February 2013
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Caregivers need care, too...
Here are seven ways to help prevent burnout — and strike a better balance: 1. Do daily self-checks. 2. Be realistic about what you can manage. 3. Reconsider your options for help. 4. Schedule “me time.” 5. Nurture your other relationships. 6. Have your own wellness plan. 7. Accept that it can be trying.
For more information: UnitedHealthcare
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Dementia
A great article…Dementia’s most troubling symptoms can be eased by these six steps.
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Everyday Preventive Actions to Stop the Spread of...
Here are few recommendations from CDC to prevent the spread of germs:
- Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze and throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
- Perform hand hygiene often.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth. Germs spread this way.
- If you are sick with flu-like illness, it is recommended to stay home for at least 24 hours after your...
January 2013
1 post
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the "FLU"
As the flu season is in full swing, it is important to think about the three P’s: Prepare, Prod, and Prevent!!!
Prepare: your healthcare professional should be prepared with ample vaccination in stock.
Prod: your healthcare professional should reach out actively to high-risk patients, display prevention materials in the office and waiting area, and contact every patient to get...
November 2012
1 post
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And here are my top five ways to wind down:
1. A nice hot bath with Epsom Salts, lavender oil and candles in the winter.
2. Fifteen minutes of meditating in bed.
3. Reading in bed.
4. A glass of wine, or herbal tea and a movie. (Not in bed. I know this contradicts the above, but it works for me :)
5. Light stretching, quick restorative yoga session, or a relaxing neighborhood walk.
October 2012
8 posts
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Hurricane friendly meals →
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Hurricane Tips for the Elderly →
Our previous post…please check it out!
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More Food & Water Tips from FDA
FDA encourages consumers to:
Food
• Do not eat any food that may have come into contact with flood water. If in doubt, throw it out. • Do not eat food packed in plastic, paper, cardboard, cloth and similar containers that have been water-damaged. • Discard food and beverage containers with screw-caps, snap lids, crimped caps (soda bottles), twist caps, flip tops and home canned foods, if they...
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Food Safety Tips For Hurricane Preparedness
Preparations:
Use an appliance thermometer in the fridge and freezer to help determine if food is safe for consumption in the event of a power outage.
The temperature for the fridge should be at 40 degrees or lower and the freezer at 0 degrees or lower.
Grouping together your food in the freezer will help the food stay colder longer.
Consider freezing leftover items that you won’t need...
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Clinical Trial
It is important that before enrolling in a clinical trial, to test a drug’s effectiveness in women with early-stage breast cancer, participant should take this advice into consideration:
Make sure you understand the protocol completely. Review the protocol with someone you trust.
Ask your oncologist to be very specific about the pros and cons of participating in the trail. This includes...
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Caregiver, Plus M.D. or R.N. →
A survey of caregivers found that half the respondents were performing medical or nursing tasks, as well as helping with the activities of daily living.
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New ways of caring for elderly people →
New and imaginative ways of caring for elderly people are springing up across England - with claims it is necessary because politicians are “scared” of raising taxes to pay for it.
September 2012
8 posts
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Top 5 reasons to get a flu shot
1. Influenza, or the flu, is serious. Symptoms include fever, body aches, headache, cough, and sore throat. It can lead to a bacterial infection, such as an ear infection or pneumonia. In severe cases, the flu can cause death.
2. Getting a flu shot each year is the best way to protect yourself. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend that children 6 months or older and every...
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More on Stroke...Act FAST
Act FAST
If you see any of these symptoms in a loved one, act “FAST” and call 911 or go to the nearest hospital:
Facial droop or uneven smile
Arm numbness or weakness
Speech difficulty or slurred speech
Time: record last known time when the person was well
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Reduce your risk of stroke
People with hypertension (high blood pressure) are at major risk of stroke. To reduce your risk:
Manage your high blood pressure by working with your doctor. Take medications as prescribed. You can also monitor your blood pressure using an at-home machine or checking it at your doctor’s office or a local drug store.
Lifestyle changes can also lower your risk for stroke. Quit smoking. Get active...
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Signs of Diabetes
Some signs of diabetes can include:
- Unquenchable thirst
- Unexplained/unintentional weight loss
- Increased urination
- Profound fatigue
- Dry itchy skin
- Blurred vision
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Ten Steps to Fight Urinary Incontinence (UI)
There are steps you can take to prevent, relieve or cure your incontinence symptoms:
1. Avoid foods and drinks high in species, sugar and acid.
2. Cut down caffeinated drinks.
3. Cut back on alcoholic beverages.
4. Lose weight.
5. Stop smoking.
6. Exercise.
7. Discuss your medications with your doctor as some can trigger UI.
8. Do pelvic floor muscle exercises (Kegel exercises) to...
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Turning 50: What Health Screenings Should I...
The following are few screenings you should consider:
Heart Disease Screening
Breast Cancer - Mammogram
Colorectal Cancer - Colonoscopy
Osteoporosis - DEXA
Pap Test
Prostate Cancer - PSA
Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA)
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July 2012
2 posts
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Boost Energy
8 ways to boost your energy:
Set alarm 15 minutes early.
Sleep with blinds half open.
Clean your car.
Turn off your phone.
Play soothing music.
Avoid technology.
Avoid new scents and smells.
Wear socks to bed.
by Shilpa
6 tags
Boost Energy
8 ways to boost your energy:
Set alarm 15 minutes early.
Sleep with blinds half open.
Clean your car.
Turn off your phone.
Play soothing music.
Avoid technology.
Avoid new scents and smells.
Wear socks to bed.
by Shilpa
June 2012
3 posts
5 tags
Is PACE program in your future?
The Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) provides comprehensive long term services and supports to Medicaid and Medicare enrollees. Check out their website for more information.
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Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program
If you’re struggling to make ends meet and need help paying for food, consider applying for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (food stamps). Use this quick, simple screening tool to see if you are eligible. It’s fast, free, and confidential.
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April 2012
2 posts
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Sugar in Fruit
Want to avoid wild blood sugar spikes? Eat whole fruits instead of fruit juices. Not only will they help your blood sugar stay in check, you’ll also get beneficial fiber from the whole fruits as well. Just be aware that some fruits are high in sugar — even though they’re nutritious and relatively low in calories. Some of the highest-sugar fruits are mangoes, pineapples, and bananas....
March 2012
4 posts
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Take charge of your health
1. Book your own appointment – use doctor website for online booking or call to make the appointment.
2. Come with questions – make a list include questions and symptoms.
3. Receiving tests – find out how and when you’ll get results.
4. Medical records – keep a copy of all medical tests this is helpful when seeing multiple doctors. Also get copies of radiology, blood tests and diagnosis, so you...
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Smart things to do with your money
1. Save for retirement 2. Pay off any debt you have 3. Pay your bills on time 4. Reevaluate your budget 5. Shop the sales 6. Think about creative ways of cutting costs 7. Don’t hide from the future 8. Save your changes!
by Shilpa
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Causes of High Blood Pressure
There are two categories for high blood pressure cause - one the known and the other the unknown.
As we age, our blood pressure rises too and by the age of 50, the normal range for blood pressure is 129/85. And at the age of 60, the normal range is 134/87.
The unknown causes of high blood pressure include:
1. Heredity 2. Overweight 3. Salt intake 4. Excess alcohol 5. Underlying kidney...
February 2012
15 posts
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Fight the flu
What to do if you get the flu
Don’t ask for antibiotics, which won’t help because the flu is caused by a virus.
Stay home to help avoid spreading the flu to others.
Wash your hands often and avoid touching your face.
Use home remedies or over-the-counter medications, but don’t give any cough or cold products to children 6 years old or younger.
Information gathered via...
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Top 10 Benefits of Being Active
Improve blood glucose management. Activity makes your body more sensitive to the insulin you make. Activity also burns glucose (calories). Both actions lower blood glucose.
Lower blood pressure. Activity helps your heart pump stronger and slower.
Improve blood fats. Exercise can raise good cholesterol (HDL) and lower bad cholesterol (LDL) and triglycerides. These changes are heart healthy....
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Ways to reduce likelihood of having a stroke
6 ways to reduce your likelihood of having a stroke:
Know one’s personal risk factors, including diagnosed high blood pressure, diabetes, or high cholesterol.
Be physically active and exercise regularly.
Eat a healthy diet that includes lots of fresh fruits and vegetables and is low in sodium.
Limit alcohol consumption.
Avoid cigarette smoke. People who smoke should seek help to stop...
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8 friends every woman needs
According to Prevention magazine -
8 friends every woman needs:
A Childhood Friend
A New Friend
A Workout Friend
A Younger Friend
Your Spouses’ Friends
Your Mom
A Spiritual Friend
Yourself
by Shilpa
January 2012
5 posts
4 tags
Exercise to keep your heart healthy
We all know and have over and over again how exercise is good for us. But so many of us are still not putting in even 15 minutes a day of exercising!
Besides a healthy diet, exercise is a key to making and keeping a heart strong and healthy. Exercise improves the blood flow which improves the ratio between the heart’s demand for oxygen and its supply through the coronary arteries,...
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Age-defying style secrets from fearless, fashionable ‘glam-mas’
When I saw this on the Today show this morning, I was awed! Style editor Bobbie Thomas introduces four amazing women who are growing older gracefully and reveals their anti-aging fashion secrets.
by Shilpa
via Today Show
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Embrace your gray hair!
via Today Show