We only have one, so it’s important to take care of it! Thankfully there are a number of steps we can all take to keep our heart healthy: staying physically active, making wise dietary choices, and staying up to date with regular checkups. This is especially vital for older adults as heart disease is the leading cause of death in seniors. There are additional preventative measures that can be taken to boost heart health – and, they’re even covered by Medicare: Diabetes tests and care. The risk of heart disease for those with diabetes is heightened, due to the damage that can be caused to nerves and blood vessels from high blood glucose levels, and that risk increases over time. Warning signs of diabetes include blurred vision, unexplained weight loss, and an increase in appetite, … [Read more...] about How Can Medicare Help You Care for Your Heart?
Medications & Falls: What Seniors Should Know
With the majority of older adults taking multiple prescription medications – a full 80% take at least two medications, and more than 50% take four or more –managing these medications is crucial to ensure they’re providing maximum benefit while minimizing side effects. One important side effect of many prescriptions for seniors is the increased risk of falls. THE MEDICAL TEAM’s in-home care experts recommend seniors and their caregivers make sure they are fully informed about the medications being taken, by getting answers to the following questions from the prescribing physician: What side effects can be expected, and what’s the best way to minimize them? Talk to your doctor if you have side effects like dizziness, light headedness, sleepiness during the day, confusion, lack of … [Read more...] about Medications & Falls: What Seniors Should Know
Helping Seniors Cope with Vision Loss
It’s common, and even normal, for some degree of vision loss to be experienced as we age. We learn adaptive techniques – using reading glasses or a magnifying glass, holding a book slightly farther away from the eyes, and utilizing stronger lighting. Yet when a condition such as glaucoma, retinal detachments, or macular degeneration is diagnosed, additional coping tools need to be utilized to maintain as much independence as possible and to maximize quality of life. THE MEDICAL TEAM’s in-home care professionals are equipped to help seniors with vision loss in a variety of ways, from making recommendations on adaptive equipment and home modifications, to keeping the home environment clean and clutter-free to ensure safety, to assistance with preparing meals and running errands, and a … [Read more...] about Helping Seniors Cope with Vision Loss
THE MEDICAL TEAM’s Tips for Managing MS Symptoms
Just as no two people are alike, each individual diagnosed with multiple sclerosis will experience it uniquely. In fact, the unpredictability of the progression of the disease can make managing it challenging. Yet there are some common symptoms that occur in many cases of MS, and we at THE MEDICAL TEAM have compiled some helpful tips for coping with them. Exhaustion and weariness can impact quality of life for many MS patients. To maintain the highest level of energy possible throughout the day, try: Breaking up the day with several short power naps. Keeping a journal of energy levels throughout the day, and schedule activities and tasks according to higher energy times. Although it may seem counterintuitive, consuming energy drinks is surprisingly ineffective, as the … [Read more...] about THE MEDICAL TEAM’s Tips for Managing MS Symptoms
How Parkinson’s Changes Mood, Mind, and Behavior
Parkinson’s disease impacts an astounding 10 million people worldwide, with another 60,000 in America alone diagnosed each year. Though we most commonly associate physical symptoms with the disease, such as rigid muscles, tremors, and poor balance, it’s important to understand the secondary symptoms as well, in order to best manage the disease. Secondary symptoms can include effects on a person’s mind, memory, and mood. Recently, experts have reclassified Parkinson’s disease from a neurological disorder to a neuropsychiatric one, highlighting the mental health aspects that need to be addressed. The in-home care specialists at THE MEDICAL TEAM have outlined some of the more common conditions to watch for in those with Parkinson’s: Depression: One of the most common mood changes, … [Read more...] about How Parkinson’s Changes Mood, Mind, and Behavior
Watch Out for These Diabetes Complications
If we don’t struggle with the condition ourselves, we certainly know someone who does. Diabetes impacts as many as one in four seniors, resulting in the need for lifestyle changes including a carefully-followed nutrition plan, exercise, routine blood sugar checks, and ongoing medical care to manage the disease. What we may not be as familiar with, however, are the concurrent conditions that are more prevalent in diabetics. Because of the damage that occurs from heightened levels of blood sugar, it’s important for those with diabetes – and those who care for them – to monitor their health closely for the following: Heart problems. Have the doctor assess which types of heart disease may be more likely to occur, and then put together a list of symptoms and warning signs to allow for … [Read more...] about Watch Out for These Diabetes Complications