Programs : Adult Day Services : Resource Center
Allergies
Allergies come in many forms. The most common causes of allergies are particles in the air. Hay fever is the most common allergy.
Hay Fever Allergy Symptoms- Itchy, watery eyes
- Sneezing
- Runny, stuffy or itchy nose
- Fatigue
- Symptoms are very similar to having a cold.
Life-Threatening Reactions
Some people have severe allergies to insect stings or to certain foods or drugs, especially antibiotics, such as penicillin. For these people the allergic reaction is sudden and severe and may cause breathing difficulty and a drop in blood pressure (anaphylactic shock). Anaphylactic reaction is a medical emergency and requires prompt medical
attention. Your doctor may suggest that you carry an epinephrine syringe, such as an Epi-Pen or Ana-Kit, designed to administer the medication immediately to lessen an allergic reaction.
Precautions
For hay fever sufferers should avoid yard work. Raking and mowing stirs up both pollen and mold. If you must do yard work, wear a mask and take an antihistamine before hand. Always check with your doctor before taking any kind of medications.
For other allergies, avoid smoking and inhaling other people’s smoke. Keep your home well ventilated and dry. Try keeping the humidity below 50%. Use a dehumidifier during humid weather. Use an air conditioner, which removes mold spores from the air.
For more information about allergies, call the Lung Line, a service of the National Jewish Medical and Research Centers at 1.800.222.Lung (5864).
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Arthritis
Types of Arthritis
There are more than 100 different types of arthritis. Each has different symptoms and treatments. Your doctor can tell you what kind of arthritis you have based on your symptoms and a physical exam. Certain tests may support the diagnosis. It may take time to find some kinds of arthritis, since symptoms develop slowly. Two of the most common forms are Osteoarthritis and Rheumatoid Arthritis.
Differences between Osteoarthritis and Rheumatoid Arthritis:
Osteoarthritis
- Usually begins after age 40
- Usually develops slowly over many years
- Often affects joints on only one side of the body at first.
- Usually doesn’t cause redness, warmth or swelling of joints
- Affects only certain joints; rarely affects elbows or shoulders
- Doesn’t cause a general feeling of sickness
Rheumatoid
- Usually begins between ages 25 and 50
- Often develops suddenly within weeks or months
- Usually affects same joint of both sides of the body
- Causes redness, warmth and swelling of joints
- Affects many joints including elbows and shoulders
- Often causes a general feeling of sickness and fatigue, as well as weight loss and fever
What treatments work?
There are many things that help reduce pain, relieve stiffness and keep you moving. Your doctor may recommend medications, but there are things you can do on your own to help manage pain and fatigue and move easier. Finding the right treatment takes time. It may change over time and vary for different kinds of arthritis.
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COPD and You!
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease or COPD, is a long-term obstruction of the airways that occurs with chronic bronchitis, emphysema or both. This obstruction of airflow is progressive in that it happens over time. Chronic bronchitis is a chronic cough, not caused by another condition, that produces sputum (mucus) for three or more months during consecutive years.Emphysema is an abnormal, permanent enlargement of the air spaces located at the end of the breathing passages of the lungs.
Common Signs & Symptoms
A productive cough or an acute chest illness is common. The cough is usually worse in the morning and produces a small amount of colorless sputum. Breathlessness or being short of breath (Dyspnea) is the most significant symptom, but does not occur until the 6th decade of life. Some people may wheeze, especially during exertion and when their condition worsens. Wheezing is a musical, whistling, or hissing sound with breathing. Intervals between acute periods of worsening Dyspnea become shorter. Discoloration of the skin and failure of the right side of the heart may occur. Anorexia (loss of appetite) or weight loss often develops and suggests a worse prognosis.
Treatment
The goal of treatment is to improve your daily living and quality of life by preventing symptoms and exacerbations. You will be encouraged to actively participate in your treatment program. If you smoke, quitting is the most important thing you can do to improve your condition. Your healthcare provider will determine whether or not you need medication to relieve symptoms. Oxygen therapy is generally safe. Oxygen supplementation during exercise can prevent increases in pulmonary artery pressure, reduce shortness of breath and improve exercise tolerance.
If you are experiencing any of the signs or symptoms of COPD, please see your healthcare provider as soon as possible.
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Foot Care
Years of wear and tear can be hard on our feet. So can disease, poor circulation, improperly trimmed toenails, and wearing shoes that don't fit properly. Problems with our feet can be the first sign of more serious medical conditions such as arthritis, diabetes, and nerve and circulatory disorders.
To prevent feet trouble practice good feet care. Check your feet regularly, or have a member of your family check them. Podiatrists and primary care doctors (internists and family practitioners) are qualified to treat most foot problems. Sometimes the special skills of an orthopedic surgeon or dermatologist are needed.
Wearing comfortable shoes that fit well can prevent many foot ailments. Here are some tips for getting a proper shoe fit:
- The size of your feet changes as you grow older so always have your feet measured before buying shoes.
- Don’t select shoes by the size marked inside the shoe but by how the shoe fits your foot.
- Select a shoe that is shaped like your foot.
- Make sure the ball of your foot fits comfortably into the widest part of the shoe.
- Don’t buy shoes that feel too tight and expect them to stretch to fit.
- Walk in the shoes to make sure they fit and feel right. Then take them home and spend some time walking on carpet to make sure the fit is a good one.
Common Foot Problems
- Fungal and Bacterial Conditions
- Dry Skin
- Corns and Calluses
- Warts
- Bunions
- Ingrown Toenails
- Hammertoe
- Spurs
At CYO Adult Day Services, we offer Podiatry Services. If you are interested in this for you loved one, please contact the Nursing Department.
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Join Geri-Fit
Seniors can remain active and independent with regular exercise and a nutritious diet. In fact, medical experts encourage physical activity at all stages of life. The President’s Council on Physical Fitness and Sports says physical frailty is the result of inactivity, disease and poor nutrition. Through exercise and healthy eating habits, older people can help protect themselves from coronary heart disease, adult-onset diabetes, arthritis, hypertension, certain cancers, osteoporosis and depression.
“Senior citizens need to eat a balanced diet that is low in fat, saturated fat, cholesterol, sodium and sugar,” said James Hodsden, MD, President of Summit County Division of the American Heart Association. “It is important to get all the necessary vitamins and minerals. Another healthy habit to get into is drinking water.” Plenty of sleep and rest are also important. Daily exercise programs for seniors should include rest periods. Mild exercise may help the person get a more restful night’s sleep. Regular exercise can help maintain or restore the older person’s balance and agility. Physical agility can help avoid the risk of injury from falls and accidents.
When beginning an exercise program, it is important to start out slowly and build up gradually. Exercise programs should be discussed with a doctor. Also the exercise routine should be preceded by a warm-up and followed by a cool-down period. The American Heart Association is a non-profit organization that works to fight heart disease and stroke. Last fiscal year, 30 percent of AHA funds went to biomedical research, 25 percent to public health education, 11 percent to community services and 9 percent to professional education and training. AHA administration and fund raising expenses are well within the range recommended by the national nonprofit watchdog organizations.
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Hay Fever
It’s that time of the year for the old hay fever attacks. Hay fever is most common in people with a family history of similar complaints or a personal history of edema hives and/or asthma. Hay fever is also known as allergic rhinitis, which is an allergy characterized by sneezing, itchy and watery eyes, a running nose and a burning sensation of the palate and throat. It is usually caused by allergies to airborne substances such dust, molds, pollens, animal fur and feathers.
Pollen is the main cause especially in the spring, summer and fall. One needs to be aware of the pollen count. Pollen tends to be highest early in the morning on warm, dry, breezy days and lowest during chilly, wet periods. Although a pollen count is an approximate and fluctuating measure, it is useful as a general guide to stay indoors.
Treatment of Hay Fever depends on its cause and the course of action you and your physician choose.
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High Blood Pressure
What is high blood pressure?
Blood pressure is a measure of how hard the blood pushes against the walls of your arteries and veins as it moves through your body. It’s normal for blood pressure to go up and down throughout the day, but if it stays up, you have high blood pressure. Another name for high blood pressure is hypertension.
When blood pressure is high, it starts to damage the blood vessels, heart and kidneys. This can lead to heart attack, stroke and other problems. High blood pressure is called a “Silent Killer” because it does not usually cause symptoms while it is causing this damage.
Your blood pressure consists of two numbers: systolic and diastolic. Someone with a systolic pressure of 120 and a diastolic pressure of 80 has a blood pressure of 120/80, or “120 over 80."
What causes high blood pressure?
In most cases, doctors can’t point to the exact cause. But several things are known to raise blood pressure, eating too much salt and getting older.
What are the symptoms?
High blood pressure does not usually cause symptoms. Most people do not know they have it until they go to the doctor for routine visits. Very high blood pressure can cause headaches, vision problems, nausea and vomiting.
How is it treated?
Treatment depends on how high your blood pressure is, whether you have other health problems such as diabetes and whether any organs have already been damaged. Your doctor will also consider how likely you are to develop other diseases, especially heart disease.
You can help lower your blood pressure by making healthy changes in your lifestyle. If those lifestyle changes do not work, you may also need to take pills. Either way, you will need to control your high blood pressure. Work with your doctor to find the right pill or combination of pills that will cause the fewest side effects.
(Info taken from AARP website 3/23/06.)
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Hypertension
Hypertension is a dangerous condition where the blood pressure is persistently higher than normal. If left untreated, people with hypertension are at risk for heart attack, stroke or kidney failure.
In the majority of cases no direct cause of hypertension is known. Certain factors are known to increase your risk of developing the disease. These include a sedentary life style, drinking alcohol and smoking.
What is Hypertension?
Your heart beats about 100,000 times a day. If you suffer from hypertension, your vessels could be damaged with each beat of your heart.
Controlling High Blood Pressure
Living with hypertension doesn't have to be difficult. By making small, gradual changes to your lifestyle, you will be able to control your blood pressure.
Hypertension Treatment
Hypertension treatments, including various hypertension medications, can help patients prevent heart problems. If left untreated, medical complications such as heart disease can result.
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Hypothermia
Winter shows an unpredictable side each year. With a changing weather scene, hypothermia may occur. Because of the unpredictability of the weather, dress in layers so you can take off a layer or two if it warms up during the day and put them back on when the temperatures drop. Hypothermia is a drop in internal body temperature to less than 55 degrees. Hypothermia is extremely dangerous and if not detected promptly can cause death.
How can one help prevent hypothermia?
- Never stay out in the cold too long.
- Always dress warmly. Layered clothing is a good insulator.
- Down or natural materials such as cotton and wool are also good insulators.
- Always wear a hat to reduce the body’s heat loss.
- Eat hot, nutritious meals and warm drinks.
- Wear enough clothing to bed and use extra blankets as needed.
- Remain indoors on excessively windy days.
- Be careful when shoveling snow. Always start with a small area and push, rather than lift the snow.
What are the signs of hypothermia?
- Uncontrollable Shivering
- Numbness
- Drowsiness
- Slow Speech
- Memory lapse
- Confusion
- Stumbling
- Coordination Difficulties
If you think you may have one or more signs of hypothermia, contact your doctor immediately.
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Influenza
Influenza is a serious disease caused by a virus. It spreads rapidly from infected persons to others by germs from sneezing, coughing or from personal contact. The flu season in the USA is from November through April each year.
Prevention:
- Frequent hand washing
- Regular exercise
- Avoid buffet type restaurants
- Avoid crowds
- Eat healthy – avoid a lot of flour, sugar and chocolate. These foods weaken your immune system.
- Take vitamins – Vitamin C & Zinc help get rid of toxins in your body.
Recovery:
Natural remedies are very effective but be sure to check with your doctor if you come down with the flu. Some natural remedies are:
- Green Tea, fresh Grapefruit, Garlic, Ginger & Lemon Tea (these are all good for aches & pains from flu or colds)
- Black Elderberry extract helps shorten the duration & reduces the symptom of flu and colds.
- Get plenty of rest and drink plenty of fluids
The best way to prevent the spread of germs that cause the flu and colds is to practice good hygiene. Be sure to wash your hands, especially when you come in contact with someone you know has the flu or a cold.
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Myopathies
Myopathies are a group of diseases affecting the skeletal muscle and may be associated with diseases of other internal organs. Myopathies are characterized primarily by muscle weakness in the upper arms, upper legs and neck. Other symptoms may include muscle pain, fatigue, joint pain and swelling, rashes over the face and knuckles, fever, swallowing difficulty and shortness of breath. Occasionally they may occur in children and can also be associated with malignancies in the elderly.
Causes:
UnknownHealth Impact: More common in women, generally occurring in the mid-adult years.Diagnosis: Attained through a history, physical exam, laboratory tests, muscle biopsy and electromyography.
Treatment: Corticosteroids and immunosuppressive drugs, along with physical and occupational therapy, all under the supervision of a Rheumatologist.
* Source: American College of Rheumatology
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Pneumonia
Pneumonia is an infection or inflammation that affects the bronchial tubes and lungs. Bacteria usually causes
pneumonia but viruses can also cause it. Pneumonia sometimes follows a viral upper respiratory infection, such as a cold or bronchitis. A person with bronchial pneumonia is usually very sick.
Prevention:
Keep up your resistance to infection by eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly and maintaining proper rest. Get a pneumococcal vaccination if you are over 65 years old. If under 65 seek physician’s advice.
Symptoms:
- Productive cough with yellow-green or bloody sputum.
- Fever and shaking chills.
- Rapid, shallow breathing.
- Chest-wall pain made worse by coughing or when taking a deep breath.
- Rapid heart beat.
- Fatigue worse than expected from a cold.
Treatment:
- Seek Physician’s care.
- Finish all prescribed medications.
- Drink 8-12 glasses of water per day.
- Get plenty of rest, don’t rush recovery.
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Risks of Falling
Accidents, particularly falls, increase significantly with age and are the leading cause of disability and/or even death after the age of 65. The most common locations for accidents are the bedroom, bathroom and kitchen. Older people may be unsteady on their feet or just misjudge their physical capabilities. Medications and age related changes can contribute to the cause of falls. Orthostatic Hypotension is a sudden drop of your blood pressure when you change positions (lying, sitting, standing). When this occurs you will feel dizzy and may fall. Visual acuity and depth perception changes disturb your ability to judge distance. Most accidents are preventable.
To assure your safety:
- Stand up slowly, move with caution.
- Maintain clear pathways, keep all cords and throw rugs out of the way.
- Use ambulatory devices if needed (cane/walker).
- Provide proper lighting, use night lights.
- Keep telephone where easily accessible.
Please report all falls to your family, nurse, case manager and/or doctor, even if there is no injury.
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5 A Day, The Color Way!
It is essential to get a colorful variety of fruits and vegetables into your diet every day! WHY! Because colorful fruits and vegetables provide the wide range of vitamins, minerals, fiber and phytochemicals your body uses to stay healthy and energetic, help maintain a healthy weight, protect against the effects of aging and help reduce the risk of cancer and heart disease.
The color of the vegetable indicates help with:
| Blue/Purple |
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Green |
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White |
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Yellow/Orange |
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Red |
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The USDA food guide pyramid recommends 5 - 9 servings of fruits and vegetables every day.
(Example: 3 - 5 servings of vegetables and 2 - 4 servings of fruits.)
Breakfast – 8 oz glass of 100% fruit juice, sliced banana on your cereal
Mid-morning – An apple or orange
Lunch – Small mixed green salad
Mid Afternoon – Fruit Smoothie
Dinner – Mushrooms in your stir fry & tomato sauce on your pasta
Night Snack – Dried fruits and nuts
There are so many delicious ways to add more servings of fruits and vegetables to your daily diet.
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Water, Water Everywhere…
And All That We Can Drink!!!
Did you know that 65% of our body is made up of water? This fact should give you an idea of how important water is to the human body. Drinking water should be one of the easiest lifestyle changes a person can make towards achieving better health, but for some reason, people have a hard time accomplishing this. A good rule of thumb is to drink 8 to 10, 8 oz. glasses of water daily, plus one 8 oz. glass for each hour of light activity you perform during the day. People who are overweight should drink more when the weather is hot.
Some Benefits of Drinking Water Include:
- Stronger, healthier teeth and bones
- Clear, healthy and vibrant complexion
- Regular bowel and urinary functions
- Weight Loss
How Can We Drink More Water? It May Be Easier Than You Think.
- Make the habit of drinking two, 8-oz. glasses of cold water before any meal. This helps you to eat less and helps the digestion process. Do this at every meal and you will be on your way to a daily goal.
- When you have to order fast food, save your kidneys and your pocket book by ordering water instead of soda.
- If you find yourself snacking while watching TV, place a large glass of water by the remote control. Instead of reaching for chips and pretzels, reach for the glass of water.
- Since there is no taste to water, add a slice of lemon, lime or orange. This helps to add just a little bit of a sweet taste.
Finally, here at CYO, we encourage our clients to drink plenty of water throughout the day. There are water fountains in the halls and water is offered at meal times.
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Heed the Warning Signs
Women as well as men may experience “classic” symptoms of a heart attack, including chest pain or pressure and shortness of breath. However, women are more likely than men to experience additional symptoms such as unusual fatigue, sleep disturbance, nausea and vomiting, sweating and pain in the arms and shoulders.
Know these warning signs:
- Anxiety, weakness or fatigue for no apparent reason
- Pain, squeezing, fullness or pressure in the center of the chest that lasts more than a few minutes or goes away and returns
- Pain that moves to the jaw, shoulders, neck or arms
- Chest discomfort accompanied by fainting, lightheadedness, sweating, fatigue, nausea or shortness of breath
- Unusual chest, stomach or abdominal pain
- Nausea or dizziness without chest pain
- Shortness of breath and difficulty breathing without chest pain
- Heart palpitations, breaking out in a cold sweat or paleness
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The Power of Love…Take Care of Your Heart!!!
The Heart
The normal heart is a strong, hardworking pump made up of muscle tissue. It’s about the size of a person’s fist. The heart has four chambers. The upper two chambers are the right atrium and the left atrium, and the lower two are the right ventricle and the left ventricle. Blood pumps through the chambers, aided by four heart valves. The valves open and close to let the blood flow in only one direction.
Keeping Your HEART Healthy
- Follow a low cholesterol, low fat diet – rice, pasta and whole grain breads
- Choose fish, poultry without the skin and lean cuts of beef.
- Choose low fat milk, cheese and yogurt. Have only 4 egg yolks per week.
- Eat 5 – 9 servings of fresh fruits and vegetables.
- Stay active! Exercise helps build muscle and promotes balance, coordination and flexibility. Remember…always consult your doctor before beginning an exercise program.
Benefits of keeping healthy include increased endurance, lower cholesterol and hypertension, and reduced weight and stress.
Warning Signs of Heart Attack:
A heart attack is an occlusion of a major artery or one of its vessels. Know these warning signs:
- Anxiety, weakness or fatigue for no apparent reason
- Pain, squeezing, fullness or pressure in the center of the chest that lasts more than a few minutes or goes away and returns
- Pain that moves to the jaw, shoulders, neck or arms
- Chest discomfort accompanied by fainting, lightheadedness, sweating, fatigue, nausea or shortness of breath
- Unusual chest, stomach or abdominal pain
- Nausea or dizziness without chest pain
- Shortness of breath and difficulty breathing without chest pain
- Heart palpitations, breaking out in a cold sweat or paleness
If you should have one or more than one of these signs or symptoms, please contact your doctor or local EMS immediately.
Back to topAvoiding Holiday Depression
The holidays are supposed to be a time full of joy, good cheer and hopes for a happy new year. However, many people experience “Holiday Blues.” There are steps you can take to help beat the blues this holiday season.
The Holiday Blues can be caused by increased stress and fatigue, unrealistic expectations, over commercialization and not being able to be with one’s family. Extra shopping, parties, family reunions and houseguests can cause tension. Even people who don’t become depressed during the holiday can have other stress reactions, such as headaches, excessive drinking, overeating and difficulty sleeping.
Even though many people become depressed during the holiday season, even more react to the excessive stress and anxiety once the holidays have passed. This is called post-holiday let down and can be caused by disappointments experienced during the holiday, as well as physical effects caused by fatigue and stress.
There are ways to identify possible sources of holiday depression that can help head off the blues.
- Keep your expectations for the holidays manageable.
- Set realistic goals, pace yourself, organize your schedule and your time.
- Make a list of the most important activities.
- Be realistic about what you can do and what you can’t do.
- Remember the holiday season doesn’t automatically take away sad or lonely feelings.
- Each holiday is different and can be enjoyed in it’s own way. Don’t set yourself up to be sad by thinking everything has to be just like the good old days.
- Do something for someone else. This is an old remedy, but it often works. Help someone with wrapping gifts, icing cookies or making something special for the neighborhood children, etc.
- Enjoy free holiday activities such as looking at holiday decorations and lights, window-shopping, singing carols with family or friends and playing Christmas music.
- Spend time with people who care about you
- Contact someone with whom you have lost touch.
- Do something you haven’t done before and have always wanted to do.
- Find time for yourself.
- Read your bible or another good book.
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Acknowledgements For Caregivers
The CYO ADS Caregivers Support Group meets on the last Wednesday of each month. It is a place where caregivers can gather without having to explain why they came, because everyone there understands. They can listen with an open mind and heart to the experiences of others and realize that some of their solutions to difficulties with their loved ones may also be helpful for them. A support group shares courage and wisdom with one another as well as frustration, exhaustion and despair. What they hear in the group stays in the group. What they learn usually revives their energy and their thinking, and the belief that they can do this renews them once more.
Most caregivers gradually glide into their roles. They may begin by offering advice, or helping with transportation. Tasks may then include housecleaning or grocery shopping. Eventually, caregivers may encourage their loved one to move into their homes. If their loved one is a parent, they may be totally unprepared for what has become a parent-child role reversal. We hope that the items listed below will help caregivers adapt to their new situation.
Acknowledge that caregiving is not an easy job. You may experience conflicting feelings. At times, siblings may disagree with you about how much help your parent needs, especially if they do not live on site with you. Denial of the situation by siblings may create arguments and additional stress for you.
Acknowledge to yourself that you would appreciate help. You do not have to be “Wonder Woman” or “Captain Marvel” and do it all. When people offer to help you, tell them how that can be done. Identify tasks, for example: do laundry, take your loved one to lunch or stay with her or him while you leave the house for some personal errands.
Acknowledge that your own needs are important. Caregiving is ongoing with an indefinite time frame. Pay attention to your own health issues. Take breaks. Find something you love to do and do it! Effective caregivers must take care of themselves as well as those around them, or they soon may become unable to care for anyone.
Acknowledge that you can give yourself permission to cut yourself some slack. Pace yourself, get help, respond to situations rather than react. Caregiving has its own stresses but also its own rewards. Strive to maintain balance in your lives, practice foresight and have some plans in place for emergencies. You can do it!
Acknowledge the existence of community services and explore those that offer assistance for the elderly such as The Area Agency on Aging, The Alzheimer's Association, plus our own CYO staff members: Mary Schrader, RNC, our director of nursing and Mary Cooper, LSW, our social worker. They have already established plans of care for each of our participants. Please remember you are not alone in this sometimes exasperating yet often rewarding role of Caregiver.
All of the above acknowledgements also apply to spouses who are primary caregivers and who may deal with stress from adult children who do not live in the same house, yet have very strong opinions about what care should involve.
Please join us on the last Wednesday of each month from 10:00 to 11:30 am in our Small Meeting Room on the second floor for our monthly Support Group meeting. Call 330.762.2000 for more information.
Back to topCYO Safety
In order to provide a safe environment for your loved ones, the nursing staff suggests the following:
- When medication is brought to the CYO, it must have the proper label identifying the medication and the frequency of dosage. You can ask your pharmacist for a second labeled empty bottle for you to bring in a portion of the prescription.
- If your family member or participant is ordered to take thickened liquids, we need to have a physician’s order stating the correct consistency.
- When there is a change in your family member’s or participants condition, medication or diagnosis - please notify the CYO nurses.
- When your family member or participant is absent for any length of time due to illness or hospitalization, upon returning we will need a physician’s authorization stating any changes in medication, diet and level of activity.
- To assure our participants receive their own clothing, they must be marked with their name.
- If any participant is sent home wearing CYO clothing, please clean and return items to us.
- Please notify CYO and/or the Nursing Department when a telephone number changes for emergency contacts or participant.
- Please notify the nurse when there is a change of a physician for your loved one.
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How to Talk to Your Doctor
Your relationship with your doctor, including how well you talk to each other, will affect your care. Here are some ways to make talking to your doctor more effective:
Be Prepared: Doctors are busy people. Most visits won’t last more than 15 minutes.
- Write down all questions and write down all the answers your doctor gives you.
- Make a list of symptoms, if you are ill.
- Bring a list of all medications, including doses and how often you take them. Or, if it’s easier bring all the bottles with you. Always bring any vitamins or supplements you are taking, too. (This is important because we sometimes have several doctors we use).
Speak Up:
- Don’t be put off by big words or the doctor’s impatient manner.
- If you don’t understand, ask the doctor to explain it again.
- Don’t leave the office without understanding what the doctor told you.
Bring Someone with you: If you feel nervous or rushed, you might forget to ask important questions. Having someone with you may make you feel at ease and help you remember what the doctor said. Then if you need personal time with the doctor ask them to go back to the waiting area.
Follow Up:
If you forgot something, call the office right away. If the doctor wants you to come back for a follow-up visit, be sure to set up the appointment before you leave the doctor’s office, write it down and keep the appointment. A good relationship with your doctor will result in the best care.
Love the Skin You’re In:
Prolonged exposure to sunlight can cause negative effects. Sunburn brings temporary soreness and changes associated with normal aging such as wrinkling and dryness. Repeated exposure to the sun can harm skin cells permanently.
The best way to protect skin is to avoid sunburn and prolonged exposure to the sun.
Sun Protection Tips
- Too much exposure can happen on cloudy days and on cold days. If you know you are going to be outside on a cloudy day, make sure you use sunscreen.
- Fair skin is more prone to sunburn and harmful effects than is darker skin. People who burn easily need to be more careful with sun protection. The best protection is offered by wearing clothing to prevent sun exposure.
- Sunscreens are vital. The higher the sun protection factor (SPF), the better the protection. The best sunscreens have an SPF of 15 or higher and should be used by people who tan poorly and burn easily. All exposed areas should be protected (lips, feet, tops of ears, neck, bald spots, etc.). Applying sunscreen each morning in the summer protects against unplanned, brief exposures.
- Special care should be taken to protect children. The damaging effects of sunlight build up over time. Use sunscreens and avoid unnecessary exposure to help prevent skin problems.
If you get a sunburn
- If you have Aloe Vera Gel, apply it to the sunburned area every 6 hours. Put lotion on the area to prevent dryness and peeling.
- If your sunburn looks purple/blue and you have chills or a headache, contact your physician or nearest emergency room immediately. There is a chance you could have sun poisoning.
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Photosensitivity
Do you ever wonder what some of the side effects are for the drugs your loved one is taking? One side effect that should be closely monitored during the summer months when increased exposure to the sun takes place is photosensitivity. Photosensitivity is a general term used to describe any skin reactions to light. These reactions can be placed into more specific categories such as phototoxicity (this includes reaction to sunburn and medications), and photoallergic (this results from hypersensitivity).
Some medications that can cause photosensitivity:
- Anticancer Drugs
- Antidepressants
- Amitriptyline (Elavil)
- Fluorouracil (Fluoroplex)
- Imipramine (Tofranil)
- Methotraxate (Mexate)
- Vinblastine (Veibane)
- Antihistamines
- Anti-Inflammatory
- Claritin
- Dephenhydramine (Benadryl)
- Naprosen
- Diuretics
- Chlorothiazide (Diuril)
- Furosemide (Lasix)
Symptoms of Photosensitivity can include:
- Itchy or Burning Rash
- Tiny Blisters
- Hives
- Chills
- Headache
- Nausea
- Malaise (a general sick feeling)
How to Help Prevent Side Effects
- Before going outdoors, apply a sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher.
- Use a sun block on lips. Choose products especially for lips with an SPF of 20 or more.
- Limit time outdoors when the sun is at its peak. Peak time is from about 10am until 3pm.
- Wear sunglasses with ultraviolet protection.
Treatments
Treatment for photosensitivity varies. Your doctor may recommend a skin cream containing cortisone or may prescribe you steroids. For hives, try an over-the-counter antihistamine.
Prognosis
If you become photosensitive, the prognosis is usually very good, especially if you use sunscreens and wear protective clothing.
Protect Your Skin this Winter
The skin is the largest organ of our body and with age changes will occur. The subcutaneous fat which lies under our skin decreases, we bruise more easily and we cannot adapt to environmental changes readily.
During this time of your life, good skin care is crucial. The elderly are more prone to infection and wounds heal more slowly. Any break in the skin can become the possible “new home” for bacteria.
Wash the skin with a gentle non-soap body cleanser and keep it well hydrated with a moisturizer. Antibacterial bars should not be used, as they are very drying.
During the winter months you will need a heavier cream moisturizer, especially on your hands and face since these are the areas most exposed. Also, keep as much of your skin covered as possible to prevent damage or drying from the cold winter winds.
No matter what the season, you should apply a moisturizer every day. The skin is such a delicate part of your body. You can never be too careful.
Back to topExtreme Heat Precautions
Older adults, young children and people with mental illness and chronic diseases are most at risk during times of extreme heat. Those who drink alcohol, take part in strenuous outdoor physical activities in hot weather and take medications that impair the body’s ability to regulate its temperature or inhibit perspiration, also increase their risk. Check with your doctor to see if your medications put you at risk for heat related illnesses.
Heat Stroke Requires immediate attention and treatment by a doctor.
Warning Signs:
- Fainting or dizziness
- Headache, nausea or loss of consciousness
- Body temperature of 104ºF or more
- Rapid pulse
- Flushed skin
Heat Exhaustion Results from a loss of body water and salt.
Warning Signs:
- Weakness
- Heavy sweating
- Nausea
- Giddiness
Relieve heat exhaustion by resting in a cool area and drinking plenty of cool liquid.
Help prevent heat related illnesses:
- Stay out of direct sunlight
- Avoid strenuous activity during hottest part of the day
- Wear lightweight, light colored and loose fitting clothing
- Drink lots of water. The American Council on Exercise recommends drinking 6 to 8 ounces of fluid for every 15 - 20 minutes of exercise or outside activity.
One final thought - now is the time to relax and enjoy life. Remember an ounce of prevention is worth even more in your golden years.
Back to topFrostbite Nipping At Your Nose?
Winter is unpredictable and typically brings injuries and illnesses for older adults. Frostbite and hypothermia are two concerns as older skin is fragile and the amount of body fat necessary for warmth is diminished. Frostbite is a severe reaction to cold exposure that can cause permanent damage. Symptoms of frost bite include loss of feeling and a white or pale appearance in the fingers, toes, nose or earlobes. Frostbite can occur easily under fridged conditions.
What to do if you think you have frostbite:
- Move indoors to a warm environment
- Gently re-warm the affected body part by placing it against a warm body part (placing hands under arms), or warming with lukewarm water or warm blankets
- Seek immediate medical attention
To help prevent frostbite:
- Dress warmly
- Wear appropriate coats or outerwear
- Wear a hat or scarf, be sure to keep ears covered
- Wear gloves
- Wear warm and waterproof boots or shoes
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Watch Out for Winter Health Woes
Winter can be wonderful, but it also poses hazards, especially for older adults.
Older adults have a slower metabolism, which means they produce less body heat, rendering them more vulnerable to hypothermia. Hypothermia’s symptoms include shivering, cold skin that is pale or ashy, feeling tired and weak, problems walking, and slowed breathing or heart rate.
In extremely cold temperatures, elderly individuals should try to stay indoors and keep rooms heated to at about sixty-five degrees fahrenheit, keep dry, and wear two or three thin layers of loose-fitting clothing, a hat, gloves, coat, boots and scarf when outdoors.
People with heart disease and other circulation problems are also more prone to frostbite. Signs of this problem include: numbness, pale or grayish-yellow skin, or skin that is hard or waxy to the touch. To prevent frostbite: keep all body parts covered and protected from the cold. If your skin begins to ache or turn red or dark, go indoors immediately.
Ice and snow increase the risk of falls, which can be especially dangerous to older persons whose bones are more fragile. Reduce the risk of falls by carefully shoveling steps and walkways to your home. But shoveling has its own risks for injury; talk to your doctor about whether it’s safe to shovel. It might be a good idea to hire someone to do this for you.
Wear boots with non-skid soles, and if you use a cane, experts advise to replace the rubber tip before it’s worn smooth.
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