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The pressure is on: 5 ways to get your blood pressure under control

Mon, 30 Apr 2012 09:29:58 GMT

Beat by beat, your heart forces blood to circulate through your body to vital organs and tissues, to deliver the oxygen you need for your body to properly function. The process is referred to as your blood pressure and good blood pressure levels are key clinician indicators of good health. Almost 68 million Americans have high blood pressure, which is also called hypertension. This condition increases the risk of heart disease and stroke, which are the first and third leading causes of death in this country, respectively.

It’s National High Blood Pressure Education Month in May and we want to take a moment to look at hypertension and prevention.

Blood pressure is expressed through two numbers, the systolic and diastolic. The systolic, the first number, measures the pressure when your heart beats. The diastolic, the second number, measures the pressure between beats.

Normal:
Systolic: Less than 120 mmHg
Diastolic: less than 80mmHg

Prehypertension (“at risk” blood pressure):
Systolic: 120–139 mmHg
Diastolic: 80–89 mmHg

High:
Systolic: 140 mmHg or higher
Diastolic: 90 mmHg or higher

If you’re concerned about hypertension, here are some tips that may apply to you since about 28% of American adults have prehypertension.

Five ways to prevent or help lower blood pressure
1. Know your numbers. Get your blood pressure checked regularly by your physician. You can keep an informal eye on it by using blood pressure machines found in many pharmacies.

2. Watch the scale. Anything above “normal” on the body mass index (BMI) increases your risk. Check your BMI here.

3. Get moving. Consistent, regular exercise makes your heart stronger, and a stronger heart moves the blood through your body with less effort. That means lower blood pressure.

4. Ban the saltshaker. Too much salt in your diet causes salt to move from your kidneys into your bloodstream, which attracts water and increases blood volume and blood pressure. For people with high blood pressure, limit salt intake to 1,500 mg per day.

5. If you have hypertension and your physician prescribes medication, always take it as directed and keep an eye on your blood pressure.

So, protect your health by being aware of your blood pressure numbers, understand where you might be at risk, and consciously perform the healthy activities that support a strong heart and healthy blood pressure.

Ten things you didn’t know about cataracts

Tue, 06 Mar 2012 14:08:02 GMT

The human eye is one of the most complex organs in the human body. It also happens to be one that continues to hold a great deal of mystery for scientists. Despite the fact that we have a lot of information, we don’t have a lot of answers. Some of the most simple ophthalmic issues are still without a cure. What’s more, are many eye conditions and diseases that are preventable and some that are not, yet. Considering all of the scientific mystery that surrounds this life-vital organ, the good news is that we do have a great deal of information and curative measures for cataracts.

A cataract is a gradual clouding of the lens in the eye and it affects vision. It’s a fairly common condition in older adults, but fortunately one with many options for treatment, including new glasses, brighter lighting, anti-glare sunglasses or surgery.

People with cataracts often describe their eyesight as blurry with faded colors, strong glare, poor night vision and double vision.

Here are ten things you may not know about cataracts:

1. By age 80, more than half of all Americans will have cataracts or have already had surgery for it. Still further, science points to factual data that cataracts are almost inevitable for anyone that lives to be 80.

2. There are five different types of cataracts: age-related, congenital (present at birth), secondary (linked to another condition, like diabetes), radiation (after radiation exposure) and traumatic (the result of an injury).

3. The origin of the word “cataract” is the Greek kataraktes, meaning something that is rushing or swooping down. Doctors in the 16th century started calling the clouding of the eye cataracts, using a simile for something that swooped in and robbed the eye of light.

5. A cataract cannot spread from one eye to the other.

5. The lens of the eye, which focuses light onto the retina at the back of the eye, is made up of mostly water and protein. Technically speaking, cataracts are the result of excessive protein build-up or clumping which then causes the “cloudy” affect that is seen on the surface of the eye.

6. Wearing sunglasses and a wide-brimmed hat or ball cap to block ultraviolet sunlight may help to prevent or delay cataracts.

7. Smoking and alcohol use can increase the risk of forming cataracts.

8. Cataracts don’t always need to be removed right away. Surgery is generally only recommended when there is marked interference with everyday activities, like reading the paper, driving a car, or watching television.

9. Surgery involves removing the cloudy lens and replacing it with an artificial lens, often made of acrylic or silicone.

10. An experimental image-guided laser technique is being tested as a new way to treat cataracts. This would allow eye surgeons to perform cataract surgeries more quickly and precisely. Some patients might even end up with 20/20 vision!

Ophthalmologists recommend that anyone over the age of 60 should consider visiting a healthcare professional at least once every two years for a comprehensive, dilated eye exam. This facilitates regular checks for cataracts and other eye diseases, like macular degeneration and glaucoma. Early prevention and good eye care is important for the treatment of any eye condition.

Physical therapy treatments for foot drop

Tue, 06 Mar 2012 13:43:20 GMT

“Foot drop” is not a disease, but rather a symptom of neurological, muscular or anatomical problems. Foot drop is when the patient has trouble lifting the front part of the foot while walking to avoid tripping on it.

The goal of foot drop therapy is to help the patient regain a regular gait and walk safely. Treatment will vary depending on the cause. In many cases, physical therapy and exercise can help with this muscle weakness or paralysis. Physical therapists help the patient retrain and strengthen the muscles that lead to foot drop.

Here are some of the commonly used exercises for foot drop therapy:

Ball Lift

The patient sits on a chair, holding the sides for support, with a tennis ball on the ground. He or she then tries to grab and lift the ball with the toes (bare feet) and bring it up as high as possible. Repeat ten times. Take a half-minute break and repeat three sets (with breaks in-between).

Leg Flex

Sitting on the floor with legs extended in front, the patient lifts the affected leg a few inches off the ground and flexes the toes so that they face the abdomen, holding for five seconds. He or she then flexes the leg in the opposite direction so that the toes point away from the body. Hold position for five seconds. Repeat ten times.

Foot Stretch

The patient sits on the floor with legs out, looping a towel over the top half of the affected foot. He or she then pulls the towel with both ends toward the body, stretching out the toes for six seconds, taking a half-minute break, and repeating six times.

Cycling

The cycling motion is quite effective, whether done on a stationary bike, real bicycle, or lying on the floor and making the cycling motion in the air with the legs.

Physical therapists will emphasize to patients how critical it is for them to do their exercises, even on days when they don’t have therapy. People can often be functional and independent with this symptom, particularly with the help of a physical therapist.

Read more about AseraCare’s rehabilitative services here.

Physical therapists help patients recover after knee replacement

Tue, 14 Feb 2012 10:36:54 GMT

The knee is the largest joint in the body, and replacing it requires major surgery with significant recovery time. A physical therapist (PT) is an integral part of the team of medical professionals who help recovery and recuperation happen. The PT works hand-in-hand with the orthopedic surgeon for the advancement of exercise program and for orders on weight-bearing precautions.

There are two things critical to a patient’s full recovery: Regular exercise to restore knee mobility and strength and a gradual return to normal life activities. It’s likely that a PT will recommend two sets of exercise sessions per day, each 20-30 minutes, along with two to three 30-minute walks.

Early postoperative exercises can start in the recovery room shortly after surgery. Though the patient may feel uncomfortable, the exercises will quicken recovery and actually diminish pain. Commonly, the PT will include things like straight leg raises; ankle pumps; knee-straightening exercises; sitting supported knee bends; and sitting unsupported knee bends.

Walking is resumed shortly after surgery, as well, for short distances and with a walker or crutches. The PT will tell the patient how much weight to put on the leg and will demonstrate correct foot and knee placement with each step. One key is not to hurry!

Later in recovery, usually two to three weeks, the PT will help transition the patient to a cane or single crutch. Going up and down stairs is a next big step because it requires strength and flexibility. This is an excellent strengthening and endurance activity, though patients need to be careful to use the handrail and not attempt to climb steps higher than the standard seven-inch height.

Advanced exercises and activities include standing knee bends, assisted knee bends, knee exercises with resistance and riding an exercise bike.

Regaining full strength and mobility will take many months, but attention to a PT’s direction, and dedication to exercises will speed it along and make for healthy healing.

Resources that can help you pay for home health care

Thu, 26 Jan 2012 11:19:02 GMT

Caregiving for a loved one is an expensive proposition, but there are hundreds of federal, state and local government programs designed to lend a hand, and sometimes a big one.

You’ll need a computer to do this research—head to your local public library if you don’t have one at home. Start your investigation with these two sites:

www.Benefitscheckup.org – This free site is a service of the National Council on Aging (NCOA), designed to help adults over 55 who need help paying for prescription drugs, health care, utilities and other basic needs. There are over 2,000 federal, state and private benefits programs available to help. But many people don’t know these programs exist or how they can apply.

www.Benefits.gov – In this one site, users can access information on nearly 1,000 government benefit and assistance programs. You’ll need lots of info to get started: your parent’s disability status, income, property owned, veteran status and education level. Use that to fill out the online form and afterwards, you’ll have lists of government programs, supplements and/or services.

Here is a guide to some heavy-hitting programs, agencies and people you should know about.

1. Medicare
For those who are eligible, Part D prescription drug coverage funds an average of 90 percent of the cost of prescription drugs. If your loved one is low income, Medicare may subsidize all but about $10 of the monthly premiums. Learn more about it at www.medicare.gov.

2. Social Security
If your loved one’s Social Security benefits were earned based on lower-paying jobs, and if the benefits are the only source of income, there may be a larger monthly benefit available by applying for its Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program. The program may be operated federally or in conjunction with your state government. The welfare-based Medicaid program is also administered through the Social Security Administration, though the operation may be directed by your state government.

3. Your legislative representatives
Every senator and most representatives have staff specialists on elder affairs, programs and services. These folks are both advocates and sources of information. They listen. Find your senator at www.senate.gov and your representative at www.house.gov.

4. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)
Is your loved one a military veteran with a service-related disability? If this is the case, you may be able to apply for a benefit increase, especially if the disability has gotten worse over the years. There are multiple types and levels of VA compensation and pension programs. Spend some time at www.va.gov to learn more.

5. Administration on Aging (AoA)
The AoA offers myriad resources for those over 55. Go to their website and start browsing for information on things like health insurance counseling, legal assistance, local programs, caregiving and information about long-term care. www.aoa.gov

6. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
Many older Americans take multiple medications from different doctors. As a caregiver, you’ll want to know about possible interactions, each drug’s function, side effects and proper times of day to take them. The FDA’s website has an enormous database on every prescription drug approved by the agency—you can learn about active ingredients, function, dosing recommendations, side effects and possible drug interactions. www.fda.gov/cder/index.html

7. Area Agency on Aging
Did you know that it is federally mandated that every county or city have a local Area Agency on Aging? Make use of these professionals and volunteers, who are proficient in services and programs for those over 55, both national, state and local. The staffer can offer advice on how to qualify for these programs. Look up your local agency online or in the phone book and call for an in-person visit.

In conclusion
With these resources, caregivers can become informed about the huge number of resources to help with their aging parents. It can help ease any difficulties and make the load a little lighter.

January is Glaucoma Awareness Month

Mon, 23 Jan 2012 12:50:24 GMT

Glaucoma is a “sneak thief of sight” because it is a disease that presents few or no symptoms and once sight is gone, it’s permanent. Shockingly, a person can lose up to 40 percent of his or her vision before noticing, so it’s imperative to screen for this leading cause of preventable blindness.

This month is a prime time to spread the word because January is National Glaucoma Awareness Month, which affects more than 2.2 million Americans. It is estimated that about half of those people don’t know they have glaucoma. While the most common forms of this disease affect those in middle age or older, it can hit at any age. Also, it is six to eight times more common in African Americans than Caucasians and is a leading cause of blindness in African American and Latino populations.

The key message of National Glaucoma Awareness Month is for everyone to get annual eye exams to screen for this disease and protect vision.

How does glaucoma cause vision loss?
Glaucoma is a condition that happens when there is too much pressure inside the eye. This high intraocular pressure can cause damage to the optic nerve, which is the pathway for images to travel from the eye to the brain. As the damage to the optic nerve continues, vision loss will start and without medical intervention, complete, irreversible blindness can happen in a matter of a few years.

We don’t have any cure for this disease, but we do have effective treatments that can lower that intraocular pressure and slow or prevent continued vision loss. The vital factor is early detection, before partial or total blindness occurs.

Risk factors for glaucoma
Do you know your risk for glaucoma? While everyone should be screened, it is particularly important for those at an increased risk, such as people who:

* Are African-American, Irish, Russian, Japanese, Hispanic, Inuit, or Scandinavian descent

* Are over age 60

* Have a family history of glaucoma

* Have diabetes

* Take certain steroid medications, such as prednisone

* Are severely nearsighted

Types and symptoms of glaucoma
There are two main types of glaucoma: primary open-angle glaucoma and angle-closure glaucoma.

Primary open-angle glaucoma is the most common form and there are virtually no symptoms, except actual vision loss, usually gradually and of peripheral vision in both eyes. In advanced cases, the person may have tunnel vision.

The less common angle-closure glaucoma does actually have signs and may only affect one eye:

* Severe eye pain

* Nausea and vomiting with the eye pain

* Blurred vision and/or seeing haloes around lights

* Profuse tearing

* Reddening of the eye

If you experience the symptoms of either form of glaucoma, see your eye care professional immediately.

Help Raise Awareness
According to the World Health Organization, glaucoma is the second leading cause of blindness in the world. In this country, glaucoma has robed the vision of about 120,000 people, which is between 9-12 percent of all cases of blindness.

During Glaucoma Awareness Month, you can help get out the message that the number one way to protect vision from this “sneak thief of sight” is to get an eye exam. Talk to your family, especially those at higher risk, about eye health and ask if they’ve had a comprehensive eye exam in the last year.

If you have glaucoma, let others know. You could inspire someone to make an eye appointment and get screened.

Remaining in Your Home as You Age

Tue, 06 Mar 2012 14:18:06 GMT

Most people want to remain in their homes as they grow older and an occupational therapist can play a key role in allowing that happen.

The normal aging process often brings difficulties in remaining independent, and assistance or changes might be needed for a person to manage daily tasks and self care.

An occupational therapist can provide an evaluation in a patient’s home to assess that person’s skills, abilities and safety, making recommendations that meet the person’s needs and reassure family members.

If there are physical limitations, the occupational therapist might suggest adding adaptive equipment, like grab bars or stair lifts, lowering counter heights, adding railings, replacing doorknobs with lever style handles, widening doorways, and other similar things.

An occupational therapist also provides training on adaptive equipment to be sure the recommendations are right for the patient and will be used.

Another concern might be mobility: getting to the grocery store, social events and doctor’s appointments. An occupational therapist can help a person consider and weigh the options. First, this might mean conducting a driving evaluation to identify and address problem areas. He or she can help set up a Car Fit appointment (www.car-fit.org) to make sure the patient’s car is properly adjusted for the person. The occupational therapist can also help the patient assess non-diving options, like public transportation and community vans and buses for people over 65 or with disabilities, like low vision.

An occupational therapist helps people do the things they want and need to do, like stay in their homes as they age. The therapist is instrumental in increasing safety, easy and ability for the present and the future.

Exercising with Arthritis

Tue, 06 Mar 2012 13:42:58 GMT

The pain of arthritis can give some people pause when considering an exercise plan. But this is one of the most important components to staying healthy with the condition. There are so many reasons to make moderate physical activity a regular part of your life.

* Strengthen the muscles surrounding your joints

* Help maintain bone strength

* Decrease fatigue and increase energy

* Improve quality of sleep

* Increase flexibility and stamina

* Help with weight control

* Improve sense of well-being

* Help with performance of daily tasks, like buttoning a shirt

Now that you know some of the great reasons to get moving, let’s look at how you can make your start. First, consider carefully what is within your physical limits and what kinds of exercise are going to help you see results. This means taking a trip to you doctor to see if your plan is indeed a good one and to learn of any precautions specific to your situation.

You might also consult a physical therapist (PT) for assessment of your fitness level, arthritis pain and joint protection needs. A PT is expert at body movement and can formulate a reasonable plan for you with goals and benchmarks. They’ll even help you start an exercise log so that you can keep track of your new healthy habit.

There are four main categories of exercise: flexibility, strengthening, cardiovascular and general exercise.

Flexibility exercises

Are you stiff with limited range of motion in your joints? Flexibility exercises, also known as range-of-motion exercises, involve moving your joints through their normal range of movement. Examples include raising your arms over your head or bending forward and backward from the waist. This kind can be done every day.

Strengthening exercises

The stronger your muscles, the less stress you’ll be putting on your joints. This is because stronger muscles absorb shock and protect the joints, as well as improving your ability to move in general. Strengthening exercises use weight or resistance to work you muscles and build them up. Ideally, these are done three to four times a week.

Cardiovascular exercises

This is the type of aerobic, endurance movement that gets your heart pumping and moves the large muscles of the body in rhythmic, uninterrupted motions, preferably for 30 minutes three to four times per week. Popular cardio exercises include swimming, walking, bicycling, water aerobics and dancing. These activities make your heart, lungs, blood vessels and muscles work better. You’ll also likely see increased endurance, stronger bones, better sleep patterns, healthy weight and reduced stress, depression and anxiety. Quite a deal for something that feels great, too!

Other activities

All movement can help, even things that seem small. One excellent option for people with arthritis is tai chi, which is gentle, slow and may increase balance and prevent falls.

Plan for success

While you’re formulating your new exercise plan, remember to build time and intensity slowly, otherwise you risk injury. Exercise when your arthritis symptoms are least bothersome and pain and stiffness are at a minimum, like in the afternoon if mornings are a problem. If your joints are hot, avoid exercise altogether because it can worsen the situation.

Remember also to be consistent—some form of exercise should be performed daily if you want to see results. But don’t overdo it! Listen to your body during exercise and after—if you’re in pain more than two hours after your session, that means that the activity was too strenuous. Back off some the next day or rest altogether.

It might seem counterintuitive that moving more will help your joint pain and stiffness, but it’s actually a lack of exercise that can aggravate the condition. You’ll strengthen your muscles and create better support for your bones, leading to a healthier, more comfortable life. Enjoy!

The basics of wound pain and care

Wed, 16 Nov 2011 11:51:08 GMT

Wounds come in many shapes and sizes, but almost inevitably, they hurt. But the degree of pain will vary by location on the body, type and severity of the wound. For instance, a puncture wound may hurt less than a burn, even though the wound is deeper.

A wound is injury to your tissue and after injury, the tissue swells. That inflammation activates local pain receptors, which makes both the surrounding skin and deeper areas more sensitive. The actual pain can be from the tissue damage or nerve damage. An infection will increase pain.

Would care 101

Some wounds always need a doctor’s attention. If it has ragged edges or is deep, you may need stitches. Punctures or wounds involving rusty objects mean you’ll probably need a tetanus shot — always call your doctor, even if you think you are up-to-date on your shots.

Emergency situations: bleeding that spurts or won’t stop after 30 minutes of pressure applied by a clean cloth (elevate area); if there is a large object embedded in the wound; or if you’ve got a human or animal bite.

If you’re taking care of your wound at home, be quick. Tend it right away, because even a scrape needs to be carefully washed to rid it of bacteria, which causes infection.

Clean the wound with water only, holding it under running water to remove dirt. Things like soap, rubbing alcohol or hydrogen peroxide may irritate the area. If there’s still gunk in the wound, sterilize tweezers and carefully remove it. If there’s still dirt in it, seek medical attention because dirt can harbor bacteria.

Once you’ve cleaned the wound, apply antibiotic ointment three times a day, and cover the area with a sterile bandage. Each time you reapply the ointment, clean the wound. Apply a new bandage each day. Clean the skin around the wound with soap and water.

Keep a close eye on the wound. It should heal without growing red, warm or streaking red. See a doctor ASAP if these things happen.

What worsens wound pain?

During the healing process, pain can occur and intensify for several reasons.

The wound gets dry. The reason for applying antibiotic ointment is not just for infection control, but also to keep the wound moist. If you’ve got a lot of drainage from your wound and use an absorptive dressing, take care that it doesn’t suck up all the moisture.

Wound trauma can also cause pain. If you scratch or if the dressing sticks to the wound, you can cause further damage and therefore more pain by stimulating the nerve endings.

When wounds happen on areas with poor circulation, there tends to be more pain because of ischemia, or restriction in the blood supply. People with poor circulation tend to have more pain on limb elevation, or when temperatures drop.

Infection increases pain. An infection triggers inflammation and that creates fluid build up, which hurts against the already overly sensitive nerves. Prevent this with good hygiene and see a doctor if you get one.

For patients using wound vacs, pain levels can increase if there is too much vacuum pressure on the wound.

Tightly packed wounds are another cause of pain—there’s excessive pressure on nerve endings in this scenario and it actually delays healing.

These lists are by no means exhaustive, but should give you a good start with wound care and prevention. We’re committed with our care to helping people live with the most comfort possible.

Celebrating the triumph of living a longer life

Tue, 06 Mar 2012 13:42:37 GMT

There’s a huge demographic change afoot in the world. We’re living longer: worldwide, there are about 600 million folks over 60 and by 2025, that number will double, skyrocketing to almost two billion by 2050. The vast majority of these people—80%—are in the developing world.

People over 60 are an essential part of our world: through paid work and volunteering; caregiving for family members; and passing on insights and wisdom acquired through their experience. People over 60 are often vibrant, energetic, active folks with major contributions to make to societies the world around.

We’re here to celebrate all this today on International Day of the Older Person. Established by the United Nations in 1990, this day aims to bring appreciation to the contributions and challenges of this demographic. Population aging is a profound triumph, but also a huge challenge.

People over 60 sometimes face obstacles to living full, meaningful lives. During last year’s event, U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon called on governments to do more to address the needs of older persons. “The key interventions are well-known: granting universal access to social services; increasing the number and worth of pension plans; and creating laws and policies that prevent age and gender discrimination in the workplace," he said.

Older persons make major contributions to societies around the world. This is particularly true in Africa, where young and middle-aged AIDS patients are cared for by their parents. And upon the AIDS patients’ deaths, their orphaned children are left to be raised by grandparents. Right now, that number is a staggering 14 million under the age of 15 in African countries alone.

In developing countries, older people play critical roles, as well. In many Western counties, older women carry the primary role of caring for dependent or sick family members of all ages. A recent study showed that the average number of minutes per day spent in providing such care increases hugely with the caregiver’s age: 201 minutes if the caregiver is 65-74 and 318 minutes if aged 75-84. This is compared to 50 minutes if the caregiver is 30-49.

Some of the questions we’re asking on this International Day of the Older Person are:

How can we best honor and make use of the wisdom and experience of people over 60?
How can we improve the quality of life in the later parts of life?
How do we assist people in remaining independent and active as they age?
How do we best recognize and support the huge role that people play as they age in caring for others?
What kind of government policies aimed toward these people can be strengthened?
How can we promote the best health policies for people over 60?

Join us in this “active aging” conversation on Facebook and Twitter. We want to know how you would answer these questions.

Prostate Cancer Awareness Month

Wed, 16 Nov 2011 11:52:30 GMT

The third week of September is Prostate Cancer Awareness Week and we want to shine the light of awareness on this disease that will strike one in six men in their lifetimes. More than 240,000 men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer this year alone — this is a national public health priority. With awareness, we hope more men will get screened.

Researchers and doctors have made strides in the detection and treatment of prostate cancer, but it is still the most frequently diagnosed cancer and the second leading cause of cancer deaths for men. It’s even more important for African American men, who are twice as likely to get and die from prostate cancer.

Because the early stages of prostate cancer don’t usually cause any symptoms, annual medical checkups are critical. It’s a simple exam: a simple blood test and brief physical examination, which takes less than ten minutes. The Prostate Conditions Education Council (PCEC) is the coordinating organization for hundreds of prostate cancer screening sites across the country that offer free or low cost screenings to men over the age of 45 or high-risk males over the age of 35. Click here to find a screening site near you.

Prostate cancer in the later stages may cause symptoms. See your doctor immediately if you have any of the following:

Trouble urinating
Decreased force in the stream of urine
Blood in your urine
Blood in your semen
Swelling in your legs
Discomfort in the pelvic area
Bone pain

As with all cancers, early detection is key in recovery, so use Prostate Cancer Awareness Week to take care of yourself and schedule a quick screening.

Physical Therapists are Critical Players in Disease Prevention, Recovery

Thu, 08 Sep 2011 15:10:59 GMT

Obesity, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, respiratory disease and cancer are epidemic around the globe; they claim about 35 million people a year, which is 60% of all deaths. In the fight against these dangerous conditions, physical therapists are key figures — they are movement and exercise experts who can help prevent and control noncommunicable diseases. PTs are invaluable resources to the health community.

This is a great moment to celebrate the role PTs play in health — it’s World Physical Therapy Day. It comes right before a major United Nations summit in New York City on noncommunicable diseases, a time when they will talk about ways to prevent and control these things worldwide.

Physical inactivity is one of the biggest risk factors for mortality, according to the World Health Organization — it causes 3.2 million deaths per year globally. How can PTs help? They combat inactivity by maximizing people’s movement potential and promoting health. If a person has limitations that prevent him or her from being active and independent, a PT can help identify them and come up with working solutions.

PTs are particularly important when activity is being introduced to people who are overweight, unfit, older, or have chronic diseases. The therapist examines the person and recommends safe exercises. They have an advanced understanding of how the body moves and what hinders that movement, so they promote wellness, mobility and independence.

How do PTs make a difference? Here are some examples from the World Confederation for Physical Therapy. PTs:

Use their skills to treat the underlying causes of pain and limitations in movement and function
Use many treatment approaches to help individuals regain their mobility and maximize their potential
Promote healthy lifestyles and exercise
Treat each patient/client as an individual and thoroughly assess them to identify their needs
Work with older adults with coordination, balance and other movement problems to improve and maximize their independence.

So here's to PTs and the critical work they do--thank you!

Making a Difference with Telehealth

Tue, 21 Jun 2011 14:18:38 GMT

We have all heard it said a million times that you will never work a day in your life if you truly love what you do. This applies particularly to care providers.

There have been many times when I left a patient’s home or spoke with a family member and thought, “This is why I do what I do!” The euphoria and satisfaction come from knowing that I did my job well and that I made a difference in someone’s life. Maybe it was noticing something of clinical relevance and addressing it sooner rather than later, leading to an improved outcome for the patient. This feeling is what keeps clinicians motivated and what makes the extra effort--and sometimes physical exhaustion--worth it.

So, do we make a difference with the Philips® telemonitoring services? Yes! The evidence is clear. It is estimated that 54 percent of cardiac patient readmissions to a hospital are preventable with adequate discharge planning, education and follow-up. For 2010, our rehospitalization numbers out of Strategic Healthcare Programs (SHP) show that our telehealth patients have a readmission rate of only 12.3 percent compared with their non-telehealth counterparts, which are at 20.5 percent readmission. The SHP benchmark is higher than both of our numbers, at 24.4 percent. It is quite clear that clinical knowledge coupled with our telemonitoring program makes a big difference.

AseraCare has made an investment in its healthcare team and its patients by choosing to offer the telehealth program as a tool to improve patient outcomes. As evidenced by our SHP data, it has paid off in a big way!

5 Steps to Help Prevent Stroke

Wed, 08 Jun 2011 11:51:24 GMT

During my career as a physical therapist, I’ve worked with many stroke survivors on their quest to regain functioning and mobility. According to the American Heart Association, someone has a stroke every 40 seconds. Sometimes called a “brain attack,” a stroke is an interruption of the blood supply to any part of the brain due to blockage or bursting of blood vessels.

There are two major types of stroke: ischemic and hemorrhagic. Ischemic stroke occurs when a blood vessel that supplies blood to the brain is blocked by a blood clot. Hemorrhagic stroke occurs when a blood vessel in part of the brain becomes weak and bursts open, causing blood to leak into the brain. The flow of blood that occurs after the blood vessel ruptures damages brain cells.

High blood pressure is the number one risk factor for strokes. Other risk factors include atrial fibrillation, diabetes, family history of stroke, heart disease, high cholesterol and increasing age.

Take these steps to help prevent stroke:

1. Avoid fatty foods and follow a healthy, low-fat diet.
2. Do not drink more than 1 to 2 alcoholic drinks a day.
3. Exercise daily.
4. Check blood pressure and cholesterol regularly.
5. Do not smoke.

Should You Be Screened for Colon Cancer?

Thu, 10 Mar 2011 12:02:00 GMT

It’s Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, and according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States (of cancers that affect both men and women).

Also known as colon cancer, colorectal cancer is cancer of the large intestine or colon. Risk factors include being over the age of 50, having a sedentary lifestyle, smoking and having inflammatory intestinal conditions or diabetes. Radiation therapy directed at the abdomen to treat previous cancers may also increase the risk of colon cancer.

It is recommended that you begin regular colorectal screenings after 50. However, people with certain risk factors, like those with a family history of colorectal cancer, may need to be tested earlier. So, schedule a screening for you or your loved one. Researchers estimate that as many as 60% of colorectal cancer deaths could be prevented if all men and women aged 50 years or older were screened routinely. And between screenings, be sure to pay attention to a change in bowel habits, which is a common symptom. Other symptoms include diarrhea, constipation, blood in stool, gas pains and nausea.

It’s American Heart Month

Mon, 07 Feb 2011 15:21:32 GMT

It’s American Heart Month, and it’s important to know that maintaining a healthy weight is critical to heart health.

According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, sixty-six percent of adults in the U.S. are overweight or obese. By controlling your weight, you can reduce the risk of many conditions including type 2 diabetes, hypertension, dyslipidemia, cardiovascular disease, stroke, gall bladder disease, respiratory dysfunction, gout, osteoarthritis, and certain kinds of cancers.

So how do you maintain a healthy weight? It comes down to two things: proper diet and physical activity. Choosing low-fat, low-calorie foods such as vegetables and eating smaller portions are good habits to adopt. Also, drink lots of water.

If you’re receiving medical care at home, there are still many exercises you can do to stay physically active, such as stretching and lifting small weights. However, please check with your healthcare provider or therapist to ensure you’re exercising in a manner appropriate for you.

If you’re not sure what your healthy weight is, you can start by reviewing this chart from the National Institutes of Health.

Training Program Improves Management of Congestive Heart Failure

Tue, 01 Feb 2011 11:37:56 GMT

AseraCare Home Health is committed to keeping our patients as healthy as possible so that they may enjoy a good quality of life.

With this goal in mind, we have introduced a new training program for our nurses and nursing assistants to even more effectively care for patients with congestive heart failure (CHF). Some 5.7 million Americans suffer from CHF, a chronic and progressive disease that is the leading cause of rehospitalizations in the U.S. and is a common condition among patients and residents of skilled nursing facilities.

Our program reinforces nurses’ and nursing assistants’ knowledge of the causes of CHF and symptoms of the disease, such as tiredness, coughing, and swelling in the joints and extremities. Keeping this information in mind, these clinicians and caregivers can act on subtle indications that, if caught early, can greatly reduce complications from CHF.

The CHF training program includes realistic case studies to challenge nurses’ and nursing assistants’ critical thinking skills and prepare them for real interventions. The program also provides nurses with the latest information on nutritional and medicinal protocols that can be used to manage CHF as well as palliative techniques that can help manage patients’ pain and make them more comfortable.

The CHF training program complements our telemonitoring services that are now offered in 12 of our 17 home health sites. Telemonitoring incorporates CHF profiles for patient teaching, remote monitoring of weight, blood pressure and oxygen saturation.

Thoughtful Ideas for Loved Ones Recovering at Home

Tue, 06 Mar 2012 13:42:13 GMT

One of the most important things we tell patients recovering from illness or injury is to pace your activities so that you have energy needed for your recovery. This is often difficult for them since the day-to-day business of life still needs attention.

Energy conservation techniques are very important to rehabilitation at home. Having assistance with daily household requirements can make recovery safer and smoother. The following are thoughtful ideas to help ease the burden of home management and give homebound patients some added pleasure in their day.

1. DVDs. Buy your loved one a few DVDs or even a Netflix subscription to keep them entertained on the path to recovery. Books on tape are very helpful to the visually impaired.
2. Books and magazines. A good read can provide a much-needed escape. Find out if your loved one enjoys celebrity gossip magazines, keeping up with politics in Newsweek, or diving into the latest bestselling thriller.
3. Grocery delivery. Purchase a gift certificate from a grocery delivery business like WeGoShop.com or Peapod, which will usually do deliveries directly to the home for short term or long term periods.
4. Fresh gourmet meals. Businesses like Personal Chef To Go offer fresh, chef-prepared meals that can be delivered to your loved one’s door. Many of them have gift cards available. Mom's Meals is another option that has received very good feedback on the quality and the "eye" appeal to patients at home.
5. Cleaning service. A cleaning service a couple times a month can relieve a heavy burden for someone who needs to focus on rehabilitation.
6. Mobile pet groomer. For the pet lover in your life, hiring a service such as Aussie Pet Mobile to groom pets is a major asset.
7. Errand runner. With a simple local online search, you can find dozens of “errand runners” or personal concierges that can take care of life’s little necessities for an hourly fee. Services range from post office trips and picking up dry cleaning to getting the car’s oil changed and watering plants.
8. Laundry pickup. Depending on the injury, the lifting and leaning associated with doing laundry can be too much for your loved one who is undergoing home health rehabilitation. A laundry pickup service can ease that burden, allowing your loved one to concentrate on getting better.

There’s No Place Like Home for the Holidays

Tue, 03 May 2011 10:08:15 GMT

Twinkling lights, the laughter of family and friends, gifts galore, and merriment are all prerequisites for the holiday season. However, when you or your loved one is recovering from surgery or illness away from home, the holidays can lose their luster.

With AseraCare Home Health, you or your loved one can receive care in your home, allowing you the chance to continue your tradition of baking gingerbread cookies or playing dreidel with the grandkids.

Whether you’ve had a stroke and need speech therapy or a loved one is recovering from a fall and requires help performing daily tasks, AseraCare Home Health makes it easier to manage your unique situation without missing out on the holiday cheer. We can provide a full range of specialized services including telemonitoring, which tracks and monitors patient progress in a non-intrusive way while still providing clinical oversight. That way you can still have family over for pot roast while maintaining peace of mind.

Our goal is to improve your ability to manage your condition within the home setting and reduce visits to the doctor’s office. We also work with those closest to you or your loved one to educate them about things they can do to help with your recovery.

This holiday season, consider home health care on your road to regaining independence. As the song goes, there really is no place like home for the holidays.

To read more about the services that we offer, visit the Home Healthcare section of our website.

Celebrate National Home Care Month and National Home Care Aide Week

Tue, 03 May 2011 10:13:31 GMT

Every November, the National Association for Home Care and Hospice (NAHC) celebrates National Home Care Month and National Home Care Aide Week. The latter, this year, takes place from November 14-20. These events honor home health caregivers everywhere and show how they each make a major difference in the lives of the patients and families they serve.

The theme for this year’s National Home Care Month celebration is “Guaranteeing Health Care Freedom.” The theme for National Home Care Aide Week is “"Loving Hands and Compassionate Hearts."

I don’t think any other themes could have been more appropriate to honor these caregivers.

One of AseraCare Home Health’s guiding principles has always been to ensure that the care we supply helps you or your loved one experience better health and greater independence. We believe healing in the comfort of your home – over a clinical setting – can be an important step in recovering from an illness, injury or surgery. Our skilled professionals – such as our nurses, therapists, social workers, home health aides and nutritionists – provide compassion, support and experience when working with each and every patient. Our caregivers’ talent and devotion is demonstrated by their ability to bring such a broad spectrum of healthcare services into the home, from wound care to diabetes care and cardiac care (to name a few).

I would like to take this opportunity to recognize and thank our home care professionals for their important role in helping patients and their families improve their quality of life. They make it their privilege, duty and commitment to serve their patients and their families with respect and dignity, and to provide the finest service possible. They are dedicated to helping each person achieve their recovery goals so they can return to the activities they enjoy.

Please take a moment to recognize them and join us in thanking them for everything they do for our patients.

For more information on National Home Care Month and National Home Care Aide Week, please visit www.nahc.org.