FACTS: Warning Signs of Alzheimer's

Alzheimer's disease is a degenerative disease of the brain. Its causes are unknown, and there currently is no cure. To help you know what warning signs to look for, the Alzheimer's Association has developed a checklist of common symptoms of Alzheimer's disease(some of the symptoms may apply to other dementing illnesses). Review the following list and make a check mark next to symptoms that seem to be a matter of concern to you. If, when you've completed the list, you have several check marks, you should make an appointment with a physician for a complete examination of the individual with the symptoms.

1. RECENT MEMORY LOSS AFFECTS JOB SKILLS





2. DIFFICULTY PERFORMING FAMILIAR TASKS





3. PROBLEMS WITH LANGUAGE





4. DISORIENTATION OF TIME AND PLACE





5. POOR OR DECREASED JUDGMENT





6. PROBLEMS WITH ABSTRACT THINKING





7. MISPLACING THINGS





8. CHANGES IN MOOD OR BEHAVIOR





9. CHANGES IN PERSONALITY





10. LOSS OF INITIATIVE

For more imformation please contact the Alzheimer's Association helpline at 248-351-0280, 800-337-3827, TTY 877-204-6924

STAYING HEALTHY IN SUPER HOT WEATHER

A record-breaking heat wave is sweeping the United States, with some temperatures reaching into the triple digits. Not only are the high temperatures uncomfortable, they can cause serious complications for your heart. Here are some tips on staying heart-healthy in this heat:

1. Watch the clock: Try to avoid being outside during the hottest part of the day - generally noon to around 3 or 4 p.m.

2. Slow down: Strenuous activities, such as exercise, should be reduced or rescheduled to cooler times, such as early morning or late evening.

3. Dress for the weather: wear lightweight, light-colored clothing. It reflects heat and sunlight, and helps your body maintain normal temperatures.

4. Drink plenty of water and other fluids: You can become dehydrated long before you actually become thirsty and your body needs water to keep cool.

5. Avoid alcoholic beverages: They may speed up dehydration and make your heart work harder.

6. Spend more time in air-conditioning: It significantly reduces danger from the heat.

7. Limit your time in the sun and wear sunscreen: Not only does the sun heat your body, but sunburn makes it that much harder for the body to dissipate heat.

8. Health conditions or advanced age may put you at risk: Take special precautions if you have heart disease, high cholesterol, history of stroke, diabetes, are overweight or elderly.

Your body is designed for heat and works to maintain your normal body temperature of 98 degrees, however, during hot weather, especially the hot and humid days, your heart can face some pretty serious strain.

source: http://www.oldnortheast.patch.com/

The Flu Vaccine is On its Way





No, summer is not over yet. But preparations for the next flu season, which typically begins in October, have already started.


The FDA said today that it has approved the formulation for the 2011-12 vaccine. The new vaccine looks a lot like it did last year - it will protect against the type of influenza A virus that caused the H1N1/swine flu pandemic, another type of influenza A and a type of influenza B virus. But you can't skip the shot even if you had it last year, since the immunity it confers isn't particularly long-lived.


The CDC has recommended since last year that everyone six months and older be vaccinated.


Six manufacturers are licensed to produce and distribute vaccines in the U.S. this year, the FDA says. Different brands and types of vaccines are approved for different age groups.
source: http://www.blogs.wsj.com/

HOW TO CHOOSE A SUITABLE WHEELCHAIR

Today's wheelchair market offers a wide variety of choices and selecting a wheelchair that is most suitable for you can be a daunting task. As wheelchair technology evolved over the years, so has user demands. Users have become more active, requiring better materials and additional features for improved stability and maneuverability for other activities.

Most consumers are very picky when it comes to getting a car. When choosing a suitable car, price, color, model, interior , and performance are among some of the many things that we would look into. There are many similar things to consider when one is getting a wheelchair.

The first factor to consider is the price. Your budget will determine what type of wheelchair you can get. The difference would most likely be whether you could get a manual or electric wheelchair. If budget allows, an electric wheelchair would be preferred since it is easier for wheelchair bound people to move around without tiring them easily. The electric wheelchair is especially suitable for quadriplegics and people with weak torsos and arms. Though cumbersome due to its larger size, an electric wheelchair can be fitted and equipped with extended headrests, harnesses and other add ons to provide greater support and comfort. Some electric wheelchairs even recling such that a more seriously handicapped person can lie resting during the day. If budget does not allow such, a manual wheelchair would then be the choice. Using a manual wheelchair is a good form of exercise, and a manual wheelchair has higher mobility and agility as compared to an electric wheelchair.

Another important consideration is the portability of the wheelchair. Wheelchair users can now make longer trips or visits, made possible by new technology for wheelchairs. Wheelchairs that are transported in cars are becoming more common, especially manual wheelchairs that are more lightweight and portable. They can be folded, and some parts can even be dismantled, like the wheels, footrest and armrest. These separate parts can then be placed in the car.

Next, the measurements of the wheelchair and type of cushions are also vital. Discomfort, often progressing to pain, may lead to an inability to function throughout the day and eventually abandonment of the wheelchair. For maximum comfort, your body in the sitting position would have to be measured so as to have the most suitable and comfortable measurement for the armrest, footrest and backrest. Also select the right cushion to avoid pressure sores as they can be debilitating and life threatening if complications arise. Note that while a gel cushion is very comfortable, the gel could freeze if it is left in the care or stored imappropriately in cold weather. Where the cushion is concerned, you can always ask you doctor for the recommendation of your needs.

Selecting the most suitable wheelchair is very important as most people that require the aid of a wheelchair spend most of their time(average about 15 hours) while they are awake seated in their wheelchair. A fitting and comfortable wheelchair is essential to provide the necessary support and comfort. If not, a wheelchair bound person may suffer from other health problems, apart from a terrible and costly investment. If you need more information, please consult your doctor for more advice.

source: http://www.ezinearticles.com/

TIPS FOR AVOIDING LYME DISEASE

Whether it is through camping, enjoying local parks or even walking in the neighborheood, residents can acquire a black-legged tick that can lead to Lyme disease. Lyme disease is hard to diagnose because there may be no symptoms or symptoms may mimic other diseases. In only about 65% of confirmed cases did patients notice a tick before they became ill. Once a person has been outside, he or she should thoroughly check for ticks. A whole body inspection every three to four hours is safest when in grassy or wooded areas. Look along the hairline, in the hair and ears, and where clothing fits snugly.

Tips to avoid contact with a tick include:

1. Wearing light-colored, long sleeved shirts and pants that you can tuck into your socks when working or walking in areas likely to have ticks.

2. Spraying arms and legs with an insect repellent containing DEET or picaridin(unless you are pregnant).

3. Removing leaves, brush and tall grass around houses, pathways and gardens.

4. Washing and drying clothes as soon as possible, preferably at a hot temperature once you come inside.

If you do find a tick on your skin, the department recommends that you remove the tick right away - but do not touch it with bare hands. Use tweezers to grip the tick behind its head and as close to the skin as you can. Gently pull it off. If tweezers are not available, use your fingers wearing gloves or a tissue. Health department officials say once the tick is removed, hands should be washed and the tick bite area should be treated with an antiseptic - such as iodine scrub, rubbing alcohol, or soap and water. The health department also recommends marking a calendar on the date the tick was found and watch for symptoms for at least a month. After a bite, a "bull's eye rash" of red circles can appear. Other early symptoms may include fever, joint and muscle pains, headache or feeling tired. Contact a physician if any symptoms appear. If left untreated, the infection can lead to serious illnesses of the heart, joints and nervous symstem.

source: http://www.broadneck.patch.com/

DOES MY PARENT NEED A NURSE?

Many people begin the search for their aging parent's home health care needs by looking for a nurse. A Registered Nurse(RN) does make home visits to assess the patient's condition, monitor their vital signs(blood pressure, pulse), perform wound care and review medications. This "skilled" home health care visit is covered 100% by Medicare.

This may or may not be what your loved one needs. Does your mother or father need medical attention at home? Or does your elderly parent need someone who will stay at least a few hours a day, a few times a week to help them with bathing, dressing, walking safely or other personal care? Does your aging relative need help managing daily houshold tasks such as: cooking, laundry, shopping, light housekeeping or provide transportation to appointments and medication prompts?

They may in fact need both. It is advisable to choose a company which can monitor and manage your mom or dad's needs as a whole. This leads to better overall care and recuperation. Harbor Health Home Care can refer a caregiver to your parent's home. For intermittent medical home -health supervision, Harbor Health Home Care can provide the skills of a Registered Nurse, Physical, Occupational or Speech Therapist, and/or a Medical Social Worker.

An intake coordinator will speak with you to clarify the type of help your mother or father needs and other benefits they may be entitled to. Please call with any questions: 810-765-7144 or toll free 888-418-2273.

Bastille Day, the French national holiday, commemorates the storming of the Bastille, which took place on 14 July 1789 and marked the beginning of the French Revolution. The Bastille was a prison and a symbol of the absolute and arbitrary power of Louis the 16th's Ancient Regime. By capturing this symbol, the people signaled that the king's power was no longer absolute: power should be based on the Nation and be limited by a separation of powers.

SHOWER AND BATH SAFETY FOR SENIORS

Many of us take shower and bath safety for granted. When we are young, it never seems to be much of an issue because our bodies respond quickly and are harder to injure from simple falls. However, as we age, it becomes apparent that even a slight fall can cause serious injuries. This is the reality that senior citizens live with on a day to day basis. The typical shower or bath can become a dangerous place for them as they may have weakened strength or may slip easily due to balance issues. Though there is no substitution for caution, there are ways to help make bathing safer.
Falling may not seem very dangerous at first sight, but the statistics for fall-related deaths for seniors is astounding. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention has reported that for older adults, the leading cause of injury deaths were the result of falls. In 2005, approximately 1.8 million seniors were treated in emergency departments for nonfatal injuries that were the result of falls. From that, 15,800 people 65 years or older died from the injuries they received by falling.
Education is one of the first steps to helping prevent falls and the injuries they cause. However, with some cases, knowledge may not be enough. In places where water is present(e.g. bathrooms, kitchens), it may be difficult to be aware of potential slip hazards, especially for older adults whose eyesight is diminishing. Also, being as that older adults may have difficulty getting in and out of the bathtub, it is important to find ways to make bathing safer. Installing walk in tubs for the elderly may help, though other types of structural changes may still be required.
One way to help make the home a safer place is to remove slippery surfaces. Rugs may seem like a good idea, but if they do not have a non-slip backing, or aren't taped down securely, they can actually increase the risk of falling. Handles are a great addition, but they also need to be non-slip. Placing handles around the bathtub and toilet can help an older adult stand up more easily, which can provide more privacy and independence. Having a chair in the shower can help provide relief to older adults who cannot stand for long periods of time, but these, too need to be slip proof.
It is important not to deny the shocking reality that falling is a serious risk to our older relatives. However, there are ways to help prevent the risk of injury or death by implementing a few changes. Removing trip hazards, improving lighting, installing safety rails, exercising regularly and getting annual eye checks from the optometrist can help reduce the risk of our older relatives from suffering serious and fatal injuries from falling.

UNDERSTANDING PARKINSON'S DISEASE


Parkinson's disease(PD) is a degenerative disorder of the central nervous system. It was first described in 1817 by James Parkinson, a British physician who published a paper on what he called "the shaking palsy." In this paper, he set forth the major symptoms of the disease that wold later bear his name.


SYMPTOMS: Early symptoms of PD are subtle and occur gradually. Affected people may feel mild tremors or have difficulty getting out of a chair. They may notice that they speak too softly or that their handwriting is slow and looks cramped or small. They may lose track of a work or thought, or they may feel tired, irritable, or depressed for no apparent reason. This very early period may last a long time before the more classic and obvious symptoms appear.

• Tremor. The tremor associated with PD has a characteristic appearance. Typically, the tremor takes the form of a rhythmic back-and-forth motion at a rate of 4-6 beats per second. It may involve the thumb and forefinger and appear as a "pill rolling" tremor. Tremor often begins in a hand, although sometimes a foot or the jaw is affected first. It is most obvious when the hand is at rest or when a person is under stress.




• Rigidity. Rigidity, or a resistance to movement, affects most people with PD. A major principle of body movement is that all muscles have an opposing muscle. Movement is possible not just because one muscle becomes more active, but because the opposing muscle relaxes. In PD, rigidity comes about when, in response to signals from the brain, the delicate balance of opposing muscles is disturbed.




• Bradykinesia. Bradykinesia, or the slowing down and loss of spontaneous and automatic movement, is particularly frustrating because it may make simple tasks somewhat difficult.




• Postural Instability. Postural instability, or impaired balance, causes patients to fall easily. A number of other symptoms may accompany PD. Some are minor, others are not. Many can be treated with medication or physical therapy. No one can predict which symptoms will affect an individual patient, and the intensity of the symptoms varies from person to person.




• Depression. Depression is a common problem and may appear early in the course of the disease, even before other symptoms are noticed. Fortunately, depression usually can be successfully treated with antidepressant medications.




• Emotional changes. Some people with PD become fearful and insecure.




• Difficulty with swallowing and chewing. Muscles used in swallowing may work less efficiently in later stages of the disease.




• Speech changes. About half of all PD patients have problems with speech.




• Urinary problems or constipation. In some patients, bladder and bowel problems can occur due to the improper functioning of the autonomic nervous system, which is responsible for regulating smooth muscle activity.




• Sleep problems. Sleep problems common in PD include difficulty staying asleep at night, restless sleep, nightmares and emotional dreams, and drowsiness or sudden sleep onset during the day. Patients with PD should never take over-the-counter sleep aids without consulting their physicians.




• Dementia or other cognitive problems. Some, but not all, people with PD may develop memory problems and slow thinking. In some of these cases, cognitive problems become more severe, leading to a condition called Parkinson's dementia late in the course of the disease. This dementia may affect memory, social judgment, language, reasoning, or other mental skills.




• Orthostatic Hypotension. Orthostatic hypotension is a dudden drop in blood pressure when a person stands up from a lying down position. This may cause dizziness, lightheadedness, and in extreme cases, loss of balance or fainting.




• Muscle cramps and Dystonia. The rigidity and lack of normal movement associated with PD often causes muscle cramps, especially in the legs and toes. Massage,stretching, and applying heat may help with these cramps.




• Pain. Many people with PD develop aching muscles and joints because of the rigidity and abnormal postures often associated with the disease.




• Fatigue and loss of energy. The unusual demands of living with PD often lead to problems with fatigue, especially late in the day. Fatigue may be associated with depression or sleep disorders, but it also may result from muscle stress or from overdooing activity when the person feels well.

COPING WITH PD:

While PD usually progress slowly, eventually the most basic daily routines may be affected - from socializing with friends and enjoying mormal relationships with family members, to earning a living and taking care of a home. These changes can be difficult to accept. Support groups can help people cope with the disease emotionally. These groups can also provide valuable information, advice, and experience to help people with PD, their families, and their caregivers deal with a wide range of issues, including locating doctors familiar with the disease and coping with physical limitations. People with PD also can benefit from being proactive and finding out as much as possible about the disease in order to alleviate fear of the unknown and to take a positive role in maintaining their health. Many people with PD continue to work either full or part time, although eventually they may need to adjust their schedule and working environment to cope with the disease.

source: www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/parkinsons_disease

8 TIPS FOR SAFE COOKOUTS

Check out these tips from the U.S. Department of Agriculture before you fire up the grill. Following proper guidelines will help keep your summer cookouts and picnics safe and tasty.

1. Buy cold food last when shopping. Keep raw meat and poultry separate from other groceries. Refrigerate perishable food within two hours - or one hour if the temperature is above 90 degrees.

2. Thaw meat completely before grilling so it cooks evenly. Thaw slowly in the fridge or use microwave defrost to thaw food that's going right on the grill.

3. Marinate food in the fridge, not on the kitchen counter. Poultry and cubed meat or stew meat can be marinated up to 2 days. Beef, veal, pork, and lanb roasts, chops, and steaks may be marinated up to 5 days. Don't reuse marinade from raw meat unless it is boiled to destroy bacteria.

4. Keep food cold when transporting it. Pack it right from fridge to insulated cooler with ice/ice packs just before you leave home. Keep the cooler out of the sun and avoid opening the lid too often. Pack beverages in one cooler and food in a separate one.

5. Don't use the same platter/utensils for raw meat and cooked meat.

6. Reduce grilling time by pre-cooking food partially in a microwave, oven or stove. Make sure the food goes immediately from the kitchen to the grill.

7. Use a food thermometer to make sure meat on the grill reaches a safe minimum internal temperature. NEVER partially grill meat or poultry and finish cooking it later.

8. In weather 90 degrees or warmer, food should never sit out for more than an hour.

source: http://www.salisbury.patch.com/

FOURTH OF JULY

The Fourth of July was the date that our forefathers signed the Declaration of Independence by the Continental Congress in Philadelphia in 1776. Americans have celebrated this event for centuries on their own, but in 1941, Congress finally established the Fourth of July(Independence Day) as a legal holiday. It was John Adams who wrote his wife and said that the event should be celebrated with pomp and circumstance, parades, shows, games and other stuff. What he described is the Fourth of July celebration as we know it today. The first official 4th of July party was in 1777 in Philadelpha. Warships along the docks fired a 13-gun salute in honor of the 13 states. The soldiers who were in the area, paraded through the streets. By 1788, the 4th of July celebration also commemorated the U.S. Constitution as well, which was recently approved by 10 of the 13 states. That year was the first 4th of July parade, with horse-drawn floats, one of which was a huge eagle carrying the Justices of the U.S. Supreme Court. The Fourth of July today is a day most Americans stop to celebrate their freedom, appreciate their country, pay respect to those that died to protect us and fly the flag or display it's red, white and blue colors in any fashion they choose.

source: www.brownielocks.com

CONGRATULATIONS TO LINDA FOSTER!! Linda is our June Employee Appreciation raffle winner! There were 24 entries this month. We also want to acknowledge the seven people currently in the running for our $200.00 end of the year raffle: Christine Andrus, Ruth Atkins, David Bowman, Barb Cameron, Dorothy Stolicker, Lori Voigt, and Julie Wonsey have not missed a shift or turned in late paperwork since we started the raffle in February!! Keep up the great work everyone...

JULY IS HEMOCHROMATOSIS SCREENING MONTH


Hemochromatosis is a disorder that results in too much iron being absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract. There are two forms of hemochromatosis: primary and secondary. Primary is usually caused by a specific genetic problem that causes too much iron to be absorbed. When people with this condition have too much iron in their diet, the extra iron is absorbed in the gastrointestinal tract and builds up in the body tissues, particularly the liver. The result is liver swelling. Primary hemochromatosis is the most common genetic disorder in the United States, affecting and estimated 1 of every 200-300 Americans.


Secondary, or acquired hemochromatosis can be caused by diseases such as thalassemia or sideroblastic anemia, especially if the person has received a large number of blood transfusions. Occasionally, it may be seen with hemolytic anemia, chronic alcoholism, and other conditions.


Hemochromatosis affects more men than women. It is particularly common in Caucasioans of western European descent. Symptoms are often seen in men between the ages of 30 and 50 and in women over 50, although some people may develop problems by age 20. You have a higher risk of hemochromatosis if someone else in your family has or had the condition.


SYMPTOMS

• Abdominal pain




• Fatigue




• Generalized darkening of skin color(often referred to as bronzing)




• Joint pain




• Lack of energy




• Loss of body hair




• Loss of sexual desire




• Weight loss




• Weakness

The goal of treatment is to remove excess iron from the body and treat any organ damage. A procedure called phlebotomy is the best method for removing excess iron from the body. One-half liter of blood is removed from the body each week until the body iron level is normal. This may require many months or even years to accomplish. After that, less frequent phlebotomy is needed to maintain normal iron levels. How often you need this procedure depends on your symptoms and your levels of hemoglobin and serum ferritin, and how much iron you take in your diet.

source: http://www.ncbi.nlm.hih.gov/