It's no secret, most of us would like to stay in our own home as we age. Yet, sometimes our loved ones just need a little extra help to remain comfortable at home. That's where Always Best Care can help....we are dedicated to exceeding expectations....always.
They say that your golden years are the best years of your life. For most older Americans, that's how it should be - a time to relax, reflect, and live life in a familiar place. After all, senior citizens in the U.S. have worked tirelessly to build a better economy, serve their communities, and raise families.
However, as seniors grow older, completing daily tasks like showering and enjoying activities such as visiting the historic Tyler Arboretum gets harder without someone by their side. Unfortunately, many older Americans aren't able to rely on their adult children for help. The reality in today's world is that family members do not have the skills or time to dedicate to caring for their parents. That's where Always Best Care Senior Services comes in.
Our in-home care services are for people who prefer to stay at home as they grow older but need ongoing care that family or friends cannot provide. More and more older adults prefer to live far away from long-term, institutionalized facilities and closer to the place where they feel most comfortable - their home. Home care in Media, PA is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.
Home Care Services
Service AreasSince 1996, Always Best Care has provided non-medical in-home care for seniors to help them maintain a healthy lifestyle as they get older. We are proud to have helped more than 25,000 seniors maintain higher levels of dignity and respect. We focus on providing seniors with the highest level of in-home care available so that they may live happily and independently.
Unlike some senior care companies, we genuinely want to be included in our clients' lives. We believe that personalized care is always the better option over a "one size fits all" approach. To make sure our senior clients receive the best care possible, we pair them with compassionate caregivers who understand their unique needs. That way, they may provide care accordingly without compromising their wellbeing.
The Always Best Care difference lies in life's little moments - where compassionate care and trustworthy experience come together to help seniors live a fruitful, healthy life. Whether you are an aging adult that can't quite keep up with life's daily tasks or the child of a senior who needs regular in-home services, Always Best Care is here to help.
“Alway Best Care is always best!”
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“Just Started Working For Always Best Care In Philadelphia Last Week And I Love My”
“Just Started Working For Always Best Care In Philadelphia Last Week And I Love My”
“I couldn’t thank this Company enough for the services my Father had, it’s difficult to”
“The highlights for me is The boss man Bryant Greene, and most of his awesome”
“first of all the owner Brian Greene is an amazing person to work for/with. Hes”
“first of all the owner Brian Greene is an amazing person to work for/with. Hes”
“Walked in to ask a few questions, and was kindly greeted as well as my”
“Always Best Care provides excellent personal service for my Mom. They are always in contact”
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“Always Best Care has been tremendous. The caregivers are well trained and very considerate. Thanks”
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“Alway Best Care is always best!”
“Just Started Working For Always Best Care In Philadelphia Last Week And I Love My Job So Far & My Clients. I Love How Flexible My Schedule Is Too. I'd Highly Recommend Getting A Job Here ☺”
“Just Started Working For Always Best Care In Philadelphia Last Week And I Love My Job So Far & My Clients. I Love How Flexible My Schedule Is Too. I'd Highly Recommend Getting A Job Here”
“Just Started Working For Always Best Care In Philadelphia Last Week And I Love My Job So Far & My Clients. I Love How Flexible My Schedule Is Too. I'd Highly Recommend Getting A Job Here”
“I couldn’t thank this Company enough for the services my Father had, it’s difficult to trust others yet Always Best Care of Philadelphia did it with ease. We happily recommend them to our family and friends. Bryant and Co. truly care as if it was their own family. God Bless and May all your Staff be safe, they are in my prayers.”
“The highlights for me is The boss man Bryant Greene, and most of his awesome staff. Mr. Greene, his brother Al Billz and staff always looked out for me even when I was ill. I love them and Always Best Care to the moon and back!”
“first of all the owner Brian Greene is an amazing person to work for/with. Hes very compassionate to his workers and staff. If we need help and there's no caregiver available. Brian will step in. We also give our clients the best care possible. So proud to say Brian just opened up another office in Delaware. Doing an amazing job. I started work with this agency in 2012 when my mom became I'll. A good environment. I definitely would recommend this place of employment.”
“first of all the owner Brian Greene is an amazing person to work for/with. Hes very compassionate to his workers and staff. If we need help and there's no caregiver available. Brian will step in. We also give our clients the best care possible. So proud to say Brian just opened up another office in Delaware. Doing an amazing job. I started work with this agency in 2012 when my mom became I'll. A good environment. I definitely would recommend this place of employment.”
“Walked in to ask a few questions, and was kindly greeted as well as my inquiries were satisfyingly met. ????”
“Always Best Care provides excellent personal service for my Mom. They are always in contact about changes or concerns. They truly do care and it shows. They live the Always Best Care name every day. I would recommend them for sure.”
“Always Best Care Senior Services of Philadelphia abides by the highest standards in the provision of in-home care.”
“Always Best Care has been tremendous. The caregivers are well trained and very considerate. Thanks to my infirmity, I have unique care needs but ABC has been able to provide that care and even go above and beyond in their efforts to care for me. I don’t know what I would do without them. If you’re in need of care, this is the agency to call.”
“Always Best is truly a company that distinguishes itself from the other companies in its personal attention to make the client totally satisfied. Excellent communication is another reason you feel so secure. I never had a moment of frustration or worry. I can't recommend David and his staff enough!!! Karen in Plymouth Meeting”
“Love what I heard about the company. Champion Care is important for seniors.”
“Always Best Care Senior Services are a group of compassionate care givers and professionals. Use them for all your personal needs Senior or younger. They get the job done!!!”
“I appreciate ABC of Bristol. They served me and my friend, Helen, at very difficult time. The office staff, social workers, and the aides were professional, caring, and reliable. Donna you are awesome....keep up the great work!!!! I would recommend this service to anyone.”
Home is where the heart is. While that saying can sound a tad cliche, it is especially true for many seniors living in America. When given a choice, older adults most often prefer to grow older at home. An AARP study found that three out of four adults over the age of 50 want to stay in their homes and communities as they age.
When you begin to think about why, it makes sense. Home offers a sense of security, comfort, and familiarity.
The truth is, as we age, we begin to rely on others for help. When a family is too busy or lives too far away to fulfill this role, in-home senior care is often the best solution. Home care services allow seniors to enjoy personal independence while also receiving trustworthy assistance from a trained caregiver.
At Always Best Care, we offer a comprehensive range of home care services to help seniors stay healthy while they get the help they need to remain independent. As your senior loved one gets older, giving them the gift of senior care is one of the best ways to show your love, even if you live far away.
To give our senior clients the best care possible, we offer a full spectrum of in-home care services:
If your senior loved one has specific care needs, our personal care services are a great choice to consider. Personal care includes the standard caregiving duties associated with companion care and includes help with tasks such as dressing and grooming. Personal care can also help individuals with chronic conditions like diabetes.
Common personal care services include assistance with:
Sometimes, seniors need helpful reminders to maintain a high quality of life at home. If you or your senior has trouble with everyday tasks like cooking, our home helper services will be very beneficial.
Common home helper care services include assistance with:
Using this kind of care is a fantastic way to make life easier for you or your senior loved one. At Always Best Care, our talented caregivers often fill the role of a companion for seniors. That way, older adults can enjoy their favorite local activities, such as visiting Glen Providence Park with friends while also receiving the care they need daily or weekly.
Common companionship services include:
According to AARP, more than 53 million adults living in the U.S. provide care to someone over 50 years old. Unfortunately, these caregivers experience stress, exhaustion, and even depression. Our respite care services help family caregivers address urgent obligations, spend time with their children, and enjoy nearby activities. Perhaps more importantly, respite care gives family members time to recharge and regroup. Taking personal time to de-stress reduces the risk of caregiver burnout. So, if you've always wanted to eat at the local Azie Media or visit Delaware County Historical Society, don't feel bad. Doing so is great for both you and your loved one.
At the end of the day, our goal is to become a valuable part of your senior's daily routine. That way, we may help give them the highest quality of life possible. We know that staying at home is important for your loved one, and we are here to help make sure that is possible.
If you have been on the fence about non-medical home care, there has never been a better time than now to give your senior the care, assistance, and companionship they deserve.
Always Best Care in-home services are for older adults who prefer to stay at home but need ongoing care that friends and family cannot provide. In-home care is a safe, effective way for seniors to age gracefully in a familiar place and live independent, non-institutionalized lives. The benefits of non-medical home care are numerous. Here are just a few reasons to consider senior care services from Always Best Care:
According to AARP, 9 out of 10 seniors prefer to age in place within the comfort of their own home. With in-home care, seniors have a way to stay at home, receive the care they need, and maintain a sense of independence, improving overall wellness.
If you or a member of your family have assumed the role of caregiver for your senior loved one, you know how stressful the job can be. Between caregiver burnout and constant worry, being a family caregiver is hard. In-home care relieves your burden and gives you peace of mind knowing that your older family member is in expert hands.
Unlike nursing homes, where the staff and residents rotate frequently, seniors can foster new friendships and build bonds with their caregiver. Seniors who socialize on a regular basis are often happier, which fosters positivity and leads to increased wellbeing.
No two seniors need the same kind of in-home care assistance. That is why each of our Care Plans is tailored to meet our client's individual needs. We offer plans that cover everything from light housekeeping to more involved duties like transportation to doctor's appointments. Our Care Coordinators will work closely with you to develop a personalized plan to ensure your senior's needs are exceeded.
Always Best Care offers a full array of care options for patients at all levels of health. With our trusted elderly care services, your loved one will receive the level of care necessary for them to enjoy the highest possible quality of life.
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While it's true that some seniors have complicated medical needs that prevent them from staying at home, aging in place is often the best arrangement for seniors and their families. With a trusted caregiver, seniors have the opportunity to live with a sense of dignity and do so as they see fit - something that is unavailable to many older people today.
In-home care makes it possible for millions of seniors to age in place every year. Rather than moving to a strange nursing home, seniors have the chance to stay at home where they feel the happiest and most comfortable.
How much does a senior's home truly mean to them?
A study published by the American Society on Aging found that more than half of seniors say their home's emotional value means more than how much their home is worth in monetary value. It stands to reason, then, that a senior's home is where they want to grow old.
With the help of elderly care in Media, PA, seniors don't have to age in a sterilized care facility. Instead, they can age gracefully in the place they want to be most: their home. In contrast, seniors who move to a long-term care facility must adapt to new environments, new people, and new systems that the facility implements. At this stage in life, this kind of drastic change can be more harmful than helpful.
Institutional care facilities like nursing homes often put large groups of people together to live in one location. On any given day, dozens of staff members and caregivers run in and out of these facilities. Being around so many new people in a relatively small living environment can be dangerous for a seniors' health and wellbeing. When you consider that thousands of seniors passed away in nursing homes during the COVID-19 pandemic, opting for in-home care is often a safer, healthier choice for seniors.
Aging in place has been shown to improve seniors' quality of life, which helps boost physical health and also helps insulate them from viral and bacterial risks found in elderly living facilities.
For many seniors, the ability to live independently with assistance from a caregiver is a priceless option. With in-home care, seniors experience a higher level of independence and freedom - much more so than in other settings like a nursing home. When a senior has the chance to age in place, they get to live life on their own terms, inside the house that they helped make into a home. More independence means more control over their personal lives, too, which leads to increased levels of fulfillment, happiness, and personal gratification. Over time, these positive feelings can manifest into a healthier, longer life.
More independence, a healthier life, and increased comfort are only a few benefits of aging in place. You have to take into consideration the role of cost and convenience. Simply put, it's usually easier and more affordable to help seniors age in place than it is to move them into an institutional care facility. According to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, seniors who age in the comfort of their homes can save thousands of dollars per month.
In-home care services from Always Best Care, for instance, are often less expensive than long-term solutions, which can cost upwards of six figures per year. To make matters worse, many residential care facilities are reluctant to accept long-term care insurance and other types of payment assistance.
With Always Best Care's home care services, seniors and their families have a greater level of control over their care plans. In-home care gives seniors the chance to form a bond with a trusted caregiver and also receive unmatched care that is catered to their needs. In long-term care facilities, seniors and their loved ones have much less control over their care plan and have less of a say in who provides their care.
In-home care is a valuable resource that empowers seniors to age in place on their own terms. However, a big concern for many families and their loved ones is how much in-home care costs. If you're worried that in-home care is too expensive, you may be pleasantly surprised to learn that it is one of the most affordable senior care arrangements available.
Typically, hiring an Always Best Care in-home caregiver for a few hours a week is more affordable than sending your loved one to a long-term care facility. This is true even for seniors with more complex care needs.
At Always Best Care, we will work closely with you and your family to develop a Care Plan that not only meets your care needs, but your budget requirements, too. Once we discover the level of care that you or your senior need, we develop an in-home care plan that you can afford.
In addition to our flexible care options, families should also consider the following resources to help offset potential home care costs:
When you or your senior loved one needs assistance managing daily tasks at home, finding a qualified caregiver can be challenging. It takes a special kind of person to provide reliable care for your senior loved one. However, a caregiver's role involves more than meal preparation and medication reminders. Many seniors rely on their caregivers for companionship, too.
Our companion care services give seniors the chance to socialize in a safe environment and engage in activities at home. These important efforts boost morale and provide much-needed relief from repetitive daily routines. A one-on-one, engaging conversation can sharpen seniors' minds and give them something in which to be excited.
At Always Best Care, we only hire care providers that we would trust to care for our own loved ones. Our senior caregivers in Media, PA understand how important it is to listen and communicate with their seniors. A seemingly small interaction, like a short hug goodbye, can make a major difference in a senior's day. Instead of battling against feelings of isolation, seniors begin to look forward to seeing their caregiver each week.
Understanding the nuances of senior care is just one of the reasons why our care providers are so great at their job.
Unlike some senior care companies, our caregivers must undergo extensive training before they work for Always Best Care. In addition, our caregivers receive ongoing training throughout the year. This training ensures that their standard of care matches up to the high standards we've come to expect. During this training, they will brush up on their communication skills, safety awareness, and symptom spotting. That way, your loved one receives the highest level of non-medical home care from day one.
While it's true that many seniors prefer to age at home, sometimes in-home care isn't the best fit. For those seniors and their families, choosing an assisted living facility makes more sense. Unfortunately, finding the optimal care facility is easier said than done in today's day and age. That's when Always Best Care's assisted living referral services begin to make a lot of sense.
Assisted living is a form of housing intended for seniors who require varying degrees of medical and personal attention. Accommodations may include single rooms, apartments, or shared living arrangements. Assisted living communities are typically designed to resemble a home-like environment and are physically constructed to encourage the independence of residents.
At assisted living communities, seniors receive help with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and eating. They may also benefit from coordination of services with outside healthcare providers, and monitoring of resident activities to ensure their health, safety, and well-being. Caregivers who work at assisted living communities can also provide medication administration and personal care services for older adults.
Other services offered within assisted living communities can include some or all of the following:
At Always Best Care, our representatives can match your senior's emotional, physical, and financial needs with viable assisted living communities nearby. Results are based on comparative data, so you can select the best choice for you or your loved one.
Always Best Care works closely with local senior living communities to gain valuable knowledge that we then use to help seniors and their loved ones make informed decisions. This information can include basic care and rent, resident availability, and services provided. Because Always Best Care is compensated by these communities, we provide senior living referral services at no extra cost to you.
Some of the most popular assisted living communities to consider in our area include the following:
For many seniors, moving into a senior living community revolves around how and when they want to make a transition to more involved care. Some seniors are more proactive about transitioning to independent living. Others choose to remain home until their care needs or other requirements are satisfied. Remember - our staff is here to help. Contact our office today to learn more about assisted living communities and how we can find a facility that exceeds your expectations.
The first step in getting quality in-home care starts with a personal consultation with an experienced Always Best Care Care Coordinator. This initial consultation is crucial for our team to learn more about you or your elderly loved one to discover the level of care required. Topics of this consultation typically include:
A discussion of your needs and how our trained caregivers can offer assistance in the most effective way
A draft of your care plan, which includes highly detailed notes and a framework for the care that you or your senior will receive
Discuss payment options and help coordinate billing with your insurance provider
Our caregivers are trained to spot changes that clients exhibit, like mental and physical decline. As your trusted senior care company, we will constantly assess and update your Care Plan to meet any new emotional, intellectual, physical, and emotional needs.
If you have never considered in-home care before, we understand that you and your family may have concerns about your Care Plan and its Care Coordinator. To help give you peace of mind, know that every team member and caregiver must undergo comprehensive training before being assigned to a Care Plan.
At the end of the day, we only hire the best of the best at Always Best Care. Whether you need home care in Media, PA 24-hours a day or only need a respite for a couple of hours, we are here to serve you.
When you're ready, we encourage you to contact your local Always Best Care representative to set up a Care Consultation. Our Care Coordinators would be happy to meet with you in person to get to know you better, discuss your needs, and help put together a personalized Care Plan specific to your needs.
Christopher Dean has said it was “wonderful” to “bow out on a high” in his final performance with ice dancing partner Jayne Torvill.The duo, who wrote their names into British sporting history at the 1984 Winter Games, announced their retirement from skating together in 2024, 40 years on from their Olympic gold success.In April they embarked on the UK leg of their farewell tour, Torvill And Dean: Our Last Dance, which culminated with four performances in their home town of Nottingham.Following the...
Christopher Dean has said it was “wonderful” to “bow out on a high” in his final performance with ice dancing partner Jayne Torvill.
The duo, who wrote their names into British sporting history at the 1984 Winter Games, announced their retirement from skating together in 2024, 40 years on from their Olympic gold success.
In April they embarked on the UK leg of their farewell tour, Torvill And Dean: Our Last Dance, which culminated with four performances in their home town of Nottingham.
Following their final performance together, Dean, 66, said: “The performance went well and the audience were amazing and so, for us, to be able to bow out on a high like that was wonderful.”
Asked if it had been emotional, Dean said: “These last four performances here in Nottingham, the early ones were quite emotional and I think I sort of got that out of me, and tonight, it was a high.
“We enjoyed it so much. The skating was good from our point of view, but the audience were phenomenal. They were the best audience ever.”
Torvill, 67, said: “I think we’ll miss it.
“When you’ve done all these shows like this, and you’re suddenly home, not doing anything, you miss that adrenaline rush and you miss the excitement of being on the ice, whether it’s a practice session or a performance.”
Torvill promised they would be working on other projects but said they will not be skating on the ice together.
The duo secured an Olympic gold in 1984 with their ice dance to Ravel’s Bolero at the Zetra Olympic Hall in Sarajevo.
They also had success at the World, European and British Championships and returned to the Winter Games at Lillehammer in Norway in 1994 where they won bronze.
After they bowed out from competitive skating they branched out into touring, coaching and choreographing before becoming the faces of celebrity competition show Dancing On Ice, which ran from 2006 until 2014.
When the show was revived in 2018 they became head judges until earlier this year when ITV announced it would be rested.
Their farewell tour of London, Belfast, Sheffield, Birmingham, Newcastle, Manchester, Liverpool and Glasgow included a team of professional figure skaters, some of whom have featured on Dancing On Ice.
Wimbledon may be about the tennis, but for those of us watching from the stands – or scrolling from the sofa – it’s also become an annual masterclass in summer dressing.And in 2025, the celebrity crowd delivered again, sporting seasonal trends and vintage gems.Polka dots had a moment (again) and there was no shortage of cream tailoring and ‘old-money’ accessories.Here are the celebrities that stood out from the stands…Ellie GouldingWhite and grey stripes...
Wimbledon may be about the tennis, but for those of us watching from the stands – or scrolling from the sofa – it’s also become an annual masterclass in summer dressing.
And in 2025, the celebrity crowd delivered again, sporting seasonal trends and vintage gems.
Polka dots had a moment (again) and there was no shortage of cream tailoring and ‘old-money’ accessories.
Here are the celebrities that stood out from the stands…
Ellie Goulding
White and grey stripes are clean, classic and a distinct Wimbledon staple.
Goulding, 38, paired her Tod’s dress with a matching taupe handbag and sandals from the same designer, sticking firmly to the ‘quiet luxury’ dress code that’s dominated recent red carpets and tennis boxes.
Sienna Miller
Actress Sienna Miller, 43, did what she does best: elevated vintage with a London-girl twist.
Miller wore a white floral Alessandra Rich mini dress with a Bottega Veneta tote and Mary Janes, looking like she could be heading to lunch in Notting Hill rather than the Royal Box – which is entirely the point.
Her boyfriend Oli Green, 28, kept things kept things clean, classic and appropriately unfussy in a navy suit.
Olivia Rodrigo
Channelling Wimbledon’s infamous strawberries and cream, Olivia Rodrigo, 22, stepped out in a gingham vintage Ralph Lauren piece from the early 2000s.
Andrew Garfield
Actor Andrew Garfield, 41, continues his streak of excellent summer suiting, showing up in a cream Ralph Lauren ensemble that felt straight out of Gatsby’s wardrobe.
Matching with girlfriend Monica Barbaro, 35, who also wore Ralph Lauren, the pair channelled old-Hollywood energy – no fuss, all charm.
Jodie Foster
Few celebrities opt for deep palettes at Wimbledon, but actress Jodie Foster, 62, made dark florals work in an Altuzarra shirt dress.
The print was large but understated, proving not every summer dress needs to be floaty or pastel.
Katherine Jenkins
In a Rebecca Vallance gown, opera singer Katherine Jenkins, 45, leaned fully into ladylike glamour.
Jenkins wore a soft pink, jacquard dress with an embellished Aspinal bag. She attended day nine with her husband, Andrew Levitas, 47.
Sharon Horgan
Irish actress, writer and director Sharon Horgan, 54, kept things low-key but cool in a Lurline skirt and cream polka-dot shirt.
The look was a welcome break from the usual ruffles and florals.
Ben Whishaw
Paddington and James Bond star Ben Whishaw, 44, sported a teal suit and polka-dot tie on day eleven of the tournament.
Oliver Bearman and Alicia Stent-Torriani
British F1 racer Oliver Bearman, 20, kept things classic in cream tailoring and a pale blue shirt, while girlfriend Alicia Stent-Torriani leaned into this summer’s biggest trend in a navy polka-dot dress.
Peter Phillips and Harriet Sperling
Son of Princess Anne, Peter Phillips, 47, dressed in smart neutrals on day ten of Wimbledon, while his girlfriend Harriet Sperling wore a sky-blue two-piece by Wiggy Kit and a blue Aspinal Mayfair bag.
An effortless choice that still felt occasion-appropriate.
A new do-it-yourself heart monitor, the ePatch by Philips, is being given to patients on the NHS to help diagnose heart rhythm issues.Unlike traditional monitoring which requires specialist setup and numerous wires, patients can be sent the ePatch in the post and attach it to their skin with ease at home. After wearing it for a few days, patients post the patch back and then the data from it is analysed by Cardiologs, an AI tool, with final review by a clinician.Frimley Health NHS Foundation Trust is the first hospital in the c...
A new do-it-yourself heart monitor, the ePatch by Philips, is being given to patients on the NHS to help diagnose heart rhythm issues.
Unlike traditional monitoring which requires specialist setup and numerous wires, patients can be sent the ePatch in the post and attach it to their skin with ease at home. After wearing it for a few days, patients post the patch back and then the data from it is analysed by Cardiologs, an AI tool, with final review by a clinician.
Frimley Health NHS Foundation Trust is the first hospital in the country to roll out the device, with hopes that the device will soon be used across other NHS trusts.
This new device can be used to investigate heart rhythm problems, known as arrhythmias, such as atrial fibrillation, tachycardia and heart blocks.
Arrhythmias can present in different forms, so we got in touch with Dr Oliver Segal, consultant cardiologist and electrophysiologist at The Harley Street Clinic, part of HCA Healthcare UK, to find out how to identify and manage these conditions.
What is an arrhythmia?
“An arrhythmia is a problem with the heart’s electrical system, which controls how the heart beats,” explains Segal. “Normally, electrical signals cause the heart to beat in a steady, coordinated rhythm.
“However, in arrhythmias these signals become irregular or disrupted, causing the heart to beat too fast, too slow, or in an uneven pattern. This can affect how well the heart pumps blood around the body.”
What are the main types of arrhythmia?
“Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common serious arrhythmia, where the upper chambers (atria) of the heart beat in a rapid and irregular way,” says Segal. “AF can significantly increase the risk of stroke and often occurs without noticeable symptoms, making screening important in some individuals.”
Bradycardia and tachycardia are also fairly common types of arrhythmia.
“Bradycardia is when the heart beats too slowly which can cause tiredness, dizziness or fainting,” explains Segal. “Whereas, tachycardia is when the heart beats too fast. This can originate from the upper chambers (supraventricular tachycardia) or the lower chambers (ventricular tachycardia), which can be more dangerous.
“Other arrhythmias include premature atrial or ventricular contractions (extra beats) and more rare conditions like ventricular fibrillation.”
What factors can contribute towards/cause heart rhythm problems?
“Risk factors include heart disease, high blood pressure (which can strain the heart over time) and thyroid problems, especially an overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism),” says Segal. “In addition, older age and family history can also increase your risk.”
Certain lifestyle factors like smoking and drinking may also have an impact.
“Excessive alcohol intake, too much caffeine, smoking and recreational drugs increase your risk,” notes the cardiologist. “Stress and anxiety can also trigger palpitations or arrhythmias.”
Some prescription and over-the-counter drugs can affect heart rhythm, he adds.
“However, sometimes arrhythmias occur without an obvious cause these are referred to as idiopathic,” says Segal.
What symptoms should we look out for?
“Symptoms can vary but often include palpitations (a fluttering, racing, pounding, or irregular heartbeat) and / or dizziness or light-headedness due to reduced blood flow to the brain,” highlights Segal. “Other signs include shortness of breath (especially during physical activity), chest discomfort, fatigue or weakness due to inefficient heart pumping and fainting or near-fainting episodes.”
When should we get in touch with our GP about these symptoms?
“If someone experiences these symptoms regularly, especially if they worsen or interfere with daily life, they should speak to their GP,” advises Segal. “Tests such as an ECG or a 24-hour heart monitor can help investigate further.”
When should we call 999 or go to A&E about these symptoms?
“Seek emergency help immediately if someone experiences severe chest pain or pressure, a sudden collapse or loss of consciousness and / or severe breathlessness,” says Segal. “Also, seek urgent help if the palpitations are accompanied by dizziness or fainting, or a weakness or numbness on one side of the body or difficulty speaking that could indicate a stroke.”
How can heart rhythm conditions be treated and managed?
Treatment depends on the type and severity of arrhythmia.
“Medications include beta blockers or calcium channel blockers to slow the heart rate, anti-arrhythmic drugs to restore normal rhythm, and anticoagulants (blood thinners) to reduce the risk of stroke, particularly in AF,” says Segal.
Lifestyle changes can also make a noticeable difference.
“Reducing alcohol and caffeine intake, quitting smoking, managing stress, maintaining a healthy diet, exercising regularly and controlling other conditions like high blood pressure or diabetes can all help,” says Segal.
When is surgery considered and what does this involved?
If medications are not effective or appropriate, procedures such as pacemaker implantation, catheter ablation or implantable cardioverter-defibrillator might be recommended.
“Pacemaker implantation is when a small device placed under the skin to regulate slow or irregular heartbeats and an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator can be used to detect and correct dangerous arrhythmias,” explains Segal.
“Catheter ablation is a minimally invasive procedure using heat (radiofrequency), cold (cryoablation), or pulsed field ablation to destroy small areas of abnormal heart tissue causing arrhythmias. This can often cure or significantly improve symptoms.”
guce Yahoo is part of the Yahoo family of brands.When you use our sites and apps, we use cookies to:If you click 'Accept all', we and our partners, including 236 who are part of the IAB Transparency & Consent Framework, will also...
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As we age, our joints naturally go through wear and tear – and for many people over 50, the knees are often the first to feel the strain.Whether it’s due to past injuries, arthritis or simply decades of daily use, maintaining strong, pain-free knees becomes essential for staying mobile and independent.So, here are 8 practical and expert-backed tips to help support knee health into your 50s and beyond…1. Maintain a healthy weight“The top tip that no one wants to hear is tha...
As we age, our joints naturally go through wear and tear – and for many people over 50, the knees are often the first to feel the strain.
Whether it’s due to past injuries, arthritis or simply decades of daily use, maintaining strong, pain-free knees becomes essential for staying mobile and independent.
So, here are 8 practical and expert-backed tips to help support knee health into your 50s and beyond…
1. Maintain a healthy weight
“The top tip that no one wants to hear is that you have to make sure that you are of normal weight,” says Neil Bradbury, orthopaedic surgeon and knee specialist at Sulis Hospital in Bath. “The whole of the body is designed to take a certain amount of weight and if you carry more weight, you wear out your joints more quickly.
“It’s like filling a car up with very, very heavy things and driving it around, eventually it will wear the tyres out.”
2. Stay active
“It’s important to remember that the knee is part of the body, and the body needs to be looked after,” says Bradbury. “So, everybody needs to do enough exercise every week to keep themselves healthy. Cycling or swimming are particularly good.”
3. Adapt the type of exercise you are doing
“As we age, the type of exercise we do may have to change,” reflects Bradbury. “If we’re talking about someone who is over 50 and has normal knees, then provided they’re of a normal weight, they can pretty much do anything they want.
“However, if someone has slightly sore knees and are a runner, one of the things I’ve frequently said is, well maybe you should think about doing something less weight-bearing, like cross training, cycling or swimming.
“Also, in the gym, there are certain things that are more likely to annoy your knees. For example, if you’ve got kneecap trouble the stepper machine is more likely to annoy your knee than, for example, a bicycle or rowing machine.”
4. Strengthen your muscles
“One of the most important things that people can do as they age is to retain strength, because the muscles help support the joint,” says Bradbury. “So, strength training and weight training are good for this. That doesn’t mean going to a gym and lifting huge weights, but just doing some simple exercises that keep your knees strong in terms of your muscular power is good.”
5. Wear suitable footwear
“Ensure that you have comfortable footwear that fits well,” stresses Matt Harrison, first contact physiotherapy lead at Homerton Healthcare Trust. “Your footwear provides that foundation to provide support for your knee that sits above.”
It’s also crucial to ensure you’re wearing the right shoes when you exercise.
“If you’re a runner, change your shoes regularly and make sure that you don’t lose the sponginess from the shoes,” says Bradbury. “If you’re doing a lot of miles, every six months or so you need to get your shoes changed.
“Go somewhere where they are able to analyse your running style so that you have shoes that are specific for you and take into account the alignment of your feet.”
6. Do regular knee exercises
“Typically using the knee through its range of movements (bending and straightening, leg raises, calf raises etc) and load-based exercises (where you do these exercises and gradually add weight) can help to strengthen the knee,” recommends Harrison. “Squatting-based exercises like standing and sitting from a chair, or gym-based squats are also very good.”
7. Listen to your body and build up intensity slowly
“It’s about gradually building up anything that you do slowly,” says Harrison. “Either work on intensity of exercise (gradually increasing the weight that is being used) or the volume (how long you do an activity for).
“Tasks like ascending and descending stairs are so important within our lives, so it’s important to keep active with these and you can do this at home. But remember, it is also OK to rest while doing these tasks. Listen to your body and build up slowly based on your health and previous exercise experience.”
8. Seek specialist advice
“Is it painful? Is it swelling? Are there mechanical problems? Whatever it is that you are worried about, seek professional advice,” recommends Bradbury. “See a knee specialist, because that’s what we do.
“Knee specialists offer a huge variety of treatments, from just talking to the patient and explaining the situation to them, all the way up through to major surgery. We also talk through things like injection therapy and advice about exercise.”
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