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AWARENESS – NOT FEAR. FACING AUTISM

Autism is a word that can be a frightening diagnosis for a parent to hear.  It’s emotionally distressing to know that your child will have this development disorder for the rest of their life. Understanding what autism is can help the family better help the child, and each other, have a loving and productive life.

Autism is more than just one thing. Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) covers a broad range of symptoms associated with this complex brain development. It includes Asperger Syndrome, as well as non specified development disorders. Recognizing the symptoms early and addressing them is important. Symptoms to look for in your child include:

Making very little or no eye contact.

Not recognizing their name by 12 months old.

Greatly delayed speech or language skills.

Extended repetitive mannerisms such as flapping their hands, rocking, or spinning in circles.

Becoming overly upset at changes in the routine.

Repetition of words or phrases that are said to them.

Physical look or actions don’t match what’s being said.

Extreme sensitivities to light, sound, or textures.

Individually, these symptoms may be a part of growth and development. But combined they can be signs that your child has some form of ASD.

Determining if a child has Autism can be done by the age of two. Diagnosing older children can be done through evaluations. Many times teachers can recognize the first signs through sudden changes in behavior or habits.

Exactly why children develop ASD is still being studied. It typically occurs more in boys than girls. Genetics play a role as well.  It also seems to occur more often in children that have other genetic disorders such as Down Syndrome or tuberous sclerosis.

Living with Autism now is not as bad as in years past. There are many approaches combining different treatments and therapies that can help children grow and learn.  There is no one specific treatment, but a variety of options and combinations of therapies, medications, and training that will help the child and family adapt to the disability.

Occupational Therapy can help develop techniques and methods to take care of daily activities and gain a sense of independence.

Physical Therapy works to develop walking, balance, strength and coordination.

Family Support and Counseling reminds everyone that they are not alone. Knowing you’re part of a community can help to find resources and discover new ideas for improving daily life, and provide much needed emotional support.

Speech Therapy addresses the issue of communication that most suffering from ADS have. It allows the child to better express their needs, so it reduces frustration which can trigger incidents.

A coordinated treatment program can bring all the aspects of evaluation and therapy together. Working with your doctor and other professionals that specialize in care to specific disorders can greatly improve the child’s chance for successful progressive steps.

The earlier the diagnosis, the better chance for proper intervention and development of a treatment program. Autism may be considered a childhood issue, but children grow in to adults. It is something they will be living with throughout their life.  It’s important to give the child a strong foundation in these key areas so they can grow and thrive as adults, something that would not have been possible years ago.

During Autism Awareness Month, it’s important to try to understand the needs of people dealing with ADS.  They should have every opportunity to lead vibrant, independent lives.

Talk to your pediatrician to know more about Autism and educate yourself and make us part of your journey to good health and development.

Florida Home Care – Empower people for a better life

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Essentials Of A Healthy Pregnancy

“We’re having a baby! Now what?” These are thoughts that go through every couple mind when they receive the news. You hear old stories from your grandma, experiences from your friends, or watched your sister’s journey through 9 months of carrying her baby… it still doesn’t make you any less apprehensive.  Don’t let that nervousness get the better of you.

We thought you might like some essentials that every expecting couple should know. (And soon to be grandparents as well!)

Pre-Natal Vitamins (not your usual candy)-

Even when you’re still trying to conceive, it’s smart to start taking prenatal vitamins. Your baby’s neural cord, which becomes the brain and spinal cord, develops within the first month of pregnancy, so it’s important you get essential nutrients, like folic acid, calcium, and iron, from the very start.

Get your WORKOUT game strong-

Staying active is a must for most moms to be. Regular exercise will help you control your weight, improve circulation, boost your mood, and help you sleep better. Take this as an opportunity to spend more time with your husband/girlfriend/sister by making them your workout partner.

And the added advantage – being in good shape helps you lose your post-baby weight much quicker.

(P.S-Always check with your Medical care provider before you start any new exercise routine)

Strengthen Your Pelvic Muscles-

Kegel exercise helps strengthen the pelvic floor muscles, which support your bladder, bowels, and uterus. Done correctly, this simple exercise can help make your delivery easier and prevent problems later with incontinence. The best part- these can be done anytime-anywhere!!!

Be Cautious Of Your Daily Routines-

Even everyday tasks like scrubbing the bathroom or cleaning up after pets can become risky when you’re pregnant. Be cautious when you do any of the following:

–           Heavy lifting

–           Climbing on stepstools or ladders

–           Using harsh chemicals

–           Standing for long periods of time, especially near a hot stove

Is your weight under check?

We know – you’re eating for two. But packing on too many extra pounds may make them hard to lose later. At the same time, not gaining enough weight can put the baby at risk for a low-weight birth, a major cause of developmental problems. Discuss your concerns with your Doctor or a nutritionist if needed.

Food Rich in Folates-

Folic acid is crucial for the proper development of the baby’s neural tube (it covers the spinal cord), and it’s vital for the creation of new red blood cells. Start eating plenty of folate-rich foods like fortified cereals, asparagus, lentils, wheat germ, and oranges.

Educate Yourself-

Even if this isn’t your first baby, attending a childbirth class will help you feel more prepared for delivery. Not only will you have the chance to learn more about childbirth and infant care, but you can ask specific questions and voice any concerns.

Take this as an opportunity to learn about your family history and address your concerns with your doctor.

BE CAUTIOUS of Any Unusual Symptoms-

Contact your Medical care provider at the earliest, if you notice any of the following symptoms:

–           Pain of any kind

–           Strong  cramps

–           Contractions at 20-minute intervals

–           Vaginal bleeding or leaking of fluid

–           Dizziness or fainting

–           Shortness of breath

–           Heart palpitations

–           Constant nausea and vomiting

–           Trouble walking, edema (swelling of joints)

–           Decreased activity by the baby

The right education, healthy habits, and lots of love… will make your 9 months of pregnancy the best time of your life!!!

When in need… Let our professional team of Medical Experts provide you with all the essentials.

Florida Home Care – Empowering people for Better Lives!!!

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Who Needs PHYSICAL THERAPY?

Pain-free movement is crucial to your ability to earn a living, your independence, and your quality of life. Constantly taking medication doesn’t always solve the problem. Sometimes, the answer is movement.

Physical therapists are movement experts who can identify, diagnose, and treat movement problems.

Who can benefit from the help of a Physical Therapist?

*A senior who has difficulty walking or reaching for something due to pain, loss of range of motion, or decreased strength can greatly benefit from physical therapy.

*It’s a runner’s worst fear: you’re running when it suddenly feels as if something jumped up and bit you in the calf. You tore a muscle. Some pains get solved with rest but other types need an expert, such as a physical therapist, to find the true problem and treat it wisely.

*Pregnancy-related incontinence occurs due to weak pelvic floor muscles. PT helps strengthen your pelvic floor muscles by:

Teaching you how to exercise your pelvic floor muscles correctly.

Advise on your lifestyle, such as diet, exercise, and fluid intake, which will help you manage the problem.

Monitor your progress and modify the exercises accordingly.

* Some diseases can create physical barriers or movement issues. Disease specific healing has been greatly improved by Physical Therapists who understand the limitations and the possibilities of these illnesses.

Some of the conditions helped by PT treatments are:

Diabetic wounds

Sprains

Cardiac rehab

Post-stroke healing

Cancer recovery

Arthritis

Asthma

Cerebral Palsy

Physical Therapy does more than just improve mobility; it helps with reducing the intake of pain medications. When taken on a long-term basis, these over the counter or prescription medicines can damage kidneys and other organs.

Always discuss your condition with your physician. Plan out your goal and treatment options to see if a Physical Therapist can help you achieve a pain-free independent life.

Florida Home Care- Empowering people for making better life possible

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Keeping Good Care of Your Filters

There’s one organ, well two, that have an extremely important filtering function in your body. Kidneys – those bean-shaped organs located in the back of the abdomen. They have several filtering functions that keep your body in good shape.

Kidneys main function is to filter blood. All the blood in our bodies passes through the kidneys several times a day. They also remove wastes, control the body’s fluid balance, and regulate the balance of electrolytes. As the kidneys filter blood, they create urine, which is passed out as a waste product from the body.

Just like your heart or any other organ, kidneys also need to very good care. What can you do to achieve that???

Hydrate– Consuming 8 glasses of water/fluid on an average helps with maintaining good kidney function.

Consuming plenty of fluid helps the kidneys clear sodium, urea, and toxins from the body which, in turn, results in a “significantly lower risk” of developing chronic kidney disease.  It’s important to keep in mind that the right level of fluid intake for any individual depends on many factors including gender, exercise, climate, health conditions, pregnancy, and breastfeeding. In addition, people who have already had a kidney stone are advised to drink 2 to 3 litres of water daily to lessen the risk of forming a new stone.

Keep fit & active– A healthy lifestyle is the key to good health.

Optimum workout and nutritious food helps you lower the risk of high blood pressure and diabetes. If you’ve been sedentary, or haven’t exactly been eating right, it’s OK. You can start to make those changes now. Start slow and build and you’ll not only help your kidneys but your overall health.

Do not SMOKE- Smoking reduces blood flow to kidneys and impairs kidney function.

Smoking also increases the incidence of kidney cancer. It causes issues with blood and proper filter functions.

Reduce the intake of over-the counter medications – Common drugs such non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen are known to cause kidney damage and disease if taken regularly.

Work along with your physician to deal with chronic pain conditions that create the need for these drugs. Also discuss if you have any pre-existing risk factors. If you have no pre-existing conditions, occasional use of these drugs might not pose a significant danger.

Certain physical conditions can also cause problems for your kidneys. It is a lesser known fact that high blood pressure is the most common cause of kidney damage. When paired with a heart condition, high cholesterol, or diabetes, your kidneys are under increased stress and need extra care. Work with your doctor to make sure your illness and medications aren’t having a detrimental effect on your kidneys.

Disease specific care calls for regular monitoring of your Kidney function when you have some of the pre-determined conditions:

you have diabetes

you have hypertension

you are obese

one of your parents or other family members suffers from kidney disease

Don’t let your body’s best filter get clogged. Keep your kidney’s running smoothly and your whole body will feel better.

Florida Home Care- Empowering people for making better life possible

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Live Your Best Life… It’s a choice you can make today!!!!

March is many things, International Women’s History Month, Nutrition Month, and it’s also “Colon Cancer Awareness” month. Colon Cancer is a painful killer, and has the highest occurrence in men when compared to women.

As the age old saying goes…..

Prevention is better than cure

Colon Cancer is one of the most preventable cancers, provided it’s detected early.

Let us get some insights into Colon Cancer and its prevention.

The COLON, also known as your Large Intestine, is the final section of your digestive system. The food is broken down in the stomach and the nutrients are absorbed in the small intestine and are then passed onto the large intestine. Here the water and minerals are absorbed and waste is formed, which is passed out of the body through the rectum and then anus.

Colon Cancer almost always forms from polyps or growths on the colon lining. On occasion the cancer is from abnormal cells in the colon (these are usually found in people with disease of the  bowel).

With screening, these polyps can be detected before they turn into cancer and can be removed, hence preventing Colon Cancer.

The major risk factors known to cause colon cancer are:

Family history of Colon Cancer

Age/Gender (most common in older men)

Inflammatory Bowel disease

High fat diets (Red meats, processed food)

Low fibre diets

Sedentary lifestyle

Excessive alcohol intake

Smoking

Now that we know the risk factors, it also helps to understand the SYMPTOMS that could prompt suspicion (remember, symptoms do not always follow a pattern and vary from person to person).

Diarrhea, constipation, or feeling that the bowel does not empty completely

Stools that are narrower than usual

Frequent gas pains, bloating, fullness, or cramps

Weight loss for no known reason

Persistent tiredness

Vomiting

Anemia of unknown origin

You want to protect your loved ones. With a few lifestyle modifications, getting timely screenings and early detection, you can continue to live your very best life ever.

Click here for more info about screening and early detection

Schedule your free consultation today and let our highly skilled professionals guide you on the right path to good health and long, happy life.

Florida Home Care- Empowering people for making better life possible

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Understanding High Blood Pressure Before It’s Too Late

Be honest, when was the last time you had your blood pressure checked?

Do you have a family history of Heart disease or Kidney disease?

Did you know that HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE is mostly symptomless health risk that can lead to heart attacks, heart disease, and strokes?

Every person over the age of 40 should get his/her blood pressure checked regularly. It is the best way to diagnose any irregularities in blood pressure early and help with establishing the necessary interventions.

Early interventions allows for easier treatment options such as:

Exercise

Dietary changes

Medications

It’s important to know what the numbers mean. General rules for blood pressure readings are: [source: WebMD]

Normal: Less than 120 over 80 (120/80)

Prehypertension: 120-139 over 80-89

Stage 1 high blood pressure: 140-159 over 90-99

Stage 2 high blood pressure: 160 and above over 100 and above

High blood pressure in people over age 60: 150 and above over 90 and above

High blood pressure, also called hypertension, can be broken down in several ways.

~Primary hypertension is usually seen in individuals with a family history of high blood pressure.

~Secondary hypertension is associated with another underlying health condition.

In most cases, symptoms of high blood pressure are seen only when there is a hypertensive crisis, such as blood pressure readings above 180/110 mm Hg.  Some of these symptoms can easily be confused as other issues. The symptoms can include:

Headache or blurred vision

Increasing confusion

Seizure

Increasing chest pain

Increasing shortness of breath

Swelling or edema (fluid buildup in the tissues)

Left undetected, hypertension could lead to arterial damage, which in turn could cause many other life threatening health conditions such as:

Stroke

Heart Attack

Kidney failure

Blood Pressure is one of the most common problems for men and women. That’s why it’s important to have regular checks ups and monitor it as you get older.

Get more insights into heart disease here…

There are times a more skilled hand is needed to monitor blood pressure and properly assess the readings. For example: when caring for an elderly or a person after a heart surgery; someone who has Kidney disease. There are many circumstances that require BP monitoring by your doctor or a more trained professional.  A professional home health care provider like Florida Home Care, can provide you with highly skilled nurses to help you with regular monitoring of Blood Pressure. They are trained to recognize symptoms before they become an emergency.

Don’t you think it’s time to get  your pressure checked?

Florida Home Care – Empower people for a better life

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Finding Time to Workout While Living The Mom Life

Are you struggling to find time to lose the last few pounds of baby weight? Is it hard to run behind your kids without huffing n puffing??? Looking forward to fitting into an outfit you have been eyeing for your dear ones wedding??

As a mom it is your challenging yet fulfilling duty to teach, nourish and protect your children.

However, the world’s most important job could leave you no time for taking care of yourself.

It is important to remember that fitness is a process and journey. The fruits of this labor will be reflected in many aspects of your life.

With the above line in mind make a plan to incorporate an exercise routine that can fit into your daily schedule (p.s: crazy hectic one already)

HOME GYM: Workout does not have to involve a fancy gym membership or too much preparation. Create a gym at home with some basic equipment for yourself. A yoga mat, jump rope, light weight dumbbells, etc. In between cooking, cleaning, homework and a zillion other things at home it becomes easy to fit in even a brief workout early or late in the day.

MOM FRIENDS: Start a group with mom’s who are in the boat as you and are looking to find motivation. Meet along with kids or when they are away at school to have a quick workout session at one of your homes and turn it into a health tips session [Don’t we all love some girl time ] Fitness DVD’s could be very helpful for a home work out or a session with a group.

FUN WITH THE FAMILY: Make workouts part of a family activity. Go for a jog, play a game that involves a physical activity, stroll around the mall, or do a cleanup session at home that gives you a healthy body and a clean home [Win Win]. Involving kids in your workouts helps you spend quality time with them and teaches them the importance of staying in shape and healthy from a young age.

FOOD FOOD: We all know what is good for us and what is not. The hardest part is making the healthy choice – eating more fruits, vegetables, lean meats while avoiding excess sugars and processed foods.

It’s possible to follow a healthy eating pattern with some time and commitment. You will be surprised when you start craving healthy foods.

PREP FOR GOOD HEALTH- Stock your fridge and pantry with all the good, healthy options. Have healthy snacks handy when hunger pangs strike. Do your research on cooking with low fat, low sugar, and less carbohydrates.

And it is always a good idea to allow yourself an occasional cheat day and mindfully indulge into your favorite cravings.

PREP IS EVERYTHING

Finding time to exercise and make healthy meals is an exercise in time-management

RIGHT MINDSET

If you’re not sure of any specific reasons to refer back to, remember that as a mother you’re a prime example to your family to eat healthily and exercise regularly. Share this wisdom to young impressionable minds.

More POWER to THE MOM in you!!!!

Do share your special tips for leading a healthy mom life………

[P.S Sharing is Caring]

Find more workout inspiration from one of our older blog post.

Florida Home Care – Empower people for a better life

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The Celebration of Love – One Day at a Time

Welcome to the “Month of Love & Happiness”. Even though we do not need a special day to express our love to those we care for, in this busy day and age its helpful to have a dedicated day to make us pause, think, and reset priorities.

I Love my Mom                                      I Love my Kids                                   I Love my Family

If Love is on your heart, let those people know. Our time here is a limited commodity, and regrets cause stress. Little things can be the most meaningful and build loving memories.

Spend those extra few minutes to have breakfast with your kids

Send a mid-noon message to check on your wife/husband

Visit your parents on a day they are not expecting you

Give the gift of time to your loved ones by sharing chores

In fact, a loving relationship with a spouse or good friends is good for your health! Studies have shown that:

It reduces stress. We all know the many benefits of reducing stress in your life – a boosted immune system, improve mental health, lower blood pressure, and helps beat depression.

It will help you live longer. Happily married couples and families have practical and financial support, are generally happier and less prone to risky or damaging behavior (like drinking or drugs).

In general you’ll sleep better and be happier!

Do the things that make you happy, it’s sure to reflect on your face and show your feelings to your loved ones.

This February, show your love – and love being loved – for better health and a better life!

Florida Home Care – Empower people for a better life

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ARE YOU FOLLOWING UP ON YOUR RESOLUTIONS????

We’re already a month into 2017. We thought it’s a good time to look back on our New Year Resolutions.

If you are anything like the majority of us, you must have made a New Year Resolution or two with a hope to better your health and lifestyle.

Are you on track with your goals? Do you need motivation to keep up? Or maybe simply tweak a few things to make them more realistic and achievable?

Firstly be PATIENT. As the saying goes “slow & steady wins the race”. Remember this is only the beginning of February and you might not see big results right away. But hang in there as long as you are working towards your goal

Measure your progress: In order to understand if you are on the right path to reach your goal, you need to measure it.

You are not able to measure your progress???

Work on tweaking your goals to be more SPECIFIC & MEASURABLE

For example: If you plan to lose 10kgs in 2017, divide it by 1kg/month or 2kgs/month for the first 3 months and ½ kg or so for the later months. This helps you not get overwhelmed by a big target number.

Share your goal with a motivator: Be it a friend or family member who could remind or check on you with your progress. It is easy to break a promise to yourself but not to a loved one.

Get professional help (if needed): If you see any roadblocks in getting to your goal, do not hesitate to seek professional help. Many times we fail to recognize the depth of the problem. A professional can assess your case and come up with the fitting and doable solution.

For example: If you are not able to lose weight despite having started all the right eating habits and exercise, there could be a deeper problem with your body. Take a consultation with a doctor to make sure nothing is happening in your body that could be stopping you from losing weight. At Florida Home Care, we work towards simplifying these problems with free consultations and in house help.

Make a schedule: It is most times a no fail method. We always schedule kid’s school activities, holidays, special plans, and we stick to it because it’s on the schedule. Make your goal a priority like your kids and you are bound to get to it.

Any effort is better than no effort. Lastly, do not get discouraged by any surprise changes. If you fall off your schedule for any reason, just try and get back in the swing of things. It takes a lot of effort, but it’s so worth it at the end. If you plan to give your goal 1 hr a day but find you just can’t make that time, try making it at least 15 minutes a day. Efforts like this will make a world of a difference to help you reach your goal and make 2017 one of the best years for you!!!

We at Florida Home Care share the passion for making a difference in your life in every possible way

-Child care while you work towards your dream

-Take care of the adults at home if you need to be away

-Therapists and Doctors

-Highly skilled nurses

Success is calling you… Leave the stress to us!!!

Florida Home Care – Empower people for a better life

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Let us have a heart to heart about “HEART DISEASE”

Your heart beats an average of 103,680 times a day. That makes an average of 2,838,240,000 times over your lifetime. It circulates blood throughout the body, to the farthest corners. It pumps constantly. If it should stop or hesitate – that’s when the problems start. A healthy heart is the corner stone for an overall healthy and a happier life.

What can you do every day to achieve a healthier life?

How do you incorporate the necessary little tweaks into your lifestyle?

Exercise: Your Heart is a muscle and exercise helps to tone and strengthen muscles. You can easily incorporate regular exercise into your lifestyle by making only minor changes. Walking is one of the best forms of exercise to do and one of the easiest to incorporate in to your daily routine. It helps regulate blood flow, lowers blood pressure, reduces bad cholesterol (LDL), and increases good cholesterol (HDL). Consult a physician before starting any exercise regimen if you have a pre existing heart condition or a family history or heart or health problems.

Diet: Watch your diet for fatty foods and carb overloads. Add more fresh vegetables, fruits, and healthy proteins like nuts and beans. This will help you achieve a balanced diet. Consult with a nutritionist for a proper understanding of what are heart healthy foods.

NO SMOKING: Smoking reduces lung capacity and your tolerance to properly exercise. Simple everyday tasks can also become daunting for smokers. It increases the risk of stroke or heart attack by damaging the arteries and leading to excessive fatty deposits. It’s never too late to seek help to quit smoking for you or someone you love.

Alcohol: Limiting alcohol use is always a good idea for reducing the risk of developing a heart condition.

STRESS: With today’s fast paced lifestyle, stress is a leading cause of heart disease.Stress→Bad lifestyle choices→heart disease.

Doctor visits: We cannot stress enough about the importance of regular doctor’s visits. Early diagnosis can be lifesaving. Eliminating a disease before, or at the beginning, is the best practice. Finding a cure for an advanced disease is never as easy as taking  early steps to avoid it.

Combat stress with meditation, laughing, clubs, spending time with loved ones and, last but not least, identifying the factors leading to your stress and trying to eliminate them.

Florida Home Care, a premier home health care organization based in Abu Dhabi, can help you address issues you might have by providing support and care options such as:

In home Health checkups

Social companion to help you go visit your doctor.

Exercise help

Stress management

February is the month of the heart. We wish you a very Hearty and Healthy Month and Year!

Florida Home Care – Empower people for a better life

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The Importance of Patience with Alzheimer’s Care

Alzheimer’s is such a devastating disease. Nerve cells in the brain die off in large numbers, and as they do, memories and clear thinking abilities begin to disappear. Changes occur physically, and the brain no longer properly sends signals to the rest of the body. It is a slow disease that affects the patient and all of their friends and family as they try to come to terms and adjust to the “new normal.”

There is no simple check list, no easy recipe to find your balance when you living with someone who suffering from this debilitating disease. Having patience, and lots of it, is important to let everyone still enjoy life and each others company. Although it’s not a simple to-do list, there are things that can be done to help cope with the daily life changes that are coming about.

Show Patience with Communication: A person with Alzheimer’s may have difficulty finding the words they want to say, lose their train of thought, have trouble concentrating if there is noise around, or understanding what previously common words mean. It can create so much frustration on both the speakers and the listener’s part. But it is important to have that patience and let the words come when they can. Don’t automatically jump in to fill in a sentence or statement. Attempt to limit distractions while having a conversation. Provide a gentle touch to encourage them to continue. Try to maintain eye contact which shows a connection, which is what all people crave, especially when changes are coming that they can’t prevent.

Stay Active, but with Patience: Maintaining certain physical and social activities help a person remain engaged and improves their mood. There may be no reason why many activities the person with AD (Alzheimer’s Disease) had before can’t be continued, but they make take some adjustment. Regular walks, visits to favorite places, even daily activities might need some additional preparation, planning, or rescheduling. The person might have always liked to garden in the morning, but with the progression of the disease, afternoons might be temperamentally better. Be ready for adjustments, but don’t discourage or automatically say no to an activity. For a person with AD, something as simple as weeding, going for a walk, or fishing provides a sense of accomplishment – that they still can.

Have Patience with Yourself: Living with and caring for someone with AD is difficult. As the disease progresses there may be personality and physical changes, outbursts, and anger. It’s hard to see someone you care about go through this, but it’s important not to try to hold on to or force them to be the person you remember. Bad days happen, but the person is sick and some outbursts shouldn’t be taken personally. Take time for yourself, to do things you enjoy. Work with a home care provider to give you a break. Or coordinate with other family and friends.

There are millions upon millions of people suffering from this degenerative disease. As sad as that is, there is also an amazing network to discuss frustrations with. Know that you are not alone, and that a little patience may take you a long way in helping your loved one.

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Prescribing Safe Interactions

Let’s be very honest. How many of us actually read those pages and pages of fine printed information that we get when we start a new prescription? And if we do manage to find a magnifying glass to read it, how many of us genuinely understand it all?When we receive a script for new medication, it’s usually because something has happened – be it a disease, virus, injury, infection, or chronic medical condition. To start with, we aren’t at our very best. And there are times in our lives when we find we’re taking a number of different drugs for a variety of ailments.  It’s important to realize that not all medications play well with each other. Some don’t even play well with certain foods or vitamin supplements.It is important to review your medications, interactions and side effects. Foods like kale, grapefruit juice, dairy products, wine, bananas, and others can block the very effect your medication is trying to accomplish. But it can all be very confusing.To help prevent any issues, it’s important to keep a list of all of your prescriptions and keep it with you when you go to the doctor. It should have the name of the drug, who prescribed it, and the dosage information. This list should also include any vitamin supplements you may take, as they can also cause unwanted side effects.  It should be a very truthful list, including any alcohol, tobacco, or illicit drugs you may take. Show the list to the doctor when discussing the issue that brings you in. This way the doctor knows beforehand what you are already taking and what problems may arise with a new prescription – or if the issue could be from ones you are already taking.Keep that list with you, even when you think you may not need it. Should an accident occur, this list may be the only way emergency staff will know what you are currently taking. It’s a way to help them give you the very best treatment.Try to always go to the same pharmacy to have your prescriptions filled. This will help them, and their computer system, be more aware of incompatibility with certain drugs. Do your own research, if possible. The more you know, the better you’ll be able to handle your medicine without any undue effects.And mostly, talk to people. Talk to your nutritionist, home health aide, nurse, and other care givers to understand completely the timing and interactions of your medicines. They are extremely versed in the effects of different drugs, foods, and physical conditions.  These professional will help you avoid any damaging effects by guiding you through the fine print.

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Getting Your Exercise to Fit

Everyone knows that exercise is essential to reducing or maintaining your weight, muscle tone, and improving your overall health. It’s a truth that can sometimes cause more stress than the exercise is meant to relieve. Schedules, work, and other activities seem to eat away at your day. When time does allow, sometimes you just want to sit back and relax.

You don’t have to fit in 2 hours of strenuous works outs every day to start making progress towards a healthier life. Short bursts of extra activity can be very effective. Even in bits as small as 5 to 10 minutes a few times a day can make a difference. Start small and build momentum. It can even begin by adding or changing up some simple activities to your daily routine that will add to your overall progress.

Here are a few tips to try to get your body moving:

Stuck in a line at the bank or store? Don’t waste the time, flex or stretch while you wait. It’s as easy as tightening or flexing your abs, tighten and hold your gluts, or rock on your feet from toe to heel. Subtle stretches can still tone those muscles and help with some flexibility.

Whenever you can, take the stairs. Work on the second floor of a building? Take the stairs down or up instead of waiting in the elevator que. It helps build stamina, increase circulation, and strengthen those leg muscles. It doesn’t have to be a race, but every time you do it will get you closer to your goal.

Running to the mall, or out for lunch or dinner? Park at the far end of the parking lot, or at least further away than you normally would. Little extra steps start to add up.

Household chores and exercise aren’t always on the “fun things to do” list. But, think of it as taking care of two things at once. Yard work, vacuuming, dusting, sweeping, scrubbing – they can be pretty strenuous work outs. Do them at a comfortably brisk pace and they can really begin to help your exercise routine.

Working in an office can be tough on getting fit, especially if you have a desk job. You can still fit in some muscle stretching and movement in little ways. Instead of just hitting the email or IM, walk over to your co-workers. Use restrooms on a different floor – and take the stairs to get there if you can. When you take a break, or lunch, add a brisk walk for a few minutes, even if it’s a short one. Give your legs a stretch under your desk. Simple little things can add up for your body, as well as refreshing your mind.

When you’re at home, don’t let binging on your favorite TV shows be an excuse to be sedentary. Whenever a commercial comes on, take those few minutes to do some stretches, get in a few sit ups or jumping jacks, or dance like crazy to the commercial music.

Don’t let a too busy life keep you from getting in the exercise and movement your body craves. By finding time to tone in bits throughout the day, you’ll be able to enjoy a longer, healthier life. You want to have time to be busy with the things and people you enjoy for years to come.

What are your favorite ways to get in some extra exercise during the day?

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Are Home Health Care Services What I Need?

With a population that is getting older and living longer, it’s not surprising that many of us are thinking more about how to care for aging loved ones while we continue to work and live our own lives. Before it becomes an emergency situation, you may want to plan for the time when extra assistance might be needed. There are two main types of in-home health care services. Skilled Care will provide trained nurses, aides, and therapists to assist with medical requirements. This could include care for someone after a traumatic accident, surgery, or a severe or long term illness. Custodial or Non-Clinical Care provides companionship and assistance with things like shopping, meals, bathing, dressing, etc. Some home health care agencies only provide one service or the other. Other agencies, such as Florida Home Care, provide any of the care services or guidance you would need to make sure the patient, your loved one, is getting the help they need. How can you tell if home health care services are needed? It’s sometimes a difficult question to answer. After a hospital stay, medical emergency, or trauma the physician or the discharge planner may recommend it and provide some guidance to hire a Skilled Care Provider. Skilled Care might also be needed if you notice that this person is suddenly becoming more forgetful, is shaky or weaker, or shows other physical or mental difficulties. Talk to their doctors, and to them. If a person is home bound, or has trouble getting around without assistance (another person, a walker, etc.), they might need a Non-Clinical Care assistant. A good home care service provider will help you and your loved one find the right path to recovery and better health.  They will have experienced navigators that can address medical and financial/insurance concerns to help you get the proper home health care service. If you can, because it can be a tricky subject, try to talk to your family about having a contingency plan for caring for your loved one should extra help be needed. Do your research now on home care services for seniors. Remember – you’ll be the elder relative someday. It never hurts to be prepared.

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The Importance of Patience with Alzheimer’s Care

Alzheimer’s is such a devastating disease. Nerve cells in the brain die off in large numbers, and as they do, memories and clear thinking abilities begin to disappear. Changes occur physically, and the brain no longer properly sends signals to the rest of the body. It is a slow disease that affects the patient and all of their friends and family as they try to come to terms and adjust to the “new normal.”

There is no simple check list, no easy recipe to find your balance when you living with someone who suffering from this debilitating disease. Having patience, and lots of it, is important to let everyone still enjoy life and each others company. Although it’s not a simple to-do list, there are things that can be done to help cope with the daily life changes that are coming about.

Show Patience with Communication: A person with Alzheimer’s may have difficulty finding the words they want to say, lose their train of thought, have trouble concentrating if there is noise around, or understanding what previously common words mean. It can create so much frustration on both the speakers and the listener’s part. But it is important to have that patience and let the words come when they can. Don’t automatically jump in to fill in a sentence or statement. Attempt to limit distractions while having a conversation. Provide a gentle touch to encourage them to continue. Try to maintain eye contact which shows a connection, which is what all people crave, especially when changes are coming that they can’t prevent.

Stay Active, but with Patience: Maintaining certain physical and social activities help a person remain engaged and improves their mood. There may be no reason why many activities the person with AD (Alzheimer’s Disease) had before can’t be continued, but they make take some adjustment. Regular walks, visits to favorite places, even daily activities might need some additional preparation, planning, or rescheduling. The person might have always liked to garden in the morning, but with the progression of the disease, afternoons might be temperamentally better. Be ready for adjustments, but don’t discourage or automatically say no to an activity. For a person with AD, something as simple as weeding, going for a walk, or fishing provides a sense of accomplishment – that they still can.

Have Patience with Yourself: Living with and caring for someone with AD is difficult. As the disease progresses there may be personality and physical changes, outbursts, and anger. It’s hard to see someone you care about go through this, but it’s important not to try to hold on to or force them to be the person you remember. Bad days happen, but the person is sick and some outbursts shouldn’t be taken personally. Take time for yourself, to do things you enjoy. Work with a home care provider to give you a break. Or coordinate with other family and friends.

There are millions upon millions of people suffering from this degenerative disease. As sad as that is, there is also an amazing network to discuss frustrations with. Know that you are not alone, and that a little patience may take you a long way in helping your loved one.

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Importance of Companionship

Staying mentally fit and engaged can be challenging at any age. For the elderly, it can be especially difficult to stay active and motivated. Think about it, contemporaries and loved ones are starting to pass away and old age is having its effect on being able to move about easily and even to drive. This can be a particularly hard time if the person is living alone.

Feeling lonely and isolated can have a very negative impact on a person’s health, both mentally and physically. We have all had those moments where we have felt the pain and dread of being so alone. Family and friends visits can help, but they are often a perfunctory visit, or one done because the relative feels obligated. There can also be time constraints with work and other activities, or distance that makes frequent visits from family difficult.

There are some things that can be done to encourage continued social engagement and activities to help an elderly person stay active and interested.

Trips to a Senior Center or Elder Day Care can give the person a chance to participate in organized activities and associate with peers.

Having a Social Companion come in a few times a week. These warm hearted caregivers can help with errands, play games, or assist with routine home activities. Often someone who provides Social Companionship is younger, so it can be a more interesting.

Encourage them to volunteer. Some local hospitals look for volunteer grandparents for sick children. Or maybe helping out at a soup kitchen or charitable organization is more interesting.

Learn a new craft, language, or skill. Learning more about computers, or taking their lifelong interest in woodworking to the next level, can keep their mind sharp.

Companionship is so important to all humans of any age, and especially for those approaching their later years. Studies have shown that

companionship keeps the mind sharp, boosts immunity, and helps physical strength and agility. It is an important aspect of life, and one we should share with each other while we can.

“The delight of opening a new pursuit, or a new course of reading, imparts the vivacity and novelty of youth even to old age.”  

– Isaac D’Israeli

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It Doesn’t Have to Change Your Life

First Steps in Living with a Colostomy : Having extreme abdominal surgery, cancer or other severe illness can be hard enough on a body and spirit. Finding out you need a colostomy or ostomy can make things feel even more devastating. Some people have to learn to make the adjustment to this new facet of their life. However, in many cases, it may not be a permanent condition. While you do have the stoma and colostomy, you will have to adapt your life to some changes. But it doesn’t mean you have to give up your life to do it.

Time & Supervision-  When you first get home after invasive surgery that included a colostomy, you’ll need to give your body time to recover and adjust. As you learn to use your colostomy bags and tend to the stoma (the opening created on your side or abdomen so waste can still come out), you may benefit from having a nurse or therapist come in to help guide you through the process, check on the stoma, and make sure you keep up your exercise. They and your doctor can help you through the do’s and don’ts – what you can eat, whether you can do certain athletics, how to best sleep with a bag on, etc.

Connect & support – It’s important to connect and support to the people in your life after such a difficult surgery. Many people, though, are embarrassed about having a colostomy. Since we’re young, we tend to be taught that body waste is not something openly discussed – at least not our own. It is something you have to decide how to handle should any one ask how you are, or what type of operation you had. There’s no need to give details if you prefer not to, but it can only help spread awareness and remove misconceptions if you do. It is important to not hide from social activities because of your new condition. Human interaction and support will help you heal not just your body, but your spirit. Learning to live with a colostomy can be trying, and can create anxiety. With patience, understanding, support from friends and loved ones, and a good sense of humor, you’ll be able to enjoy almost everything you did before.

“To be alive is to totally and openly participate in the simplicity and elegance of here and now”

– Donald