Tag Archives: NJ senior health

Is Your Senior Getting Enough Vitamin B12 ?

Posted on by

NJ Senior Health

Vitamin B12 deficiency symptoms, like those of many other treatable health conditions, can be virtually identical to age dementia symptoms, senile dementia symptoms and Alzheimer’s symptoms. As many as 20% of people over age 65 have low Vitamin B12 levels. Correcting the deficiency can help your elderly loved one resume a full and normal live.

Vitamin B12 deficiency symptoms include:

  • Loss of appetite
  • Diarrhea
  • Numbness and tingling of hands and feet
  • Paleness
  • Shortness of breath
  • Fatigue
  • Weakness
  • Sore mouth and tongue
  • Confusion or change in mental status in severe or advanced cases (which can be confused with dementia). More importantly, even a moderate deficiency of this important vitamin and its counterpart, folic acid, may ultimate contribute to the onset of Alzheimers disease or other related dementias.

Vitamin B12 is found naturally in animal products and is also added to certain foods. Good sources of vitamin B12 include:

  • Fish and seafood
  • Meat
  • Poultry
  • Eggs
  • Cheese
  • Milk
  • Yogurt
  • Fortified foods such as cereals

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.

Preventing Type 2 Diabetes

Posted on by

NJ Senior Health

Americans 60 and older have the highest rate of type 2 diabetes among all age groups.  However, before type 2 diabetes occurs, the body develops pre-diabetes, a condition in which blood glucose levels are higher than normal but not yet at the level for a diagnosis of type 2 diabetes.

With pre-diabetes, the pancreas is usually producing enough insulin, but the body cannot use that insulin effectively – a condition called insulin resistance. With this condition, blood sugar gradually increases, often slowly enough that you don’t notice any symptoms.

Common symptoms include feeling tired or ill, unusual thirst, frequent urination (especially at night), weight loss, blurred vision, frequent infections, and slow-healing wounds. These symptoms happen over time, so many people don’t see them as warning signs.  The American Diabetes Association says one-third of people who have diabetes don’t realize they have the disease.

A Harvard School of Public Health study found that nearly 5,000 people (with an average age of 73) who were less likely to develop diabetes  (a 90 percent lower risk, in fact) had several traits in common. They included the following:

  • were physically active
  • ate more fiber and polyunsaturated fats
  • ate fewer sugars, starches and trans fats
  • didn’t smoke
  • used alcohol moderately
  • maintained a healthy weight

Older adults with pre-diabetes can still prevent full blown diabetes and those that have diabetes can still improve the quality of their lives.  Here’s how:

  • Assuming your doctor says you are overweight, lose 5 to 7 percent of your body weight (which is approximately 10 to 14 pounds for a 200-pound adult)
  • Participate in physical activity for 30 minutes a day, 5 days a week. Brisk walking will cover this.
  • Eat a healthy diet, limiting calories and fat.

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.

Signs Your Elderly Loved One Maybe Having a Heart Attack or a Stroke

Posted on by

NJ Senior Health

In most cases, minutes and even seconds can determine the outcome of a heart attack or stroke.  It all starts with recognizing the signs of each and getting help as soon as possible.

Here are signs for both:

Heart Attack

Chest discomfort. For both men and women, the classic signs and symptoms of a heart attack usually involve discomfort in the center of the chest lasting more than a few minutes, or pain that goes away and comes back. The pain can be stabbing or crushing, or feel like uncomfortable pressure, squeezing, fullness or a burning pain.

Discomfort in other areas of the upper body. Men and women may experience squeezing pain in the chest or left upper arm that radiates to one or both arms, the back, shoulders, neck, jaw or stomach.

Severe shortness of breath or difficulty breathing. This feeling often accompanies chest discomfort. But it can occur before the chest discomfort begins.

Other heart attack signs and symptoms that can occur without chest pain. Breaking out in a cold sweat for no apparent reason, severe indigestion, nausea, vomiting, light-headedness, dizziness, weakness, extreme fatigue, fainting, heart palpitations (pounding heartbeats), or a sensation of panic with a feeling of impending doom.

Stroke

  • Sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm or leg, especially on one side of the body
  • Loss of ability to speak or understand others
  • Vision trouble or loss
  • A problem with walking, feeling dizzy, not being able to balance one’s self.
  • Sudden, severe headache with no known cause

If the symptoms are vague, as they can be at times, don’t hesitate.  You are better off being safe than sorry.

New Jersey’s Expert Home Care provides professional and reliable home health care and companion care for NJ seniors, helping them with their daily living activities since 1984. Please call us toll free at 800-848-2336 when you have elder care related questions or need assistance.

Posted by: Frank Esposito, Vice President of Expert Home Care

Geriatric Depression: Important Information for New Jersey Seniors and Families

Posted on by

NJ Senior Health: Elderly Depression

Studies show that a significant percentage of seniors experience mental disorders that are not a normal part of aging.  These include anxiety, depression, cognitive impairment, mood disorders and behavioral problems.

Yet, psychiatric illnesses in older adults have long tended to be minimized, sometimes with tragic consequences.  This is why the rate of suicide is higher than any other age group and twice the national average.

“Many elderly people don’t have a voice,” said Dr. Jack Dang, a psychiatrist who is board certified in geriatric psychiatry.  “They suffer in silence because they are unable to relate their problems to someone who understands.  Access to psychiatric care has long been a problem for them.  And most families and nursing homes don’t know how to care for them.”

The lack of knowledgeable experts constitutes a major part of the problem.  According to the American Medical Association, there are less than 2,600 board certified geriatric psychiatrists for 35 million seniors – or about one per 14,000 Americans 65 and older.   Families and nursing home personnel often fail to recognize mental or emotional illness in an elderly person, which can be confused with the symptoms of multiple medical problems.

Consider that older Americans account for only 7% of all inpatient mental health services, 6% of community-based mental health services and 9% of private psychiatric care – yet comprise 13% of the population.  In addition to a shortage of appropriate health specialists, experts cite barriers to access, a denial of problems among the elderly, and a lack of coordination between mental health and aging networks.

“The quiet, silent patient who is losing weight often isn’t noticed as depressed and can end up starving him or herself to death,” said Dr. Dang.  “The goal is to educate families and health providers that neither depression nor memory loss is a normal part of aging.”

According to Dr. Dang, 40% of older adults with medical problems also have signs of depression.  “This is a strong, resilient group of people,” he said, “who have lived active and productive lives through multiple economic downturns, wars and tragedy.  Now, they are dealing with major life changes – loss of spouse, friends, siblings, even children; of job and career; of the ability to walk and drive; of their very independence.

“Post-traumatic disorders also can occur, from as far back as 50, 60, 70 years ago, perhaps from the Holocaust, an episode in a war, or a personal tragedy,” said Dr. Dang.  “These are intrusive memories, flashbacks of painful memories from the past.”

New Jersey’s Expert Home Care provides professional and reliable care and assistance for NJ seniors, helping them with their daily living activities since 1984. Please call us when you need help at 800-848-2336.

Posted by: Frank Esposito, Vice President of Expert Home Care

Mixing Medications: 5 Common Myths About Medication Use

Posted on by

New Jersey Senior Health

Consider these common myths about medication use:

•    If one dose makes me feel good, a larger dose will make me feel even better.
•    If I run low I can cut the pills in half so they will last longer.
•    If I can buy it over the counter, it must be safe.
•    If a physician gave it to me before, I can use it again any time.
•    If it helped my friend, it will help me.

Following any of these myths can cause serious trouble.  While advances in medicine have produced many effective drugs to treat various chronic conditions, certain drugs when taken together can produce adverse reactions.  This is particularly true among the elderly, who may suffer from a number of different ailments consistent with aging, such as cardiovascular disease, arthritis, gastrointestinal disorders, and bladder dysfunction.  Over medication can cause such side effects as dizziness, confusion, fatigue, heartburn, insomnia, falls, depression and general malaise.  The risk of adverse drug reactions rises exponentially with the number of drugs used, and older people are particularly sensitive to potential adverse reactions.

For example, the drug Coumadin, a blood thinner used by patients after cardiac surgery or stroke, or to treat clots, can cause bleeding if taken with aspirin.  Use of an anti-depressant can lead to serious side effects if taken in combination with an over-the-counter cold and cough remedy.  Medicines frequently associated with adverse reactions in the elderly are psychotropic drugs, especially benzodiazepines, as well as anti-hypertensive agents, digoxin (a cardiac drug), corticosteroids, warfarin (taken for blood clotting), diuretics, Non-Steroid Anti-Inflammatory Drugs, and theophylline (a medication for chronic asthma).

Polypharmacy

Polypharmacy is defined as the use of multiple medications. While seniors comprise 12% of the population, they use 32% of all prescriptions. This can include, on average, up to six prescription drugs and 3 – 4 over-the-counter medicines at a time, as well as vitamin supplements and herbal preparations.  The average patient of skilled home health care takes 11 drugs simultaneously. Over medication among the elderly is not surprising – after all, many elderly people see multiple specialists, who may prescribe medications without full knowledge of what else their patient is taking.

Polypharmacy can lead to adverse drug reactions, decreased adherence to drug regimens, increased hospitalization rates, a high rate of symptoms, unnecessary drug costs and a poor quality of life.  Studies show that one out of seven hospital inpatient days is a result of a medication problem.

Doctors and pharmacists recommend a “brown bag review” – where seniors take all of their medications to their doctor or pharmacist and have them screened for appropriate dosages and potential interactions. ♦

New Jersey’s Expert Home Care provides professional and reliable care and assistance for NJ seniors, helping them with their daily living activities since 1984. Please call us when you need help at 800-848-2336.

Posted by: Frank Esposito, Vice President of Expert Home Care

Depression: Recognizing Signs & Symptoms in Elderly Loved Ones

Posted on by

NJ Senior Health

Depression among seniors is a growing concern, with an estimated 40% of the elderly with medical problems also showing signs of depression.

How do you spot in depression in an aging loved one?  The following are all possible symptoms of depression:

  • Exhaustion
  • Lack of interest in hobbies
  • Lack of interest in socializing with family and/or friends
  • Weight loss, loss of appetite
  • Change in sleeping patterns or not being able to sleep for more than a few hours at a time
  • Feeling bad for one’s self
  • Drug or alcohol abuse
  • Worrying about dying

Here is a list of things that can be done if any of these signs are apparent:

  • Look for activities you can do with your elderly loved one that he/she enjoys.
  • Help them make plans with friends and encourage them to make plans with their friends.
  • Help them prepare healthy meals, which contain fruits and vegetables.
  • Help them get treatment for their depression and make sure they follow through with medical appointments and the proper medication.
  • Watch for signs of relapse and get professional help as soon as possible.
  • Simply spend time with them and show them you care.

New Jersey’s Expert Home Care provides professional and reliable care for depressed seniors, helping them manage their illness since 1984. Please call us when you need help at 800-848-2336.

Posted by: Frank Esposito, Vice President of Expert Home Care

New Jersey Senior Resources

Posted on by

New Jersey’s Expert Home Care for Elders and Seniors provides care for your aging loved ones since 1984. Please call us when your loved one needs help – 800-848-2336.

Resources for Seniors in New Jersey

If you are beginning a new diet or exercise routine, you should always consult your doctor in advance in order to discuss any factors relevant to your personal health.

Here is a list of resources to consider before jumping into your new exercise and diet program:

• The Quick Series Guide to Exercise for Seniors, by Luxart Communications
• Walking for the Health of It, by Jeanne Ralston
• The Easy and Effective Exercise for People over 50
• Safe Therapeutic Exercise for the Frail Elderly, by O. Hurley
• Senior Fitness, by Ruth Heidrich
• Developing a Fitness Program for the Frail and Well Elderly, by Christian Thompson
• Investing in Your Health, by G. Siegfried Kutter
• Successful Aging Through Fitness and Nutrition
• The Little Blue Book of Fitness and Health, by Gary Savage, Tony Jarvis, and Sara J. Henry
• 393 Common-Sense Tips to Help You Achieve Optimum Physical, Mental, and Spiritual Health

http://seniorliving.about.com/od/exercisefitnes1/a/seniorfitnessbo.htm
http://www.essortment.com/all/slowagingproc_rtjz.htm

Heart Disease – New Jersey Home Care – Seniors Risks

Posted on by

New Jersey’s Senior Care and Live-in Care – Expert Home Care NJ - helps your loved ones stay safely in their homes longer. Call us today at 800-848-2336.

Women are at greater risk of developing heart disease than men. Heart disease, which can lead to heart attack, is currently the number one cause of death for American women! Here are some of the major “indicators” you should be aware of:

Overweight as a child. Excess weight during childhood can result in the development of thickened heart muscles which can significantly increase the risk of heart attack later in life.

If, at age 18:

  • You were 10-to-20 pounds overweight, you have a 25% higher risk of having a heart attack between the ages of 40 and 70. 
  • You were 18 to 24 pounds overweight, you have a 65% higher risk. 
  • You were more than 24 pounds overweight at age 18, you have a 100% greater risk than the average person.

High triglyceride levels in the blood. Like cholesterol, triglycerides can produce abnormally high accumulations of plaque in the blood vessels that lead to the heart, which can result in a heart attack.
What can you do right now to help lessen your risk? According to medical experts, here are six ways to help protect your heart and lower your risk of heart attack:

  • Quit smoking—It’s still the number-one contributing risk factor!
  • Eat a well-balanced diet. Avoid foods high in artery clogging saturated fats.
  • Choose a diet rich in fruit, vegetables, grains, low-fat meats and dairy products.
  • Exercise. Moderate exercise may well be the elixir of life. It raises good cholesterol, lowers bad cholesterol, lowers triglyceride levels, lowers blood pressure, helps control obesity.
  • See your doctor regularly. He or she can help you assess your risk, offer you advice and therapy options for quitting smoking, changing your eating habits and an appropriate exercise program. He or she can also monitor your vital signs and recommend the use of medications that can help you to control your blood pressure and/or cholesterol levels.
  • Whether you are a man or a woman, heart disease, heart attack and stroke represent your number one health risks. A proactive approach to improving your health and lifestyle can go a long way to put the odds in your favor by reducing your susceptibility.

 New Jersey’s Senior Care and Live-in Care – Expert Home Care NJ  -  800-848-2336.