueve los residuos. Nuestros cuerpos no podrían funcionar sin una fuente de agua adecuada. This 2-page fact sheet discusses the importance of water, effects of dehydration, implications for older persons, suggested fluid intake, and ways to include more water in one’s diet. It is the Spanish version of Healthy Eating: Fluids. Written by Linda B. Bobroff, Luisa Oliver-Cordero, and Emily Minton, and published by the UF/IFAS Department of Family, Youth and Community Sciences, revised September 2018.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/fy071

Alimentacion Saludable: Bebidas saludables

Strawberries, kiwi fruit, wheat grass, a banana, and a strawberry flavored milk shake. Fragaria, fruits, foods, red, sweets, healthy eating.

Los batidos son una manera deliciosa de incorporar más frutas y nutrientes a su dieta. This 2-page fact sheet provides tasty recipes for shakes and smoothies. It is the Spanish version of Healthy Eating: Drink to Your Health. Written by Jennifer Hillan, Emily Minton, and Linda B. Bobroff, and published by the UF/IFAS Department of Family, Youth and Community Sciences, revised September 2018.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/fy697

The Art of Goodbye: A Closer Look at Emerging Trends in End-of-Life Rituals

Green or natural burial.

With increased access to information, survivors as consumers are seeking more alternatives to the conventional funeral. For some, tradition continues to inform, but for others, options are evolving and forming new possibilities. This 3-page document is part of a series which addresses end-of-life concerns, entitled The Art of Goodbye. The publication discusses family-directed funerals, certified celebrants, and green or natural burial. Written by Lynda Spence, and published by the UF/IFAS Department of Family, Youth and Community Sciences, July 2018.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/fy1478

Alimentacion saludable: Guia de almacenamiento de alimentos

Freshly harvested strawberries.

Si usted no compra alimentos a menudo, probablemente debería comprar alimentos que duren hasta su próxima visita a la tienda. Para ayudarle a aprender que tanto comprar, aquí tenemos algunas guías para almacenar alimentos perecederos. This 2-page fact sheet is a major revision that provides food storage tips. Written by Jennifer Hillan and Linda B. Bobroff, and published by the UF/IFAS Department of Family, Youth and Community Sciences, revised July 2018.
https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/fy700

The Art of Goodbye: Medicare Covers Advance Care Planning

Elderly person receiving assistance from a caregiver with everyday tasks. UF/IFAS Marisol Amador

This 4-page document is part of a series which addresses end-of-life concerns, entitled The Art of Goodbye. The publication discusses the Patient Self-Determination Act, advance care planning, and communication about advance care planning. Written by Lynda Spence, and published by the UF/IFAS Department of Family, Youth and Community Sciences, July 2018.
https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/fy1471

Breast Cancer: When the Woman You Love Has Breast Cancer

Images of Rahim Remtulla working at the Hillman Cancer Center in Pittsburgh for the CALS lookbook project.

For the person with breast cancer, a diagnosis causes her life to suddenly and dramatically change. As treatment progresses, the patient has a multitude of doctor visits, procedures, and often support groups to keep her busy and focused. Her partner's challenges are also significant, but unfortunately they are frequently overlooked. This 4-page fact sheet is the second document in a 12-part series on breast cancer. It provides perspectives and suggestions for persons who are accompanying a woman through breast cancer treatment. Written by Martha C. Monroe, Barbara F. Shea, and Linda B. Bobroff, and published by the UF/IFAS Department of Family, Youth and Community Sciences, revised April 2018.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/fy896

Prevencion de Caidas: Soluciones para su hogar

Florida home and landscaped yard with a car in the driveway. Home, driveway, garage, red SUV, palm trees, flowers, shrubs, house, yard, landscaping.  UF/IFAS Photo: Tyler Jones.

Miles de adultos mayores se caen en su casa cada año. A medida en que uno envejece, su casa puede presentar algunos retos. Pero usted puede hacer cambios para que su casa cumpla con sus necesidades mientras reduce el riesgo de las caĺdas. This is the Spanish-language version of FCS2228/FY734, Fall Prevention: Solutions for Your Home. This 3-page document provides tips to help you reduce the risk of falls at home. Written by Leigh Ann Martin, Emily Minton, and Linda B. Bobroff, and published by the UF/IFAS Department of Family, Youth and Community Sciences, revised January 2018.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/fy858

Vida Saludable: Use sus medicinas de una manera segura

Elaine Turner, left, assistant professor with the University of Florida's Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, and Paul Doering, a UF professor of pharmacy, discuss how grapefruit juice affects absorption of certain drugs Tuesday 7/3. Turner and Doering are members of a new UF committee that will produce consumer-targeted educational materials on drug interactions. Special emphasis will be placed on clarifying the "grapefruit juice effect," which experts say has been overstated in the press.

Las medicinas nos pueden hacer sentir mejor y mejorar nuestra salud, pero si no las usamos correctamente nos pueden hacer sentir peor o hasta causarnos problemas de salud mayores. This is the Spanish-language version of FCS8594/FY667, Healthy Living: Use Your Medicines Safely! This 5-page document provides tips to help you use your medicines safely. Written by Paulina Wittkowsky, Linda B. Bobroff, and Emily Minton, and published by the UF/IFAS Department of Family, Youth and Community Sciences, revised February 2018.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/fy668

Elder Nutrition

4-H at the Senior Citizens Center

Older Floridians, their families, and communities face many issues related to aging. This 8-page fact sheet focuses on the way aging affects nutrition and diet, and choices that older adults can make to improve or maintain their health and well-being as they age. Written by Linda B. Bobroff and Martie Gillen, and published by the UF/IFAS Department of Family, Youth and Community Sciences, revised March 2018.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/fy628

Symptoms and Treatment of Low Blood Glucose

Hand held electronic diabetes monitoring devices. Metabolic diseases, blood sugar. Image used in the 2012 Annual Research Report.

Low blood glucose, also called hypoglycemia, can be life-threatening for people with diabetes. It can be caused by eating too little food, taking too much insulin or other diabetes medication, or being extra active. If left untreated, low blood glucose can progress to diabetic coma. Everyone with diabetes needs to know the symptoms of low blood glucose so they can take action right away. This 2-page fact sheet discusses preparation, symptoms, and treatment. Written by Linda B. Bobroff, and published by the UF/IFAS Department of Family, Youth and Community Sciences, revised February 2018.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/fy521

Nutrition for Health and Fitness: Fiber in Your Diet

Slices and wedges of oranges. Photo taken 11-08-15

Whether you call it dietary fiber, fiber, or roughage, eating a diet rich in this food component is good for your health. This 8-page fact sheet provides tips on how to include foods with fiber in your diet. Written by Linda B. Bobroff, and published by the UF/IFAS Department of Family, Youth and Community Sciences, revised March 2018.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/he697

Alimentacion Saludable: El calcio

Gator Go, High Protein Milk. Source: Smather's Archives.

El calcio es el mineral principal que se encuentra en nuestros huesos y dientes. Nosotros necesitamos calcio para el buen funcionamiento de los músculos y los nervios. Written by Linda B. Bobroff, and published by the UF/IFAS Department of Family, Youth and Community Sciences, revised January 2018.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/fy069

Vida Saludable: Los alimentos pueden afectar sus medicamentos

Gator Go, High Protein Milk. Source: Smather's Archives.

Algunos alimentos pueden afectar la manera en que los medicamentos con prescripción o sin prescripción médica funcionan, ya sea retardando, disminuyendo o aumentando la cantidad del medicamento que el cuerpo absorbe. Esto puede ocasionar efectos secundarios peligrosos y no deseados. Written by Paulina Wittkowsky and Linda B. Bobroff, and published by the UF/IFAS Department of Family, Youth and Community Sciences, revised January 2018.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/fy677

Reducing Your Risk for Diabetes: A Resource Guide

Figure 1. Women running up stadium steps for exercise. Image used in the 2014 Research Discoveries report. Credits: Javier Edwards, UF/IFAS

Many free resources are available to help people of all backgrounds lead healthier lives and reduce their risk for diabetes. This 3-page fact sheet is a major revision that provides resources to help people take steps to improve their health. Written by Linda B. Bobroff, and published by the UF/IFAS Department of Family, Youth and Community Sciences, revised February 2018.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/fy933