Medical Home Alert

Don’t Honk At Old People

Medical Home Alert — Mon, 30 Aug 2010 13:59:57 +0000

This driver will show more respect for his elders in the future.

According to the comments posted on this video, a parent was filming their sons skateboarding when they caught this on tape instead.

A driver getting impatient with an old lady walking slowly across a cross walk. He honks at her, which results in an unexpected result.

Bottom line – mind your manners!

How To “Senior-Proof” Your Home

How To “Senior-Proof” Your Home

Medical Home Alert — Mon, 23 Aug 2010 14:04:52 +0000

Look around your home – you will probably find many tripping hazards, increasing the risk of a fall.

Retirement is a great time to enjoy life – especially in your own home. But if you – or your parents – are starting to slow down, suffering from occasional imbalance or are having difficulty living safely in your home, it could limit your independence, and potentially cause you harm.

Falling is the leading cause of injury and death among people 65 and older, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. And if you look around your home, or your loved-one’s home, you probably can find many tripping hazards, increasing the risk of a fall.

Here are some tips you can follow to help yourself or your loved one continue to live independently in their own home and age in place safely:

Bathrooms

Incorporate walk-in showers in your bathrooms, so you don’t have to climb over the edge of a tub. Options include shower chairs in case you need to sit down, secure hand rails and leak-free construction.
Alternatively, there are a broad range of walk-in baths, which are versatile enough for any member of the family to use, but provide the safety equipment needed to help keep older members protected from falls. Visit www.premier-bathrooms.com or call (800) 925-0865 and ask for more information about walk-in baths or showers.
Get a back up medical alert button and keep it in the bathroom at all times – this is where most falls occur.

Communication

Install telephones in every room, and have a cell phone always charged and accessible. You don’t want seniors running from room to room to find a phone, and potentially falling as a result.

Shelves and Drawers

Switch under-counter shelves into pull-out drawers, so you or your loved one don’t have to get down on your hands and knees to find something at the rear of the cabinet. This not only helps prevent falls, but also prevents strains on the body from bending over.

Lighting

Install as much extra lighting as you can around the house. This includes nightlights and extra light switches at all door entrances so nobody ends up stumbling around in the dark.

Walkways

Create safe walking passages. If loose rugs are lying around, consider removing them. Check to see if any of the flooring in your house is slippery.
You might want to consider installing carpet – not only to get rid of the slippery floor, but also to keep feet warmer as well.
Review the layout of each room. Keep entrances clear of lamps or furniture so someone doesn’t accidently become bruised from bumping into them, or tripping and falling to the floor.
Eliminate extension cords or other possible tripping hazzards.

Aging in place isn’t overly difficult, and you can keep yourself or your loved one safe at home, and living in comfort with some of these tips.

– Contributions to this articles courtesy of ARAcontent

7 Steps To Prepare For Coming Home From The Hospital

Medical Home Alert — Mon, 16 Aug 2010 13:53:13 +0000

Caregivers: Make the transition from hospital to home easier

Coming home from the hospital or other care setting after an illness or surgery can be worrisome for both patients and the friends and family members who care for them.

Planning ahead can make the process much easier. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has advice that is useful to the millions of Americans who are actively involved in caregiving. Through its caregiver initiative, Ask Medicare, CMS recommends the following steps to prepare for a transition:

Plan ahead: You can – and should – start thinking about the discharge process well in advance, even as early as at the time of admission. CMS has a helpful checklist of key points in its “Planning for Your Discharge” guide, available at the “Medicare Basics” link on the home page of the Ask Medicare website at www.medicare.gov/caregivers. This checklist will help you prepare for the next steps in care.
Get ready for new responsibilities: Talk to hospital staff about what you will need to do at home, who will show you how to properly carry out any new tasks you will be taking on, such as administering medication, using medical equipment, changing bandages or giving shots.
Make needed changes to your home: You might need to rearrange your home to have room for items such as a hospital bed, walker or a wheelchair. You might need to consider installing a ramp in place of stairs – be sure to ask the hospital staff what will be needed. You should also remove area rugs and other items that may cause falls and group electrical cords together with ties or clips to keep them clear of high-traffic areas.
Prepare for extra costs: The person you are caring for may need new medical services or medicines after coming home. Medicare may cover some of these costs, but not all. You can learn about services and care that are covered by Medicare at the “Help With Billing” and “Is It Covered?” links at the Ask Medicare home page.
Keep a list of key contacts: Put contact information for doctors, pharmacists, home care agency staff and others involved in the care process where you can easily find them.
Don’t be afraid to ask for help: If you’re overwhelmed, don’t hesitate to ask a friend or family member to lend a hand. If paid home health services are needed, you can learn more about home health services in the “Medicare and Home Health Care” booklet, which is also accessible at the Ask Medicare home page.
Have a medical alert button: This is a time when seniors need access to help immediately, weather from a fall or reaction to medication. A medical alert system is an affordable way to help them remain independent, especially during a transition from the hospital to back home.

It’s also important to keep a file of resources on hand and to bookmark useful web sites, including Ask Medicare, the United Hospital Fund’s “Next Step in Care” initiative at www.nextstepincare.org and AARP’s caregiving site at www.aarp.org/caregivers. More information can be accessed through www.healthcare.gov, a new web portal offered by the Department of Health and Human Services.

– Article Courtesy of ARAcontent

Keeping Your Mind Sharp

Medical Home Alert — Mon, 09 Aug 2010 14:25:38 +0000

Not only can a healthy and active brain help you ward off disease, it can also help you live a more satisfying life.

Most people focus on the physical changes that happen as you age – muscles don’t bounce back the way they used to, hair becomes gray, and skin begins to wrinkle. But we often pass over one area that really deserves our attention: the brain.

Researchers have long touted the benefits of continued learning and education for an aging mind. “New learning can lead to neurophysiological growth, similar to the way aerobics leads to stronger cardiovascular health,” says Dr. Paul Nussbaum, clinical neuropsychologist and an authority on brain research and aging. “Older adults can benefit from being challenged, and should continue exploring the world and engaging in new pursuits.”

Nussbaum says there are many ways to keep your mind active and sharp at any age, for example,

1. Brain workouts – Engage your brain daily. Working with numbers is a great option. Try Sudoku, a numbers game using grids that has become very popular in the United States. If numbers don’t appeal to you, quiz yourself about historical events and check your accuracy. Crossword puzzles and word finds are practical and affordable options as well.

2. Travel and explore - Stimulating your mind with travel and learning experiences is a great brain-health activity. Elderhostel, the world’s largest nonprofit educational travel organization, offers a wide variety of affordable travel experiences across the U.S. and in more than 90 countries. These all-inclusive programs offer behind-the-scenes access to fascinating places and provide camaraderie with new friends, comfortable accommodations and appetizing meals at an excellent value.

Since today’s baby boomers don’t consider themselves “elderly”, the organization is changing the name of its programs to Exploritas to better reflect the active mindset of Elderhostel participants and their passion for exploration and new experiences. Elderhostel is also expanding its offerings by adding new programs and a social networking feature on its Web site, www.exploritas.org.

3. Read whatever you can – Books, newspapers and magazines – reading is a great way to keep your brain active and mind sharp. Plus, depending on what interests you, you might be able to learn something new. Visit your local library for a free resource to just about any literary work you’re interested in.

4. Have quality conversation daily – Engaging in social activity is a great way to keep your brain active, plus it increases quality of life. See if there is a community group of your peers that you could join – card club, book club, Rotary. Or, start volunteering for a cause that interests you – this will allow for plenty of interaction with people of different ages.

5. Learn something new – You’re never too old or too young to learn something new. Try taking an affordable community education class or look for free opportunities in your neighborhood. Learn to play an instrument, speak a new language, plant a garden or start a new hobby. You might be surprised with how much fun you have.

6. Switch up your routine – A good way to keep your mind sharp is to change up your routine. Try opposite-hand exercises like brushing your hair or teeth with the hand you don’t usually use or opening the door with your left hand instead of your right.

7. Get physically active – Moving your body and staying physically active can help with cognitive health. Physical movement increases blood flow to the brain and the act of walking, swimming, biking, etc., helps work the brain as it communicates with the body to move. Elderhostel offers many programs that allow boomers to stay active through exciting outdoor activities. For instance, an Exploritas program in Maine offers participants a chance to sea kayak, bike and hike while exploring Acadia National Park.

– Article courtesy of ARAcontent

87 Year Old NJ Woman Flown To Hospital Using Medical Alert

Medical Home Alert — Mon, 02 Aug 2010 13:20:32 +0000

An 87 year-old Swainton, New Jersey woman used a Medical Alert Alarm to summon help after she fell in her home and sustained a serious head injury Monday morning, according to news reports from the Cape May County Herald.

Medical Alert Alarm’s use a button transmitter that can be worn hanging around the neck. Once the Button is pushed, it contacts a 24 hour monitoring center which then alerts 9-1-1 that someone needs help.

Middle Township Police Department spokesman Lieutenant John Edwards said the townships 9-1-1 dispatch received the call from Medical Alert’s monitoring center at 9:39 a.m.

Middle Township’s ambulance service was dispatched to the scene on Birch Drive, with police and AtlantiCare paramedics.

Police arrived on scene and were able to quickly gain entry, Edwards said. The woman was found on the floor bleeding from the head. “The paramedics felt her head injury was serious enough to be flown out by helicopter,” Edwards said.

The unidentified woman was transported to the trauma unit at AtlantiCare Regional Medical Center in Atlantic City by Medevac 5.

– Article and photo courtesy of Cape May County Herald

How to Make Smaller Bathrooms Feel Larger

Medical Home Alert — Mon, 26 Jul 2010 14:22:45 +0000

This is the decade of right-sizing.

The economic reset triggered by the excesses of the last decade is forcing our society to rethink its definition of “enough.” One area under enormous scrutiny is housing.

How much space does it really take to house the average American family of 2.61 people? For seniors, the question is how to make existing spaces feel large enough to accommodate equipment such as walkers, wheelchairs, and rails.

Our definition of “enough space” is changing, according to U.S. Census Bureau data. The year 2008 saw the first annual decrease in average new-home size since 1994. During the intervening 15 years, the average rose by 21 percent – from 2,050 square feet in 1994 to a peak of 2,507 square feet in 2007 – before slipping to 2,392 square feet in 2008. The 2008 decrease in home size was also the largest annual drop since 1980.

Similarly, remodelers report a falloff in the number of consumers asking for bigger kitchens and more opulent baths. Not surprisingly, the aftermarket is also witnessing more homeowners seeking to create more efficient spaces with more storage, less waste and more flexibility.

Style still in demand

As builders downsize the American dream home, consumers are saying that compromises on space do not automatically mean giving up conveniences. Currently, 60 percent of new homes have three or more bathrooms, and while the size of each may not be as expansive as in years past, that is no reason to compromise on style.

In fact, the trends shaping society today – smaller, smarter living spaces, value and efficiency over conspicuous consumption and the need for a greener lifestyle with a smaller environmental footprint – are having a profound impact on bath-product manufacturers. These trends are also making the job of creating more stylish statements in a smaller bathroom easier than ever.

“Our emphasis is on products scaled to the new space reality,” says Gray Uhl, director of design for American Standard Brands. “We look very carefully at bathroom fixture scale to design collections that fit the footprint of today’s homes.”

Maximum efficiency has become a critical driver, according to Uhl. “A good example is creating more counter deck space on pedestal lavatories, or more storage space in vanities even with a smaller footprint, such as our Brook Console Table with side drawers that open up. While this trend to efficiency cuts across all styles, it tends to require fixtures, faucets and furniture that take simpler forms and shapes.”

Try a little planning

Whether your preference is traditional, contemporary or the in-between transitional, creating stylish smaller bathrooms that work is simple, with a little planning. Here are two important areas to consider in your planning:

Storage: Vanities that offer ample storage space within a smaller footprint can hide hair dryers, towels, bath products and cleaning supplies, creating an uncluttered look to make a space seem larger. Vessel sinks that sit atop a vanity add a dramatic touch to a bath, while maximizing cabinet space and creating deck storage space. If a pedestal lavatory fits your floor plan better, look for models with generous deck space. Don’t forget a toilet with a flat tank top: The top of the toilet tank is valuable bathroom real estate.

Lifestyle: As we try to do more in the same number of hours, bathroom rituals necessarily change. Shifting from a bathtub to a shower fits our lifestyle and integrates better into the smaller overall footprint of today’s bath. Multiple showerheads and body sprays provide the same relaxation as soaking in a tub, but in far less time and with significantly less cleanup. Most modern showers also use substantially less water, which appeals to growing ecological awareness.

– Article Courtesy of ARAcontent

Ten Easy Ways To Make Your Home Safe for Every Generation

Medical Home Alert — Mon, 19 Jul 2010 14:18:10 +0000

Most of us start life depending on our parents to take care of us. But as they age, chances are the roles will reverse.

And, whether you provide additional help in their own homes – or move aging parents into your home – how do you prepare to meet the new needs of aging adults?

Luckily many simple, quick, affordable – and even stylish and savvy – updates can make homes safer and more enjoyable for you, your family and your parents.

De-clutter

Both kids and older adults have reduced reflexes and balance. Spruce up the look of your home – and avoid tripping hazards – by removing clutter and items you no longer use (especially obstacles in walkways).

Safe, spaaahh shower

Showers can be an enjoyable and luxurious part of anyone’s day – if they are safe. While you probably don’t want to renovate the shower, simple additions of bath safety products can make it safer and more enjoyable. Start by adding rubber grips to the bottom of the shower to avoid slick surfaces. Next, take a seat with a comfortable shower chair and enjoy a shower massage with a multi-function hand held showerhead. Products like the Home Care by Moen shower chair and Hand Held Shower with Innovative Palm Feature are ideal choices at affordable prices to add safety, style and spa enjoyment to the shower.

Save resources, save money

Eco-friendly adjustments not only can make you feel good about preserving natural resources for your family, they can also help lower energy costs (ideal for tight budgets). Simple steps can include replacing standard light bulbs with compact fluorescent bulbs, insulating doors and windows and swapping faucets and showerheads with new water-saving WaterSense-labeled models.

Handy handles

In the course of a day, you grip many objects – from cups and pens, to door knobs and faucet handles. Swapping out door knobs or faucets with knobs for lever-handle models can make these everyday tasks a bit easier – especially for smaller or arthritic hands.

Get a grip

For any age, stairs are a falling hazard in homes – whether it’s one step or 20. To increase safety, add hand rails or decorative hand grips in high-traffic doorways where there may be a step, such as the garage or front entry. Home Care by Moen offers attractive-looking 9-inch grips that install easily and blend in with your decor.

Let there be light

Did you also know that by age 60 the average person requires 15 times more lighting than when they were 10 years old? Brighten up the home with additional reading lamps in bedrooms and family rooms, under-cabinet task lighting in the kitchen, motion-sensor lights near entrances and nightlights in hallways.

Safe and secure

Your home is your safe haven … so make sure it is protected. In the bathroom where slick surfaces can be falling hazards, add functional – yet fashionable – grab bars from Home Care by Moen. And, in case of unforeseen falls or other home accidents, home security systems can give you peace of mind to know that fire-, medical- or emergency-response is available for you and your loved ones at the touch of a button.

Flat flooring

According to the Home Safety Council, falls are the leading cause (66 percent) of all nonfatal home injuries. To help you – or your loved ones – avoid becoming a statistic, remove throw rugs or ensure that they have a non-slip backing to provide more firm footing. Read more on preventing falls in the home here.

Low-maintenance lawns

With busy lifestyles, it’s tough to keep up landscaping. Making a few modifications to the yard can help ease the burden. Replace large grassy areas that require frequent mowing with rock gardens or mulch beds. Additionally, choose drought-resistant perennial plants and shrubs to save time and money on watering – and ensure you don’t have to plant new each spring.

Be prepared

Are the washer and dryer in the basement? Are the bedroom and bathroom upstairs? Since stairs can be difficult to navigate for children or aging parents, having all the necessities on one floor is ideal. While it may not be in the budget to move everything to the main floor now, gradually start getting ready by wiring a closet or small room for the laundry – or planning to expand a half bath to a full bath.

With a few minor updates, you can breathe easier knowing your home is safer for your loved ones – both young and old. For more information on safety products from Home Care by Moen, visit www.moen.com/homecare.

– Article Courtesy of ARAcontent

Do Your Prescription Drugs Work Together?

Medical Home Alert — Mon, 05 Jul 2010 14:49:31 +0000

Medication safety for seniors

If you’re older than 65 and take multiple medications, you should be aware of potential interactions between your drugs.

These interactions can cause unwanted side effects, reduce the effectiveness of your medicine, or even lead to hospitalization. Studies show that up to 30 percent of hospital admissions of elderly patients are linked to harmful effects of medications and other related problems.

Many people not only take more than one medication, but also may see more than one doctor. It is important to inform all your doctors – especially your primary care physician – about all the medications you take to avoid potentially dangerous drug interactions.

“As a patient, you need to be watchful about your care and your medications,” says Dr. Joseph Addiego, chief medical officer of Prescription Solutions, a pharmacy benefits management company. “If you are seeing multiple doctors, keep a list of all your medications and take it to each doctor’s appointment. If you have questions, always feel free to ask your doctor or pharmacist.”

Addiego recommends the following tips to ensure safe medication use:

Share information with your primary care physician and other health care providers about all the medications you are taking to avoid negative drug interactions and reduce the potential for side effects. This includes vitamins, herbal supplements and over-the-counter medications.
Use only one pharmacy, one pharmacy chain or one pharmacy benefits manager for all your prescription medicines. This helps your pharmacist monitor which medications you take so he or she can let you know about drug interactions.
Read carefully the information that comes with your medication and save it for future reference.
Take all your medicines exactly as directed, and continue taking all your medicines until the doctor says to stop.
Call your doctor, pharmacist or pharmacy benefits manager if you are experiencing side effects from your medication before you stop taking it. In the event of an emergency, don’t hesitate to press your medical alert button immediately speak to a trained emergency response agent who has all your personal information, and who knows whom to call in an emergency.

While medication interactions are a serious problem, there are programs that can help health care providers and patients avoid medication problems. For example, Prescription Solutions a program called the Drug Interaction Alert Program, which alerts the prescribing physician of the potential dangerous interaction between medications for a specific patient. Another program, called Geriatric Rx Monitor, alerts the physician about medications that are not safe for use in older patients.

Check with your pharmacy or pharmacy benefits manager about programs that can help protect you from dangerous medication interactions, and be sure to talk to your doctor about all your medications at your next visit.

– Article Courtesy of ARAcontent

Hank Aaron Talks About Achy Knees

Medical Home Alert — Mon, 28 Jun 2010 13:10:44 +0000

Don’t let achy knees keep you out of life’s game

Knee osteoarthritis (OA) can happen to anyone; in fact more than 10 million Americans are estimated to suffer from this painful condition.

One of those 10 million is baseball legend, Hank Aaron. Hank is in the record books for breaking Babe Ruth’s legendary home run record, eventually retiring from the game with 755 home runs.

During his baseball career, he was in excellent physical shape. However, after retirement, Hank started to experience knee pain.

The pain got bad enough that he had trouble with everyday activities like walking short distances, playing golf, and even driving. “It was really embarrassing, especially as an athlete, to not be able to do these simple things,” Hank said.

After his primary care doctor recommended that he see an orthopedic surgeon, Hank was diagnosed with osteoarthritis of the knee and began discussing treatment options with his doctor.

He tried steroid shots and physical therapy. “They helped a little, but I still had pain,” Hank said. “I talked to my doctor and asked is there anything else that we can do – anything besides surgery? That’s when my doctor recommended a viscosupplement injection.”

“Hank’s experience is very similar to many of my patients. They want to relieve their knee pain, but they’re reluctant to have surgery or take a lot of pills,” said Dr. Nicholas DiNubile, orthopedic surgeon and best selling author of “FrameWork – Your 7 Step Program for Healthy Muscles, Bones and Joints.” “That’s where an option like a viscosupplement injection can be very helpful. It’s simple for the patient because it’s just one injection, but more importantly it can give them pain relief for up to six months. That’s time for people to get back to exercising, maybe lose a few pounds – both of which are really important for your knees.”

Now that Hank’s knee pain is gone he feels like himself again. “I’m able to go out and play with my grandkids,” Hank said. “I’m able to ride my bicycle. I can finally play golf again without riding around in a cart. I don’t think about my knee anymore.”

After seeing firsthand how much knee pain can affect his life, Hank’s now stepping up to raise awareness about osteoarthritis of the knee. Learn more about Hank’s experience and help him raise funds for the Arthritis Foundation at www.teamhank.com.

– Article Courtesy of ARAcontent

Relief for Achy Winter Knees and Joint Pain

Exposing Brain Health Myths

Medical Home Alert — Mon, 21 Jun 2010 13:05:01 +0000

Myths about the aging brain revealed.

Who says you can’t teach a mind new tricks at any age?

Recent research shows that Americans have the power to positively influence their brain function throughout life – an important realization that is especially relevant for the more than 78 million baby boomers in the United States. Brain health is one of the top health-related concerns of aging populations and has been identified by the Centers for Disease Control as a public health priority.

“The fear of memory loss and losing brain capacity looms large among the minds of boomers,” says Dr. Majid Fotuhi, a leading neurologist and author of “The Memory Cure.” “But we can maintain and even improve our brain health as we age. In fact, our brains have the ability to grow and change throughout life.”

Dr. Fotuhi debunks four common myths surrounding the brain and aging.

1. The brain stops growing after childhood.

A decade ago, many experts would have scoffed at the idea that the brains of adults, particularly older adults, could grow or develop in any significant way. But that has changed. Research increasingly suggests that each time a new skill is learned, such as playing an instrument, speaking a foreign language or even dancing, new pathways are formed and areas of the brain may grow, even well into the later years. Physical and mental exercise can alter specific brain regions, improving in cognitive function. Brain growth isn’t just for kids.

2. Once I start experiencing memory loss, it’s all downhill and there’s not much I can do.

Actually, there are a number of things you can do to improve your memory throughout life, even if you are already noticing changes. Exercise, challenging mental activities, social engagement and diet adjustments have all been shown to have positive effects on cognition and memory. In fact, a new study published online in May in Alzheimer’s & Dementia: The Journal of the Alzheimer’s Association, showed that healthy people with memory complaints who took algal DHA capsules for six months had almost double the reduction in errors on a test that measures learning and memory performance versus those who took a placebo, a benefit roughly equivalent to having the learning and memory skills of someone three years younger. DHA (or docosahexaenoic acid) is an omega-3 fatty acid and a building block for the brain. Algal DHA products comparable to those used in this study can be found at major retailers like Walmart, CVS and Walgreens under the Algal-900 product name – look for the life’sDHA seal on these supplements to ensure you are getting an algal DHA source. For more information on foods, beverages and supplements that contain algal DHA, visit www.lifesdha.com.

3. Memory problems must mean Alzheimer’s disease.

Many people, young or old, worry that mild forgetfulness must be a sign of Alzheimer’s disease. But most people are worrying needlessly – research shows that more than 80 percent of people will never get Alzheimer’s disease. Some experts now believe that it is time to redefine everyone’s understanding of age-related memory loss and dementia. Emerging research indicates that many people experiencing memory loss and dementia actually have mixed pathologies in their brains. In fact, very few senior citizens have “pure Alzheimer’s disease.” Instead, late-life cognitive impairment may in fact be a result of multiple “hits” to the brain, from a variety of risk factors such as hypertension, obesity, sedentary lifestyle, chronic stress, head trauma and poor diet. The good news? There is the opportunity to influence brain health and function by incorporating lifestyle factors like exercise, a healthy diet, stress reduction and intellectual and social engagement. Regardless of family history, the choices a person makes in life may be able to slow the progression of age-related cognitive decline or help prevent it altogether.

4. Brightest equals youngest.

Today’s society does place an emphasis on age but, keep in mind, people over 65 rule the country. The majority of legislators, CEOs, doctors, lawyers, judges, economists and CEOs are not in their 30s or 40s, but seasoned veterans who bestow several decades of experience and expertise. Along with gray hairs come both knowledge and wisdom and you do not have to look far to find inspiring stories of accomplishment, creativity and reinvention in the second half of life. To see some inspiring profiles of aging and learn more about the actions you can take to ensure that you build and maintain a mind that is healthy and beautiful for an entire lifetime, go to beautiful-minds.com.

– Article Courtesy of ARAcontent