Health « The Professional Geriatric Care Manager’s Blog

Older Americans Month

May 18, 2012 at 10:30 am | Posted in Deborah Varisco, GCM | Leave a comment
Tags: Aging, Health, Help, Life, News, Support

Each May we celebrate the contributions and achievements of older Americans. The 2012 theme for Older Americans Month is, “Never Too Old to Play.” This theme encourages older Americans to stay engaged, active, and involved in their own lives and in their communities. Older Americans are living longer and are more active. Since 1963, communities have celebrated Older Americans Month organized by the Administration of Aging through the Department of Health and Human Services. While there is a vast network of programs for older Americans, many still struggle everyday to stay healthy and make ends meet. Many seniors cope with multiple health conditions and find it difficult to pay for food, utilities and other basic necessities on a fixed income.

To maintain good health, it is important to do something active each day. Older Americans should select activities that they enjoy but also maintain their strength, balance, flexibility and heart health. Activity helps older Americans maintain a healthy weight, prevent or control illness, sleep better, reduce stress and depression, improve balance and feel their best. Being active has also been shown to improve memory.

The theme, “Never Too Old to Play,” is the perfect opportunity for people of all ages to play games together. Younger children or teens can play games with older relatives, neighbors and friends or they can volunteer to play games at area nursing homes. Games can include card games, such as Uno or War and board games, like Monopoly, Clue and Scrabble. Other activities they can participate in are trivia games, video games such as Wii games, bowling, cooking, swimming, going to the movies or a concert, or taking a walk.

Older Americans Month is a great opportunity to show your appreciation for older adults and to thank them for their contributions to our communities. Interactions with older Americans enrich the lives of everyone involved. As part of Older Americans Month, get involved with at least one senior and enjoy an interaction which will ultimately benefit both of you.

Distinctive Care Geriatric Care Management serves Bergen, Passaic, Rockland and Orange County with nurses licensed in New Jersey and New York. We help families dealing with various issues related to their elderly loved ones and would be happy to discuss any concerns you may have related to long term care.

Please contact us in our Ramsey or Ridgewood Office to schedule a consultation. 201-587-5283.

National Women’s Health Week

May 17, 2012 at 10:30 am | Posted in Amy Shein, GCM | Leave a comment
Tags: Advocacy, Health, Life, News, Personal, Safety, Tips

May 13^th-19^th is National Women’s Health Week. It is a very important week that women really need to look deep into, taking some personal time and care for one’s self. This week-long health observance was coordinated by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Office on Women’s Health. It brings together communities, businesses, government, health organizations, and other groups in an effort to promote women’s health. The theme for 2012 is “It’s Your Time.” National Women’s Health Week promotes women making their health a top priority. It will also encourage women to take the following steps to improve their mental and physical health and lower their risks of certain diseases. Women need to:

Visit a health care professional to receive regular checkups and preventive screenings: mammograms and pap tests, a colonoscopy, and cardiac testing.
Get active and start a regular exercise program. Regular activity can help prevent unhealthy weight gain and also help with weight loss.
Eat Healthy: eat lots of fresh fruit and vegetables, fat-free or low-fat versions of milk, cheese, yogurt and other mild products. Incorporate of fish, skinless poultry, lean red meats, beans, eggs and nuts. Avoid saturated fats and Trans fats. Low sodium and no added sugar are very important to follow in a women’s diet.
Pay attention to mental health, including getting enough sleep and managing stress.
Avoid unhealthy behaviors, such as smoking and not wearing a seatbelt or helmet when riding a bicycle.

With National Women’s Health Week, we remind women everywhere that they need to visit the doctor, make sure their screenings are up to date, and just take time to think about their own health.

Please contact us in our Ramsey or Ridgewood Office to schedule a consultation. 201-587-5283.

Caregiver Burnout

May 4, 2012 at 10:30 am | Posted in Deborah Varisco, GCM | Leave a comment
Tags: Caregiver, Caregiver Burnout, Health, Help, Life, Love, Personal, Prevention

Caregiver burnout is a state of physical, emotional and mental exhaustion. Caregiver burnout can occur when caregivers do not get the help they need or if they try to do more than they are able. Caregivers who are burned out may experience fatigue, stress, anxiety and depression. Symptoms of caregiver burn out include withdrawal from friends, family and loved ones; loss of interest in activities; irritability; changes in appetite and weight; changes in sleep patterns and emotional and physical exhaustion. A caregiver will face disruption in work and social life, sleep habits, exercise routines, household management and financial situations.

Some have described the caregiver role as a “roller coaster ride from hell.” Each day brings new challenges, demands and adjustments. Caregivers are often so busy caring for another that they neglect their own needs. They may place unreasonable demands on themselves and may even become sick themselves. Many individuals are confused when they are forced to take on the role of caregivers. It can be difficult for one to separate their role as a caregiver from their role as a spouse or child. Many are additionally frustrated by a lack of money, resources and skills.

To prevent caregiver burnout:

Find someone you trust and talk about your feelings and frustrations.
Set realistic goals. Accept you may need help with caregiving.
Be realistic about your loved one’s disease, especially if it is a progressive disease such as Alzheimer’s disease.
Do not forget about yourself because you are too busy caring for someone else.
Stay healthy by eating right, getting enough exercise and sleep.
Talk to a professional such as a therapist, social worker or clergy member.
Take advantage of respite care services.
Educate yourself. The more you know about the illness, the more effective you will be in caring for the person.
Join a caregiver support group.
Accept your feelings. It is normal to have negative feelings, such as frustration and anger.

Remember you need to balance your caregiver role and personal life. Prevent burnout by recognizing problems you may encounter. Reward yourself for the positive differences you make in your loved one’s life. Do not stress over the things you did not get done, or can not change. Focus on the good things you do and acknowledge the reality that being a caregiver is filled with stress and anxiety. The best way to be an effective caregiver is to take care of yourself.

Please contact us in our Ramsey or Ridgewood Office to schedule a consultation. 201-587-5283.

The Goodness of Red Wine

May 3, 2012 at 10:30 am | Posted in Amy Shein, GCM | Leave a comment
Tags: Dementia, Diet, Health, Prevention, Red Wine, Reservatol, Study, Tips

A few years ago there were many publications on research studies on the active ingredient in red wine known as resveratrol. Scientists discovered that red wine could help protect people at high risk from heart disease and diabetes.

Researchers discovered that an antioxidant found in red grapes can lower blood sugar levels and reduce blood pressure. Resveratrol is a phytochemical, which is found in the skins of red grapes, peanuts, blueberries and blackberries is now also being studied for assisting in preventing dementia and as well as decreasing progression of dementia.

A 2007 study of elderly Italians showed that drinking alcohol in moderation may slow the progression to dementia in elderly people who already have mild mental declines. Defined in the study as less than one drink a day, low to moderate drinking was associated with a significantly slower progression to dementia among people with mild age-related cognitive declines, this was compared with non-drinkers.

Resveratrol acts to slow the progression of dementia, as it is explained by a study published in the 2004 “Journal of Neural Transmission.” Researchers explain that memory deficits can be decreased by antioxidants, like reseveratrol, as they are able to do so by decreasing inflammation and oxidative damage to brain cells.

Cornell University neuroscientists published a report in 2009, with direct evidence on how resveratrol produces a neuroprotective effect in Alzheimer’s patients. Cornell’s research group studied mice given an experimental effect in Alzheimer’s patients. The mice were given resveratrol for a period of 45 days. Their brains were evaluated to see if they were suffering damaging inflammatory plaques normally found in Alzheimer’s patients. It was found that the plaque formations had been reduced by 48% to 90%. Accompanying these changes were also increases in brain antioxidant molecules. They felt that this was a successful study that leads to the conclusion that dementia or Alzheimer’s could be delayed or reduced.

I had just completed an article about the Mediterranean diet and how people in that part of the world tend to consume red wine on a regular basis and they live about 10 years longer than any another population. Studies have shown that Alzheimer’s disease is less common in populations that consume moderate amounts of red wine. I heard a Neurologist speak last week about this topic and he believes very strongly of the positive benefits from red wine and resveratrol. He recommends that all his patients drink a glass of red wine every day, as long as they are not on any medications that would be affected by the consumption of alcohol.

Ever since his presentation last week, I have been trying to drink more red wine with dinner. I’ve started to like wine a little more after researching for today’s blog.

Before you go running to the store and purchasing bottles of red wine, please speak to with your medical doctor and make sure it is safe for you consume red wine.

Please contact us in our Ramsey or Ridgewood Office to schedule a consultation. 201-587-5283

An Aspirin a Day

April 20, 2012 at 10:30 am | Posted in Deborah Varisco, GCM | Leave a comment
Tags: Aging, Eldercare, Health, Life, Medication, Personal, Prevention, Safety

Aspirin is used to reduce fever, relieve mild to moderate pain from muscle aches, headaches or toothaches, and reduce pain and swelling in those with arthritis. Doctors prescribe aspirin therapy to prevent blood clots, which reduces the risk of stroke and heart attack. Nearly a third of middle-aged Americans take aspirin daily, mainly in the hope of preventing a heart attack or stroke. More recently individuals have begun to take aspirin to lower their risk of cancer. New studies suggest that aspirin therapy can decrease one’s risk of many cancers, including colon, esophageal, breast and prostate cancer.

Other research studies, though, demonstrate aspirin is not for everyone and sometimes does more harm than good, particularly in the elderly. Aspirin is a medication and all medications have side effects. Aspirin may cause nausea, vomiting, stomach pain and heartburn. More serious side effects of aspirin include hives, rash, swelling of the eyes, tongue or throat, difficulty breathing, bloody vomit, bright red blood in stools or black, tarry stools.

It has been demonstrated that there exists a potential for life-threatening bleeding in people over the age of 70 years who take aspirin daily, which may be greater than the heart disease protection it may offer. The benefit of aspirin therapy in individuals with heart disease is clear, however, and those taking it under a physician’s supervision should not stop.

The benefits of aspirin in older individuals without heart disease is uncertain.

Age is a strong predictor of cardiovascular risk, with the thinking that the benefits of aspirin would be greater in the elderly than those in other age categories. The elderly, though, also have an increased risk of bleeding from aspirin use. Even low dose aspirin can increase the risk of bleeding in the gastrointestinal tract.

So daily aspirin might not be for everyone. Many individuals decide on their own to take an aspirin a day. Aspirin therapy should be prescribed case by case depending on the individual’s risk factors and family history. Consult with your doctor to decide if the benefits of aspirin therapy outweigh the risks and if you should be one of those taking an aspirin a day.

Please contact us in our Ramsey or Ridgewood Office to schedule a consultation. 201-587-5283.

Being Honest

April 13, 2012 at 10:30 am | Posted in Deborah Varisco, GCM | Leave a comment
Tags: Diagnosis, doctors, Health, Honesty, Patients, Safety, Truth

Should physicians withhold the truth about a diagnosis in order to relieve a patient’s fears and anxieties?

Honesty matters in the medical profession, but some degree of dishonesty may be excusable in order to avoid more serious patient harm. Doctors and nurses in some cultures believe it is wrong to lie about a bad diagnosis or prognosis. A number of studies have shown that the majority of patients generally want to know the truth about their diagnosis, prognosis and therapy. Individuals need the truth even when it tells them about their death. Without knowing the truth, an individual can be subjected to aggressive treatments, futile interventions and more suffering. To prevent harm from telling the truth, a doctor needs to tell the truth in a certain way and time.

Truth telling must be sensitive and take into account the individual’s personality and history. An individual needs an explanation of their illness. It should be understandable and convincing so they can cooperate in their treatment and be relieved of any fears. Communicating with a patient and being honest is a important way for physicians to foster trust and show respect for their patient. Giving individuals truthful information helps them to become informed participants in their care and in their decision-making.

Many times families will ask a physician to withhold a diagnosis from a patient. The family usually wants to spare the individual the potentially painful experience of learning the truth. If the disclosure is done sensitively, these fears are unfounded. In rare situations though, family members may make the physician aware of something about the patient that causes the physician to worry that the truth may actually cause harm and be justified in withholding the truth. A recent study in the medical journal “Health Affair” found that more than ten percent of doctors admit to not telling their patients the complete truth about their medical conditions.

So what is right? Physicians must strike a balance between respecting an individual’s autonomy and acting in their best interest. What do you think?

Please contact us in our Ramsey or Ridgewood Office to schedule a consultation. 201-587-5283.

Why Just Drink Plain Water. Try Sparking Water Instead.

April 12, 2012 at 10:30 am | Posted in Amy Shein, GCM | Leave a comment
Tags: Health, Life, Tips

I decided to look into the facts about carbonated water (seltzer or sparkling water). You may have swapped out your daily soda for sparkling water, or you just like to drink something that has bubbly stuff because plain water can is too boring -I wanted to see how healthy carbonated water really is.

Fizzy water is not only refreshing, but it also can hydrate your body as well as regular old water. Carbonated water is created (or exists naturally) by dissolving carbon dioxide (CO2) in water. This creates carbonic acid, which is more acidic than regular water; it falls more in the range of apple or orange juice, but is much less acidic than stomach acid.

You may have heard that carbonated water can cause erosion of tooth enamel, but not to worry, because the damage is minimal; and one would have to drink huge amounts of sparkling water in order to wear away enamel faster than it’s renewed. But, in a 2001 study the Journal of Oral Rehabilitation showed that sparkling mineral waters showed slightly greater erosive potential then water. Soda, on the other hand, contains phosphoric acid, which can definitely rot your teeth. I also know from speaking with a doctor years ago, that soda can cause calcium loss from your bones and lead to osteoporosis. No studies have been found to back this up from drinking sparkling/carbonated water. Actually, I read that drinking it may even help keep calcium locked in your bones.

I really like flavored sparkling water; while many varieties are enhanced with natural fruit juices, others contain sugar or artificial sweeteners. So be careful reading labels and avoid unnecessary calories. Some mineral water or club soda can also contain high amounts of sodium, which can contribute to high blood pressure. But, they do make sodium free seltzer that is a good substitute.

The other real health concern with drinking carbonated water is the aggravation of irritable bowel syndrome due to the release of CO2 which could cause bloating and gas. So if you suffer from irritable bowel syndrome, it may be best to limit or avoid drinking any carbonated beverages. If not, carbonated water is a good way to increase water intake and is also a very refreshing way of diluting the calories in high calorie beverages like juice and white wine. My son’s favorite drink is cranberry juice diluted in seltzer. He loves it!

Please contact us in our Ramsey or Ridgewood Office to schedule a consultation. 201-587-5283.

145 N. Franklin Turnpike, Suite 311, Ramsey, NJ 07446

45 N. Broad St., Suite 503, Ridgewood, NJ 07450

The Social Connection

April 6, 2012 at 10:30 am | Posted in Deborah Varisco, GCM | Leave a comment
Tags: Aging, Family, Health, Life, Love

Recent studies have demonstrated that those individuals in loving relationships with spouses, family members or friends were healthier and lived longer than those lacking these connections. Even those with unhealthy lifestyles but close social connections lived longer than individuals with poor relationships and healthier lifestyles. Those with both close social ties and healthy lifestyles lived the longest. As we age we all hope to live a long life that is rewarding and worthwhile with family and friends. No one wants to live with ill-health or alone. Happiness , a sense of meaning and peace of mind are important attributes possessed by individuals who live long lives, and having good relationships is one of the best predictors for longevity. Just as we need food, water and shelter, we need others in our lives.

The MacArthur Study of Successful Aging talked to individuals between 70 and 79 years old and asked them how useful they felt to family and friends. Years later they found that those individuals who had rated their usefulness to loved ones as high had higher survival rates and a lower incidence of chronic illness. Maintain a sense of purpose and stay involved in activities that have meaning. Give your time to others by joining a cause or volunteering. It has also been shown that having a greater sense of purpose is linked to a reduced risk of Alzheimer’s disease. Close loving relationships have many advantages. When we have others looking out for us they are there to give us advice, assistance and emergency aid if needed. In addition, when we are feeling needed and loved it causes a biochemical change in the body that lowers stress, increases energy, strengths the immune system and extends your lifespan.

Social connections give us something to live for as we age. There are few things that can give us more than happy, loving relationships and good social relationships can increase our longevity and improve our health. Be grateful for your friends, they will help you live longer!

Please contact us in our Ramsey or Ridgewood Office to schedule a consultation. 201-587-5283.

145 N. Franklin Turnpike, Suite 311, Ramsey, NJ 07446

45 N. Broad St., Suite 503, Ridgewood, NJ 07450

Gastrointestinal Infections on the Rise

March 30, 2012 at 10:30 am | Posted in Deborah Varisco, GCM | Leave a comment
Tags: Health, Life, Personal, Prevention, Safety, Tips

The majority of gastrointestinal infections typically involve diarrhea, vomiting, and abdominal cramps and those infected make a full recovery after a few days. Increasingly, gastrointestinal infections are responsible for more deaths in the United States, particularly in the elderly.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported that deaths from gastrointestinal infections more than doubled from 1999 to 2007. The majority of those deaths were due to the bacterium, Clostridium difficile. The second leading cause of death from gastrointestinal infections was due to the norovirus. Individuals most often contract Clostridium difficile in hospitals and nursing homes, and in most cases occur primarily among those taking an antibiotic. C. difficile bacterium has two forms, an active infectious form that cannot survive in the environment for prolonged periods and a nonactive form that can survive in the environment for weeks and even months. This form cannot cause infection directly, but when ingested can transform into the active infectious form. The spores can be found on bedpans, toilet seats, furniture, linens, telephones, stethoscopes and floors. It takes bleach or other strong disinfectant to kill the spores. The disease is spread by the fecal-oral route, which makes hand washing after using the toilet so important.

Since healthcare settings are responsible for so many cases of C. difficile, it is important for surfaces to be cleansed with bleach and for healthcare workers to wear gloves and gowns when dealing with infected patients to prevent spreading germs to others.

Individuals with C. difficile can have a high fever, severe diarrhea and abdominal pain which can lead to dehydration and disturbances in the electrolytes in the body. Increasingly, C. difficile has become virulent and drug resistant. Since the overuse of antibiotics can cause C. difficile, all antibiotics should be used prudently. Using antibiotics without an accurate diagnosis or proper reason should be discouraged.

The norovirus causes a highly contagious infection. It is sometimes called the winter vomiting illness and spreads rapidly on cruise ships, prisons, dormitories, hospitals and nursing homes. Symptoms include vomiting, watery diarrhea, fever, stomach pain, tiredness, headache and muscle aches. Symptoms may be more severe in elderly patients. Individuals with the norovirus who are unable to replace their fluids and develop signs of dehydration will need medical care. As with C. difficile, norovirus infections can be prevented using good hand hygiene.

In the past few years, researchers have found deaths from gastrointestinal infections have leveled off. Doctors, nurses, other healthcare workers, hospitals and nursing homes need to continue to take responsibility for preventing gastrointestinal infections as the majority of all gastrointestinal infections occur in healthcare settings.

Please contact us in our Ramsey or Ridgewood Office to schedule a consultation. 201-587-5283.

145 N. Franklin Turnpike, Suite 311, Ramsey, NJ 07446

45 N. Broad St., Suite 503, Ridgewood, NJ 07450

Great Benefits From Walnuts!

March 29, 2012 at 10:30 am | Posted in Amy Shein, GCM | Leave a comment
Tags: Health, Life, Memory, Research, Tips

Last week as I was driving in my car and listening to a news station on AM radio. During a commercial break, Dr Oz came on to advertise California Walnuts. He spoke about how wonderful they are for your health and how he eats walnuts with just about every meal. This is what Dr Oz states about walnuts “They are, in my mind, one of the best foods around. Walnuts are portable, healthy and satisfying, and they provide the body with plenty of Vitamin E, manganese, copper and omega-3 fatty acids.” I usually never really pay attention to Dr Oz, because he is all over the place with medical information and I think he is too extreme on many issues.

I have done a blog on high fiber foods and spoke about almonds, so I figured I’d focus on walnuts this time. I have been reading many interesting articles that speak of wonderful facts and even research studies that have been developed for elderly people to see how walnuts are so beneficial in their diet.

The study that I read about was conducted by researchers with the Human Nutrition Research Centre on Aging (HNRCA) at Tufts University in Boston.

They used rats in this study to test their memory and motor skills. The rats were fed a mixed diet containing two, six or nine percent of walnuts in their diet, or no walnuts at all. The study found that in aged rats, the diets containing two or six percent of walnuts were able to improve age-related motor and cognitive skills, while the nine percent walnut diet also improved in memory. The study stated for comparison, the six percent walnut study diet was equivalent to eating about seven to nine walnuts daily.

I also read that walnuts have also been shown to help reduce stress and help with sleep. A 2010 study in the Journal of the American College of Nutrition found that individuals whose diet was supplemented with walnuts or walnut oil had better responses in stressful situations. Walnuts contain melatonin in a bio-available form. Melatonin is a hormone which is involved in inducing and regulating sleep and is also a powerful antioxidant. Walnuts sound like a like the perfect snack for getting a natural good night’s sleep. Other studies have found that walnuts may help reduce the risk of heart disease and diabetes.

Enjoying just 4 walnuts a day significantly increased blood levels of omega-3 essential fatty acids, alpha linolenic acid (ALA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA). EPA is a longer-chain omega-3 fat and is found in cold water fish, but is not found in nuts, which contains the shorter-chain omega-3 fat, ALA. But, a study confirms, our bodies can make EPA from the ALA provided by walnuts, which are the richest source among all the nuts. A recent study, was published in Nutrition, Metabolism and Cardiovascular Diseases, showed that even a very simple change in diet by adding walnuts, can have very beneficial and long-lasting effects on one’s health.

Increasing your body’s supply of anti-inflammatory omega-3 fatty acids couldn’t be any easier, by just adding a few walnuts to your morning cereal, your evening salad or a handful just before bedtime for a healthier you. Dr Oz would have to agree to this.

Please contact us in our Ramsey or Ridgewood Office to schedule a consultation. 201-587-5283.

145 N. Franklin Turnpike, Suite 311, Ramsey, NJ 07446

45 N. Broad St., Suite 503, Ridgewood, NJ 07450