WORLD AIDS DAY IS CELEBRATED ON DECEMBER 1 EACH YEAR AROUND THE WORLD. IT HAS BECOME ONE OF THE MOST RECOGNIZED INTERNATIONAL HEALTH DAYS AND A KEY OPPORTUNITY TO RAISE AWARENESS, COMMEMORATE THOSE WHO HAVE PASSED ON, AND CELEBRATE VICTORIES SUCH AS INCREASED ACCESS TO TREATMENT AND PREVENTION SERVICES.

TIPS FOR CARING FOR YOURSELF WHEN A LOVED ONE HAS ALZHEIMER'S DISEASE

The Alzheimer's Association recently reported that every 69 seconds one person develops Alzheimer's disease, leaving more than 4.9 million family members and friends to provide care for their loved one. After learning of a loved one's diagnosis, family members can sometimes become so focused on their loved ones' everyday needs that they overlook their own physical and mental health. Those caring for a loved one with Alzheimer's can do several things to not only help their loved one but also maintain their own health, including:

• PUT HEALTH FIRST. Caregivers should take time to ensure their own well-being through enjoyable activities, respite from caregiving, and maintaining good health through diet and exercise.




• RESEARCH ALZHEIMER'S DISEASE. This will help you plan ahead and know what to expect as the disease progresses.




• SHOW SENSITIVITY AND RESPECT. Help a loved one maintain dignity by speaking to a loved one in the same way you like to be spoken to.




• PLAN VISITS TO SIT AND TALK. Consider visiting with take-out sandwiches rather than making a homemade meal that can quickly become an added stress. Most loved ones would rather spend time together talking than watching you run around the kitchen.




• BE POSITIVE AND SET LIMITS. When someone makes unreasonable demands or is inflexible, critical or negative, change the subject and focus on the positive. Explain what you can and will do and what you cannot. Set time limits for discussions of health complaints and then decide what merits action.




• FIND A LOCAL ALZHEIMER'S SUPPORT GROUP. You are not alone. There are a number of support groups that can provide respite, hope and reassurance.

A licensed marriage and family therapist who specializes in eldercare can provide emotional support during this trying time.

source: http://www.sacbee.com/

YOUR PATH TO SUCCESSFUL CONTROL OF DIABETES

If you've had diabetes for a year or more, you've probably already learned the skills you need to manage your condition, yet it's natural to feel overwhelmed at times. You can make your management plan easier to live with. Try these tips ot help keep yourself on the path to good health.

EVALUATE YOUR LIFESTYLE - Write down the things in your life that make it hard to stick with your routine. Then think of ways to improve the situation. Here are some suggestions:

• Keep stress under control.






• Get moving.






• Eat well.






• Stay up to date with recommended exams






• Know what to do when you get sick.

ENCOURAGE SUPPORT - If family or friends seem to be undermining your efforts, sit down with them and talk seriously with them about how important their support is to you and your efforts. Let them know what you need to do to control your diabetes and how they can help.

PREPARE FOR SETBACKS - Everyone has setbacks. When you veer off course, try not to beat yourself up; that will only increase your risk for a relapse. Rather, ask yourself what made you start to slip:

• Are your goals too high? Small, easy-to-attain goals are easier to stick with.






• Are you having trouble sticking with your plan? Now may be the time to assess how well your management plan matches your lifestyle. Then talk with your doctor about making some changes.

REWARD YOURSELF - Make it part of your diabetes management plan to set reasonable goals, and then treat yourself when you reach one. Because you have diabetes, you have made many changes that we all should make for good health. Instead of focusing on what you've given up, try to remember what you have to gain from your healthy habits. A positive attitude can help you keep up with those habits for life.

source: http://www.inhealth.cnn.com/

HAPPY THANKSGIVING TO YOU AND YOURS FROM HARBOR HEALTH HOME CARE

HEALTHY EATING TIPS TO AVOID HOLIDAY WEIGHT GAIN THIS SEASON





While most Americans will gain just 1-2 pounds during the six-weeks from Thanksgiving through New Year's Day, those who struggle most with their weight often gain 5 or more pounds. The problem is, many Americans never lose the weight they gain during the holiday season, so it accounts for most of the wight gain they have in their lifetime. Here are 3 top ways to keep on track during the holiday season to keep weight in check.


1. If you Bite It, Write It. Keeping a food log of what a consumer eats and drinks during the holidays will help consumers awoid mindless eating and will help them stick with their resolve to NOT gain weight.


2. Eat a Protein -Packed Breakfast Every Day. Those who eat a protein-rich meal at breakfast eat fewer calories all day. Protein is the most filling nutrient and helps keep your hunger hormones in check.


3. Add Calorie-Poor, Nutrient-Rich Veggies into your meals. Veggies provide just 25-30 calories per serving and provide filling fiber. Using Hunt's canned tomatoes in your recipes can help keep you fuller on fewer calories.





source: http://www.prweb.com/

INSOMNIA FAQS: COMMON QUESTIONS ABOUT SLEEP DISTURBANCE

Insomnia is seriously under-diagnosed, misunderstood and untreated. Why? Who wants to go to the trouble to schedule a visit with their doctor, carve out the time for an appointment, and pay the expense associated with the visit and any prescription they get all for a few nights of missed sleep? Sound familiar? What you don't know may be harmful to your health. Find out right now if insomnia is nore than just missing a few winks.

What is insomnia? Insomnia is usually a symptom, typically secondary to something else. It is best characterized as the inability to fall asleep, stay asleep, or waking too early in the morning. These types of sleep disruptions are often indicators of other medical or psychological problems, such as sleep disorders or depression and anxiety.

What causes insomnia and what symptoms should I look for? Insomnia is thought to be symptomatic of other things. For instance, many psychiatrists have long noted a strong connection between depression sufferers and insomnia symptoms to the point that they believe insomnia is a symptom of depression and anxiety. But insomnia can also be caused by poor sleep hygiene or lifestyle habits and practices surrounding bedtime - you might not have a set bedtime, or keep the TV on while you are trying to sleep. You may drink a cup of coffee or a diet caffeinated soda too close to bedtime, or you might just be going through a spell of work-related stress that is keeping you awake. Symptoms to be on the look-out for include: fatigue during awake hours, problems concentrating, irritability, mood swings, and possible lack of good coordination.

How long does insomnia last? Insomnia can be short-term, even one night - called transient insomnia, or it could be long-term or chronic. Some people live with insomnia for years, passing it off as their "normal" sleep pattern. Most adults require between 7 and 9 hours of sleep per night. This can drop slightly as you age, but 3 hours of sleep is abnormal.

Is insomnia treatable? Insomnia treatments are available. Problem is that since insomnia is a big sign of some other problem your physician's overall goal is to diagnose the primary cause for your insomnia before he or she can provide treatment for the insomnia or secondary sleep disturbance. However, treatments can include: prescription sleep aids, non-prescription or over-the-counter sleep aids, sleep hygiene, alternative therapies, or cognitive behavioral therapy.

Do I have to see a doctor for this? Brief bouts of insomnia happen to most adults for one reason or another - relationship problems, pulling an all-nighter, PMS, stress at work, all of which usually resolve themselves. Long-term insomnia that affects your daily life shold be brought to the attention of your doctor. Remember, insomnia is a secondary symptom of something else going on physically or mentally.

Can insomnia be life-threatening? If insomnia is a secondary symptom to obstructive, central or complex sleep apnea, then yes it can be life-threatening. The insomnia itself is not the problem, but the root cause of the insomnia is dangerous.

source: http://www.insomnia.net/

GREAT AMERICAN SMOKEOUT

The American Cancer Society is marking the 36th Great American Smokeout on November 17 by encouraging smokers to use the date to make a plan to quit, or to plan in advance and quit smoking that day. By doing so, smokers will be taking an important step towards a healthier life - one that can lead to reducing cancer risk. Quitting smoking is not easy, but it can be done. To have the best chance of quitting successfully, you need to know what you're up against, what your options are, and where to go for help.

source: www.cancer.org

NATIONAL HOSPICE AND PALLIATIVE CARE MONTH


The month of November is nationally recognized as Hospice and Palliative Care Month. Hospice organizations such as the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization host events to increase awareness of palliative care and hospice.

Hospice care helps patients and families focus on living. This is the message that hospice organizations are sharing with the community during the month of November.

STOMACH CANCER AWARENESS MONTH


Statistics show that stomach cancers are the 4th most common cancer types globally and the leading cause of cancer related deaths worldwide. The American Cancer Society estimates about 21,000 cases of stomach cancer will be diagnosed in the U.S. this year and will result in an estimated 10,570 new deaths. Int he past 30 years the overall 5-year relative survival rate has improved gradually in the U.S. but still remains a grim 28%.


Like most cancers, early detection is the key to surviving this disease. Some families are at a greater risk for Hereditary Diffuse Gastric Cancer(HDGC) syndrome with lifetime risks for stomach cancer, lobular breast cancer and colon cancer. However, genetic counseling and a simple genetic test can screen for this syndrome. Other factors that may increase yor risk of stomach cancer include eating foods containing aflatoxin fungus, infection involving Heliocobacter pylori, long -term stomach inflammation, ernicious anemia, stomach polyps, and smoking. In addition, if you suffer from abdominal pain, persistent nausea and/or vomiting, loss of appetite, blood in the stools or abdominal bloating, you should see your doctor immediately.


While the exact cause of stomach cancer is still unclear you can reduce your risk by maintaining a healthy lifestyle. A healthy diet, not smoking, and being aware of your family history are some good ways to start. In honor of Stomach Cancer Awareness month, we encourage you to take the time to investigate your family history and educate yourself and others about this disease.


source: http://www.standup2cancer.org/

HARBOR HEALTH HOME CARE RECOGNIZES VETERANS DAY - THANK YOU TO ALL OF OUR VETERANS!

CELIAC DISEASE AWARENESS MONTH

Celiac disease is a lifelong inherited autoimmune condition affecting children and adults. When people with celiac disease eat foods that contain gluten, it creates an immune-mediated toxic reaction that causes damage to the small intestine and does not allow food to be properly absorbed. Even small amounts of gluten in foods can affect those with celiac disease and cause health problems. Damage can occur to the small bowel even when there are no symptoms present.

Gluten is the common name for the proteins in specific grains that are harmful to persons with celiac disease. These proteins are found in ALL forms of wheat(including durum, semolina, spelt, kamut, einform and faro) and related grains rye, barley and triticale and must be eliminated.


source: http://www.celiac.org/

NOVEMBER IS NATIONAL LUNG CANCER AWARENESS MONTH

Lung cancer is a tragic disease that takes a terrible toll on those with the disease, as well as their loved ones. Lung cancer is the leading cancer killer in both men and women in the United States. In fact, more people die from lung cancer than any other type of cancer. The American Lung Association has long been the leader in the fight against lung cancer and is taking new steps to help both patients and thier families.

The Lung Association is proud to support National Lung Cancer Awareness Month, and encourages all Americans to take time to learn about the deadliest of cancers and join us in the fight for the cure.

source: http://www.lungusa.org/

CONGRATULATIONS TO SHARON TUMMINELLO WHO WAS OUR OCTOBER EMPLOYEE APPRECIATION WINNER!! KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK EVERYONE...OUR BIG YEAR END DRAWING WILL BE ON THE 12/07 PAYROLL...GOOD LUCK!

NOVEMBER IS COPD AWARENESS MONTH

Did you know that COPD is the fourth leading cause of death in the U.S.? Or that it affects more than 12 million Americans? Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease(COPD) - which includes emphysema and chronic bronchitis - is a term used to describe the obstruction of airflow. As part of their commitment to lung health, the American Lung Association has created new tools for COPD patients and partnering with others to help people with COPD live healthier, more active lives.

source: http://www.lungusa.org/

AMERICAN DIABETES MONTH

With nearly 26 million children and adults in America living with diabetes, and another 79 million at high risk for developing type 2 diabetes, the disease is taking a devastating physical, emotional and financial toll on our country. Yet, most Americans don't donsider diabetes a serious matter. They feel it is someone else's responsibility; someone else's problem.

Recent numbers by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention paint a desperate situation of where we are at, and where we are headed:

• Every 17 seconds, someone is diagnosed with diabetes.




• Diabetes kills more people each year than breast cancer and AIDS combined.




• Recent estimates project that as many as 1 in 3 American adults will have diabetes in 2050 unless we take steps to STOP diabetes.

November is American Diabetes Month, a time to rally individuals, communities and families to Join the Millions in the movement to STOP diabetes. This year, the American Diabetes Association is asking individuals to take a pledge and raise their hand to STOP diabetes.

source: http://www.diabetes.org/