Alternative Medicine Vs. Traditional, Western Medicine

March 9th, 2010

Is alternative medicine (combined with traditional medicine) right?

Most people see a family doctor or a specialist for their medical care. Some people seek out other healing methods. In between, there is a type of medical practice that combines the two. This is often called integrative medicine.

Think of a hybrid vehicle. It uses two power sources – gas and electricity – to make the vehicle work. Integrative medicine works the same way. Its two “sources” are:

  1. Traditional, or Western, medicine. This is practiced by medical and osteopathic doctors (MDs or DOs).
  2. Complementary or alternative medicine (CAM). This is an approach to healing and staying healthy that is different from traditional or Western medicine.

Integrative medicine is when doctors use CAM along with traditional medicine.

How are integrative and traditional medicines different?
Western or traditional medicine typically uses conventional therapies to help prevent and treat disease. These include lifestyle changes, counseling, medication, physical therapy or surgery.

Complementary medicine uses different methods to promote health.  Some complementary medicines include:

  • Massage therapy
  • Yoga
  • Aromatherapy (using the scents of herbs and plant oils)

Some doctors will use a combination of traditional and complementary medicine. For example, your doctor may suggest massage or yoga along with standard treatments to help you manage pain or reduce stress that comes from certain chronic health conditions. These treatments are meant to support, but not replace, traditional medicine.

Alternative medicine is meant to be used instead of traditional medicine. It includes such methods as:

  • “Eastern” medicine
  • Folk cures
  • Faith healing
  • Herbal medicine
  • Acupuncture
  • Chiropractic treatment

Sometimes these therapies can be used along with traditional medical therapy for certain conditions.

Is integrative medicine safe?
Many alternative medicines have been used for thousands of years. But only a few have been studied in the same way as traditional medicine. For this reason, it is not possible to assure their safety. Also, the outcomes of some therapies are hard to measure using standard scientific methods. For example, it’s hard to assess the effectiveness of faith healing.

Before you try any CAM treatments, though, it’s important to talk to your doctor. Many substances an alternative medicine practitioner may prescribe could interact poorly with prescription drugs or over-the-counter medicines. For example, a dietary supplement promoted as a memory booster might also raise your blood pressure.

Posted by: Frank Esposito, VP Expert Home Care.  New Jersey’s Expert Home Care provides professional, dependable home health care and companion care for NJ elderly, helping them with their daily living activities since 1984. Please call us toll free at 800-848-2336 when you have home care related questions or need assistance for a loved one. Get a Free Home Care Assessment (a $375 value!) when you mention this post.

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Elderly Sleep Tips: Tai Chi Can Help

February 23rd, 2010

New Jersey Senior Health

Did you know that about half of older adults say they have trouble sleeping at least a few nights each week? Despite this “sleepless epidemic,” few treatments focus on improving sleep quality in people with moderate sleep complaints.

One alternative approach that shows some promise for treating people with sleep problems is tai chi. This is an ancient art of performing slow, gentle movements. It combines relaxation and exercise – both shown to contribute to a better night’s rest.

Why seek alternatives?
As many as four out of five people with sleep problems never seek help. Among the remaining one out of five who do seek treatment, most turn to sedative medications. But these medications can have harmful side effects, including:

  • Daytime confusion
  • Drowsiness
  • Falls and fractures
  • Adverse interactions with other medications

For these reasons, many people avoid sleep medications, and go untreated. This leaves them at risk of developing more serious problems, including chronic insomnia. And insomnia can worsen conditions like depression, pain and anxiety.

About tai chi
Tai chi is also known as “moving meditation.” It combines deep breathing, relaxation and slow structured movements. Tai chi has been practiced widely in China for hundreds of years as a form of meditation, exercise and self-defense.

The practice of tai chi is inexpensive and has no side effects. And because it combines movement and relaxation, it is especially attractive to researchers investigating sleep problems. It’s also a win-win for older adults who may have age-related limitations with some standard forms of exercise.

Getting started
Tai chi or TCC classes are offered at many health clubs and community recreation programs. There are also many books, DVDs and videotapes that can get you started with tai chi right in your own home. Always check with your doctor before you start a new physical activity.

Posted by: Frank Esposito, VP Expert Home Care.  New Jersey’s Expert Home Care provides professional, dependable home health care and companion care for NJ elderly, helping them with their daily living activities since 1984. Please call us toll free at 800-848-2336 when you have home care related questions or need assistance for a loved one. Get a Free Home Care Assessment (a $375 value!) when you mention this post.

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Sleep Tips for the Elderly

February 18th, 2010

NJ Senior Health

10 Sleep Tips for Seniors

Many people have trouble falling asleep because of poor sleep hygiene practices. Sleep hygiene means the personal habits and environmental factors that affect your sleep.

1. Go to bed and wake up at the same time every day. Your body gets used to a sleep pattern. Even if you are retired, try to get up at the same time each day, weekends included.

2. Do not take naps. Napping can interfere with sleep. If you must take a nap, limit it to 30 to 45 minutes and do it early in the day.

3. Avoid alcohol, caffeine and spicy or sugary foods four to six hours before bedtime. These foods and beverages may stimulate you, making it harder to fall or stay asleep.

4. Don’t eat big meals or drink late at night. A large meal may cause indigestion, which could interfere with sleep. If you drink close to bedtime, you may need to use the bathroom in the middle of the night.

5. Do not exercise within three hours of bedtime. Regular exercise is great, but doing it close to bedtime can make it harder to fall asleep.

6. Have a light snack close to bedtime. Try warm milk or a banana.

7. Relax before bed. Practice deep breathing exercises, take a warm bath or do other activities that help you unwind before bedtime.

8. Don’t lie in bed awake. If you can’t fall asleep within 20 minutes, go to another room and do something else until you feel tired. Do this if you wake up in the middle of the night, too. Let your body associate the bed with sleeping and sex only. Keep computers, televisions and other distractions out of the bedroom.

9. Invest in a good mattress and pillows. Your comfort is a top priority for good sleep.

10. Make sure your room is dark, quiet and cool. Sleeping may be hard if your bedroom is too hot, noisy or bright.

Posted by: Frank Esposito, VP Expert Home Care.  New Jersey’s Expert Home Care provides professional, dependable home health care and companion care for NJ elderly, helping them with their daily living activities since 1984. Please call us toll free at 800-848-2336 when you have home care related questions or need assistance for a loved one. Get a Free Home Care Assessment (a $375 value!) when you mention this post.

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Effects of Aging on Hearing, Vision and Other Senses

February 9th, 2010

NJ Senior Health

What to expect when the senses go

One of the realities of aging is a progressive loss of the five senses.  Consider the following:

Vision
To see clearly, a 70-year-old eye needs three times more light than someone half that age. The first sign of a problem is usually trouble seeing at night. If this happens, you may have to stop driving after dark. The eye muscles used for focusing begin to lose some tone. You may have to start using reading glasses. Glaucoma and macular degeneration are the leading causes of blindness in the elderly. Both diseases can be treated to some degree. This is why it’s important to get regular eye exams beginning at age 40.

Hearing
About one third of Americans over age 65 and half of those over 85 have some degree of hearing loss. Most hearing loss happens when tiny hairs in the ear that send signals to the brain are damaged. Loud noises, repeated ear infections and high fevers speed up this process. The first thing to go is usually the ability to hear high-pitched sounds. It may also be hard to follow a conversation when there is too much background noise. Another reason for hearing loss is the buildup of hard ear wax. As we age, we lose some of the sweat glands that keep ear wax soft. Hard ear wax may block some sound waves, making things sound muffled. Tinnitus – or “ringing in the ears” – occurs when damaged hairs in the ear send electrical signals to the brain that are interpreted as noise.

Taste and smell
Very often, we confuse taste with smell. About 80 percent of the problems that we think are related to taste really involve smell. Taste is our strongest sense. We are born with about 10,000 taste buds. After age 50, we start to lose some of them. When we are young, we can recognize five different tastes: sweet, sour, salty, bitter and savory. As we age, the sweet taste may be a little stronger and the sour taste a little weaker. Your sense of smell helps you recognize flavors. About 30 percent of people aged 70 to 80 have problems with smell. This can be partial or total, or can involve perceiving smells differently. You may smell a foul odor when there is none. Strawberries may suddenly lose their flavor. This can sometimes lead to depression. In many cases, nothing can be done about the loss of smell and taste. Cigarette smoking or poor dental habits can add to the problem. Polyps in the nose can block aromas. Medication, head injury or illness can also be factors.

Touch
As skin ages, it becomes drier, thinner and less elastic. The nerves in your skin become less sensitive. Your sensitivity to temperature can also change. Health problems may also lead to changes in your sense of touch. These include poor circulation and nerve damage from diabetes.

Posted by: Frank Esposito, VP Expert Home Care.  New Jersey’s Expert Home Care provides professional, dependable home health care and companion care for NJ elderly, helping them with their daily living activities since 1984. Please call us toll free at 800-848-2336 when you have home care related questions or need assistance for a loved one. Get a Free Home Care Assessment (a $375 value!) when you mention this post.

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Grandparenting: Fun Activities for Grandchildren and Grandparents

February 5th, 2010

NJ Senior Living & Lifestyle

Maintaining close relationships with grandchildren is important for the emotional health and well being of seniors.  Here are some things to consider whether you live close or far away:

At home:

  • Play dress-up. Go through your closet and set aside unused clothes for pretend play – the more vintage and outlandish, the better. Add shoes, handbags and costume jewelry, too. Let your grandchild choose clothes for both of you to wear.
  • Do a puzzle. Pick out a jigsaw puzzle together at the store, and when it’s done, use puzzle glue to create a keepsake the child can hang on his or her bedroom wall.
  • Make portraits of each other. Use crayons or paints to tap into your inner artists. Display your grandchild’s artwork at your house, and let him or her take home your masterpiece.
  • Cook or bake together. Even very young children can follow simple directions and help mix batter or shape dough. Keep track of what you make together in a blank journal. This is a great way to pass on heirloom family recipes.
  • Work in the garden. Start in the cooler months by planning what you’ll grow, and map out where things will go in the garden. Come spring, shop together for seeds and supplies and make a weekly date to plant, prune and harvest.
  • Share a special hobby. Whether you knit, collect coins, go fishing or play cards, involve your grandchild in these activities. They are a wonderful opportunity for learning.

Excursions:

  • Take a class together. With parental permission, sign up for a gym, music or art class with your grandchild. Some towns even offer free classes like this for kids and grownups to do together.
  • Take in a show. Keep an eye out for local productions of kid-friendly productions. Your grandchild’s favorite television character may even be coming to a stage near you.
  • Visit the park. Go to the playground or just take a leisurely nature walk.
  • Head to a local museum. It doesn’t even have to be a special one just for kids – although those are certainly fun. Children of all ages can benefit from a trip to an art museum or historical center. Find out in advance if they hold special activities for kids.
  • Spend the day at a farm. Kids will love picking their own produce and visiting with any resident animals.

When you live far away:

Many families live far apart. If you aren’t close enough for in-person bonding, try these easy high-tech ways to stay close to grandkids:

  • Try video chat. Get help setting up a webcam so you can have live video conferences with your grandchildren. It’s a fun way to connect in a more personal way instead of using the phone.
  • Send a DVD bedtime story. Record yourself reading your grandchild’s favorite book. They can watch it at home and read along before bed.
  • Start a photo scavenger hunt. Pick a theme each week, like animals, food or even a certain shape or color. You and your grandchild can take pictures (film or digital) of things relating to that theme. Then, share the images via e-mail or regular mail and collect them in a photo album. Bring the albums when you do get together so you can talk about the pictures.

Posted by: Frank Esposito, VP Expert Home Care.  New Jersey’s Expert Home Care provides professional, dependable home health care and companion care for NJ elderly, helping them with their daily living activities since 1984. Please call us toll free at 800-848-2336 when you have home care related questions or need assistance for a loved one. Get a Free Home Care Assessment (a $375 value!) when you mention this post.

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15 Fitness Tips for NJ Seniors

January 31st, 2010

Senior Health & Fitness

Exercise can help anyone, regardless of age.  Here are some things to consider in helping a senior get into shape:

1. Get a checkup
Meet with your healthcare provider to see whether you will need to consider any special modifications before starting an exercise program. If necessary, get a clearance to begin a program.

2. Know your options
Before starting any program, examine your options. Pick a program you know you will enjoy. Some individuals like to go to a gym and do a structured workout, while others enjoy a neighborhood walking club. Either will help improve your fitness, ability to function and quality of life, provided you do it regularly.

3. Determine your participation style
Would you prefer taking a class or going solo? Are you a morning or night person? Does indoor fitness appeal to you, or would you prefer to exercise outside? Could you dedicate large blocks of time to physical activity or could you fit only shorter, more frequent intervals into your schedule?

4. Start slowly
Many people are eager to get started and sometimes overdo it, which usually makes them sore and can force them to spend time on the sidelines. Start slowly and build up over time.

5. Make a date
Find a buddy to exercise with you and keep you motivated. Whether it’s a friend to walk with in your neighborhood or a personal trainer in a gym, that appointment makes it more likely you will do the walk or workout.

6. Set specific short and long-term goals
Make goals as specific as possible. For example, on Monday, Wednesday and Friday, do a brisk, 10-minute walk in the morning before your shower, at lunch time and after dinner. Being specific means you are planning for activity in your day and making it a priority. Is there an activity you would like to do that you feel physically incapable of at the moment, but may be able to do with a little effort? Set a long-term goal to help you do it.

7. Make a list
List the benefits you expect from your physical activity program, then make sure these are realistic and reasonable. Many people expect enormous benefits, such as losing 30 pounds in a month. When these benefits don’t materialize, they feel disappointed and relapse because they feel like they have failed. Try to make the benefits about things you can control, rather than an outcome (such as weight). Build your list of benefits as you increase your physical activity.

8. Make another list
List all the reasons to be physically active – things like decreasing stress or depression, stronger bones, greater strength and flexibility to help maintain independence, increased energy, better sleep, etc. Keep this list in a visible place as a daily reminder of the long-term rewards.

9. Invest in your health
Do you want to spend money on joining a program? Or would you prefer to develop a program you can do for little cost, using objects or props in your home or office?

10. Check out the facility you want to join
Does the facility feel friendly? Can you change clothes comfortably? If the facility has a pool, what is its water temperature? About 84-86°F is comfortable for moderate to vigorous activity, while warmer temperatures are nice for range-of-motion and relaxation programs. Does the pool or workout room have an easy and safe exit/entry? Ask to try various programs, so you can decide which program feels the most comfortable and fun.

11. Check out the staff
Are the people who work in the facility friendly and interested in you? Are they qualified to work with older adults? Do they offer pre-exercise fitness assessments, with periodic updates? Are they interested in helping you learn how to modify exercises to fit your fitness level and conditions? Do they encourage social interaction? Talk to mature adults who currently participate in their programs to build a complete picture.

12. Make choices
To move forward, we need to leave some things behind. What are you willing to give up to make room for exercise? Bad habits? Nonproductive activities? Non-beneficial relationships?

13. Every step counts
Wear a step counter throughout the day to count how many steps you take. Less active people tend to take about 4,000 steps or fewer per day. Aim to do 250 to 1,000 additional steps of brisk walking, until you reach 8,000 to 10,000 steps in a day.

14. Keep moving all the time
Stretch, walk, march in place, stand and sit as many times as possible when you are talking on the phone or during TV commercials.

15. Do your own house and yard work

One of the best ways to stay in shape is to work around the home.

Posted by: Frank Esposito, VP Expert Home Care.  New Jersey’s Expert Home Care provides professional, dependable home health care and companion care for NJ elderly, helping them with their daily living activities since 1984. Please call us toll free at 800-848-2336 when you have home care related questions or need assistance for a loved one. Get a Free Home Care Assessment (a $375 value!) when you mention this post.

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Home Safety for Seniors: 19 Tips

January 30th, 2010

Home safety tips for seniors

Most accidents occur in the home.  What can you do to protect an elderly loved one from getting hurt?  Here are some steps to follow:

· Keep outdoor steps and walkways in good condition and clear of debris.

· Illuminate all stairways and hallways and provide light switches at both ends.

· Use nightlights or bedside remote controlled switches.

· Provide handrails in hallways and stairways.

· Keep a sturdy nightstand next to the bed so glasses and other personal items are within reach.

· Put felt or soft material over sharp edges and corners of furniture such as nightstands, tables and shelves.

· Tack down the edges of carpets and rugs; remove throw rugs that slide.

· Keep pathways clear of furniture and other objects.

· Provide handrails in the bathroom (especially near the toilet) and use non-skid strips in bathtubs.

· Use a shower seat and shower hose for those unable to stand in the shower.

· Avoid using bath oils or lotions in the bathtub.

· Use kitchen appliances with thermostats and timers. The elderly find appliances with signal lights and buzzers easier to use.

· Use fireproof curtains on windows near the stove.

· Clearly mark the “off” position on stoves and ranges so a person with diminished eyesight can immediately tell if the element is off.

· Set water heater thermostats or faucets so water does not scald the skin.

· Install smoke detectors in the kitchen and throughout the rest of the house.

· Keep a fire extinguisher handy and know how to use it.

· Arrange frequently used kitchen items in an easy-to-reach cabinet.

· Install one good lock that can be opened easily from the inside.

Posted by: Frank Esposito, VP Expert Home Care.  New Jersey’s Expert Home Care provides professional, dependable home health care and companion care for NJ elderly, helping them with their daily living activities since 1984. Please call us toll free at 800-848-2336 when you have home care related questions or need assistance for a loved one. Get a Free Home Care Assessment (a $375 value!) when you mention this post.

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Elderly Hearing Problems: How to Communicate with Your Doctor

January 28th, 2010

NJ Senior Health

Life can become increasingly difficult for those seniors who suffer from a hearing problem.  This can be particularly distressing if it impinges on your communicating with your physician.  Here are some things to consider:

  • Bring an interpreter. If you prefer to have an interpreter, have a friend or relative accompany you. You should ask someone that you are comfortable with because your doctor may need to ask you personal questions.
  • Don’t be shy. You may feel awkward saying that you didn’t understand what was said. Sometimes you might pretend to hear something you didn’t. You may feel that it isn’t right to interrupt your doctor. But to get good medical care, make sure you fully understand what is being said, even if it means asking the doctor to repeat him or herself.
  • Ask for a well-lit room, without glare. It will also help if the room has curtains and carpets. Ask the doctor to speak clearly, to face you, to keep his or her mouth visible, and to repeat and rephrase as needed.
  • Ask for quiet. If you need a procedure or exam, complete your conversation in a quieter room before moving to the exam room.
  • Ask for details. If your doctor will be wearing a face mask for a procedure, ask to be told what you need to know ahead of time.
  • If your speech is difficult for others to understand, ask the doctor to be patient. Take your time. Feel free to write or type on a computer or other keyboard if you prefer.
  • If your doctor uses a word that you don’t know, ask for the word to be written down and explained clearly. If you need it, ask for a drawing or a model.
  • Don’t be afraid that you’re bothering the doctor with these questions. If it would help you, ask for written information about your condition, your medicines or your treatment choices.

Posted by: Frank Esposito, VP Expert Home Care.  New Jersey’s Expert Home Care provides professional, dependable home health care and companion care for NJ elderly, helping them with their daily living activities since 1984. Please call us toll free at 800-848-2336 when you have home care related questions or need assistance for a loved one. Get a Free Home Care Assessment (a $375 value!) when you mention this post.

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Elderly Exercise: It’s Never Too Late

January 19th, 2010

NJ Senior Health & Fitness

Physical activity is good for people at any age. Among elderly adults, falls are a common cause of injury and disability. Physical activity makes your bones and muscles stronger. When your muscles are strong, you are less likely to fall. If you do fall, strong bones are less likely to break.

Regular physical activity is good for your brain too. Recent studies have shown that people who follow simple exercises (such as, walking) on a regular basis are better able to make decisions than people who aren’t physically active.

From diabetes to heart disease, many chronic (ongoing) health problems are improved by even moderate amounts of physical activity. For people who have these conditions, a lack of exercise is a bigger risk than an exercise-related injury.

Talk with your doctor about your plans before you get started. Your muscles will very likely be sore when you first increase your physical activity, but don’t use that a reason to stop. Mild soreness will go away in a few days as you become more used to the physical activity.

Many senior citizens find walking to be one of the easiest activities to do. Doctors recommend at least 30 minutes of physical activity on most days of the week, but you don’t have to do all 30 minutes at once. Try walking for 15 minutes twice each day or for 10 minutes 3 times each day.

Many older people say that exercising with a partner is the best motivation to stick with it. You can start or join a walking group with friends or neighbors.  Alternatives to walking include gardening, dancing, or swimming. Your choice of activity can be both enjoyable and good for you.

Posted by: Frank Esposito, Vice President of Expert Home Care.  New Jersey’s Expert Home Care provides professional and reliable home health care and companion care for NJ elderly, helping them with their daily living activities since 1984. Please call us toll free at 800-848-2336 when you have home care related questions or need assistance for a loved one. Get a Free Home Care Assessment (a $375 value!) when you mention this post.

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Prostate Cancer – 11 Signs & Symptoms

January 13th, 2010

NJ Senior Health

Prostate cancer is the most common type of cancer found in American men, other than skin cancer.

Although men of any age can get prostate cancer, it is found most often in men over 65 –

in fact, more than 8 of 10 men with prostate cancer are over the age of 65.

For unknown reasons, African-American men are at higher risk than Caucasian men. Men with a family history of prostate cancer are at higher risk, too. In this case, family history means that your father or a brother had prostate cancer.  Men who are obese and eat a diet high in fat are also at a higher risk for prostate cancer.

Possible Symptoms of Prostate Cancer

Prostate cancer, especially in its early stages, often does not have any symptoms. Symptoms are more likely to appear as the cancer grows.

Call your doctor if you have any of these symptoms:

  • Difficulty starting to urinate
  • Less force to the stream of urine
  • Dribbling after you finish urinating
  • Frequent urination, especially at night
  • Blood or pus in the urine
  • Blood in the semen
  • Pain while urinating
  • Pain with ejaculation
  • Hip and lower back pain that does not go away over time
  • Pain in the lower part of your pelvis
  • Unintended weight loss and/or loss of appetite

Posted by: Frank Esposito, Vice President of Expert Home Care.  New Jersey’s Expert Home Care provides professional and reliable home health care and companion care for NJ elderly, helping them with their daily living activities since 1984. Please call us toll free at 800-848-2336 when you have home care related questions or need assistance for a loved one. Get a Free Home Care Assessment (a $375 value!) when you mention this post.

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