Healthcare consumer rights play a pivotal role in patient safety, ensuring individuals receive the care and respect they deserve within the healthcare system. These rights empower patients by granting them the autonomy to make informed decisions about their care, access their medical records, and receive transparent information about treatment options, risks, and costs. The…
Category: Articles
Navigating Alarm Fatigue: How Families Can Help Ensure Patient Safety
Alarm fatigue is a critical safety issue in healthcare settings, particularly in high-intensity areas such as intensive care units and emergency departments. It occurs when healthcare providers are exposed to an excessive number of alarms, leading to desensitization or a delayed response to alarms. This phenomenon not only increases the risk of missing critical patient…
The Critical Value of Respiratory Rate
Did you know: Respiratory rate is the earliest and most sensitive indicator of patient deterioration? The number of breaths a person takes per minute, is a fundamental vital sign alongside body temperature, blood pressure, and pulse rate. Despite its critical importance in assessing a patient’s health status, respiratory rate is often dubbed the “neglected vital…
Understanding Common Sentinel Events
When it comes to receiving healthcare, your safety should always be the top priority. Hospitals strive to provide the best possible care, but occasionally, unforeseen events called “sentinel events” can occur. Understanding these events and learning how to advocate for yourself can empower you to stay safe during your hospital stay. In this blog, we…
A Guide to Understanding Common Medication Errors in Nursing
When it comes to patient safety, medication administration plays a critical role in healthcare. While nurses strive to provide the best care possible, medication errors can occasionally occur. In this article, we will explore the most common medication errors that nurses may make, shedding light on these issues and empowering healthcare consumers to be proactive…
A Call for Patient Advocacy in Healthcare
In today’s healthcare landscape, preventable medical errors rank as the third leading cause of death in the United States, casting a harsh light on a crisis that demands urgent action. We “assume” the healthcare system is safe and will help us when we are sick or get injured. Yet, despite our best efforts, the system…
The Silent Crisis of Patient Safety in Healthcare
A visit to the hospital to receive care for illness or disease should not be a gamble. As a healthcare professional deeply immersed in the industry, I’ve witnessed firsthand the challenges and complexities that come with ensuring patient safety. It’s a topic that is close to my heart, and today, I want to shed light…
Hand Hygiene: The First Line of Defense in Healthcare
In the intricate world of healthcare, where the battle against infections is ongoing, one simple yet profoundly effective weapon often goes unnoticed: Hand Hygiene. It’s more than just a routine; it’s a critical safeguard at the very heart of patient care and safety. The microorganisms that live in hospital environments can be easily passed between…
World Elder Abuse Awareness Day – June 15
June 15 is World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, an opportunity for communities around the world to raise awareness about elder abuse and neglect. Social Security is committed to protecting older adults from abuse, neglect, and financial exploitation. Recently, Social Security released the video, World Elder Abuse Awareness Day 2024, with tips to help you and…
7 Resources You Can Use To Manage Your Mental Health
By: Stan Popovich Are you having trouble finding places to get some assistance for your mental health? Nowadays, many places have waiting lists, and some places can be very expensive. This can be very frustrating when you need help right away. As a result, here are 7 options you can use to start the process…
How To Convince Someone To Get Help For Their Mental Health
By: Stan Popovich There are many reasons why some people are reluctant to get help for their mental health or addiction issues. In addition, many people are not sure what to do when encouraging someone to get the help they need for their mental health. As a result, here are seven suggestions on how to…
21 Mental Health Facts That Can Help Someone You Know
By: Stanley Popovich I dealt with fear and anxiety for over twenty years and there are 21 facts that I discovered during my mental health struggles that can help anyone who struggles with fear and anxiety. Knowing these important mental health facts can save someone you know a lot of time and money in the long…
7 Tips On How To Stop Constant Worrying In Your Life
By: Stan Popovich Do you find yourself worrying about everything that is going on around you? It can be very tiring and depressing to constantly worry about your family, your job, your health, and everything else that is happening. Having things out of your control is very scary. As a result, here are 7 tips…
6 Tips On How To Discuss Your Mental Health With Others
By: Stan Popovich It can be frustrating to struggle with your mental health and to get your family and friends to understand where you are coming from. Although most people may be understanding, there is usually one or two people who will make things more challenging for you. As a result, here…
6 Reasons Why You Should Get Help For Your Mental Health
By Stan Popovich Many people underestimate the impact that mental illness can have on an individual or family. It can be difficult to admit that you have a mental health problem in your life. Secondly, it can be just as difficult in getting the people you know to understand your situation without making any kinds…
Social Security Column
10 WAYS TO PROTECT YOUR PERSONAL INFORMATION By Annie Walters Social Security Public Affairs Specialist in Nevada Identity theft affects millions of people each year and can cause serious harm. Protect yourself by securing your personal information, understanding the threat of identity theft, and exercising caution. Here are 10 things you can start doing now…
Talking with Loved Ones About Assisted Living
When it comes time to talk with a loved one about assisted living, the way you go about it will determine if the conversation goes well. Downsizing from a house full of memories, leaving a familiar neighborhood, fearing the loss of autonomy and control of their lives can make many seniors hesitant to even discuss…
Health Benefits of Friendships
Sterling Ridge Senior Living January 25, 2022 The Health Benefits of Friendships One of the best ways for older adults to improve their physical health, mental well-being and overall happiness is by socializing and making new friends. Studies show friendships and socialization benefit older adults’ health in a variety of specific ways, including: A longer…
Common Myths About Assisted Living
Sterling Ridge Senior Living Common Myths About Assisted Living What is assisted living? At senior living communities like Sterling Ridge Senior Living, assisted living provides residents with lifestyle options designed to help them thrive independently, along with access to safe, comfortable surroundings, a supportive environment of friendly peers and caring team members, healthy, chef-prepared meals, and…
Choosing a new doctor? What seniors need to know
Byline – Dr. Tracy Wakefield, Regional Medical Director, CenterWell Senior Primary Care Article Description If you’re 65 or older, trying to navigate a search for a new doctor can be overwhelming. Choosing the right doctor or plan for you doesn’t have to be difficult. Here are things to consider when looking for your new doctor….
Caring for Seniors and their Caregivers in our Community
By Dr. Tracy Wakefield, Regional Medical Director, CenterWell Senior Primary Care Article Description Many families care for aging loved ones, and November is National Family Caregivers Month. CenterWell wants to honor and support the millions of valued caregivers in our communities and bring more awareness to their incredible work. Article Families are the primary source…
Social Security Articles – December 2021
December 2021 – Columns & Features Produced at U.S. taxpayer expense. Social Security Column Social Security Benefits Increase in 2022 By Annie Walters Social Security Public Affairs Specialist in Nevada Approximately 70 million Americans will see a 5.9% increase in their Social Security benefits and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payments in 2022. Federal benefit rates increase…
Choose to be the Hope in the Lives that Need it Most this Christmas Season!
By Nicole Hanna, MBA, RFA, CDP Every year the Las Vegas Rescue Mission focuses their efforts on serving our community’s struggling and displaced families to provide families with gifts, clothing and shoes, cookies and cocoa, holiday carols and cheer, and most importantly… HOPE! As a survivor of “The Streets” I have been blessed to grow…
Mission Senior Living’s Caregivers Recognized by Nevada Caregivers Coalition
RENO, Nevada, Dec. 15, 2017 – During the 12th annual Caregiver Recognition Luncheon on Nov. 29 at the Atlantic Resort, 10 Mission Senior Living (MSL) team members were among 93 caregivers recognized by the Nevada Caregivers Coalition for enhancing the quality of life for those in their care. Carson City-based Mission Senior Living offers assisted…
How to Set a Fantastic Holiday Table
(Family Features) The holidays are about making memories with friends and family. When it’s your turn to host, you can set a truly memorable holiday table – without breaking the bank. Celebrity chef and event planner Travis London, of Healthy Chic Eats, shares three great ideas for creating fantastic holiday table settings and a great…
Santa’s Handy Hints For everyone on your list
(Family Features) Make holiday shopping a little easier this year with a few hints from the big man himself. Whether they love music, technology, fashion or fun, these gifts will put a smile on everyone’s face — and turn you into a holiday hero. For the music lover HTC One V — $269.99 www.mycricket.com The…
End Holiday Gatherings with a Slice of Decadence
(Family Features) Savoring a flavorful, homemade pie is the perfect way to end any gathering during the holidays. While apple, pecan and pumpkin are go-to favorites this time of year, introducing holiday-inspired flavor twists is perfect for those who crave a little variety. “You’ll love the smooth layers of rich chocolate and the crunch of…
Impress Your Guests with Pork
(Family Features) Looking to impress your guests this party season? Treat their taste buds to a pork loin dish that is as versatile as it is delicious. This Simply Saucy Bacon-Wrapped Pork Loin is sure to be a crowd pleaser since, after all, everything is better when wrapped in bacon. This delectable dish offers a…
Stir up Some Party Fun
(Family Features) No matter what the reason for the party, you can stir up some fun with easy-to-make appetizers that are sure to please the whole crowd. These four recipes are a breeze to make and all share one simple secret ingredient – Musselman’s Apple Butter. Here are some delicious ideas for turning these dips…
Quick Ways to Perk Up Your Day
(Family Features) Let’s face it, between work deadlines, shuttling the kids back and forth to school and activities, and household chores, sometimes those to-do lists can be overwhelming. Here are a few quick tips to keep you moving throughout the day. Take time for a snack. A good assortment of snacks can help keep you…
Grab Life by the Handlebars with Expert Cycling Tips
(Family Features) When the weather is warm, bikers everywhere hear the trails calling their name. Well-known endurance sports coach Chris Carmichael and award winning professional cyclist George Hincapie share nine tips to help you gear up for your ride. Whether you’re hitting the pavement, dirt trails or rugged terrain, these two cycling superstars promise to…
Where to Find Your Retirement-Planning Confidence
(Family Features) With the leisure and reward of retirement a few short years away, the majority of baby boomers – born between 1945 and 1966 – are confident they have adequately planned and saved for their golden years. This is according to new research from investing services company Scottrade, Inc., which also found that 56…
Caring for Problem Skin
(Family Features) According to the National Institutes of Health, skin is the largest organ of your body. Skin can be a very delicate thing, and as the outermost layer, it needs to be cared for in order to look and feel its best. Unfortunately, for those who suffer from highly prevalent skin conditions, such as…
How to Make Your Online Shopping More Social
(Family Features) Finding new products and gifts can often mean spending hours shopping at the mall or searching through different websites. But as the Internet has become more social, many people are now tapping into their personal networks to get recommendations on which products to buy for themselves, their family and their friends. In addition,…
Daily Dental Care Tips
(Family Features) While regular visits to the dentist’s office for routine cleanings are important for dental health, taking care of your teeth and gums each day is paramount to keeping your mouth healthy. Here are some brushing-and-beyond tips to help prevent oral health problems down the road. Preventative care is imperative. Basic hygiene practices can…
Bright Ideas for Entertaining
(Family Features) When the weather is nice, many people get the urge to entertain just a little more frequently. Interior design expert and TV personality Genevieve Gorder says the best approach to warm-weather entertaining is to make your space shine with a comfortable, approachable style. Genevieve has partnered with Mirassou Winery® to help brighten up…
Spring Flavor Inspiration
(Family Features) Do your spring recipes need a little inspiration? To liven up seasonal gatherings, look to simple dishes with flavorful variations that will surprise the palate for everyone’s favorite course – dessert. “I like to choose an easy dessert with creative twists that can carry me through the season,” says Mary Beth Harrington, a…
Cold Sore Relief is On Its Way
(Family Features) Tingling. Itchiness around the mouth. Tightness and soreness. If you’re a cold sore sufferer, these are symptoms with which you are all too familiar. These feelings mean that a cold sore is on its way. And, if you’re part of the 40 percent of people that suffer from cold sores, you know that…
Simple Tips for Getting Fit In the New Year
by Laura Garrett, RD (NAPS)—For many, controlling their weight starts with getting control of impulse eating. Often, in order to change behaviors, people must first acknowledge the patterns of behavior that lead them to eat impulsively. It Starts With a List One of the biggest culprits is going to the grocery store without a list….
Tips On Maintaining Healthy Levels Of Vitamin D
(NAPS)—Anytime of year can be the right time to make sure you are getting enough of the “sunshine vitamin”—vitamin D. Vitamin D not only helps maintain strong bones and calcium levels in the blood, but there is growing evidence linking this important nutrient to overall good health. In fact, if you are among the 77…
Volunteers: A Key To Curing Alzheimer’s Disease
(NAPS)—Although more than 5 million people age 65 and older in the U.S. are currently living with Alzheimer’s disease (AD), and while that number is expected to jump to 13.5 million by 2050, there is reason to hope. That’s good news for the almost 15 million more Americans—family members, friends, neighbors and volunteers—currently caring for…
Faces Of Skin Cancer
(Family Features) Summer is here, which means swimming, picnics and barbecues. These warmer days encourage many people to go outside and enjoy the sunshine. However, many are unaware of the serious consequences that can develop from sun exposure, including advanced skin cancer. An estimated one in five Americans will develop some form of skin cancer…
Tips for Whiter Teeth and a Brighter Smile
(Family Features) Are you proud of your smile? Or do stains on your teeth keep you from smiling as much as you’d like? According to an American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD) survey, 99.7 percent of adults feel that a smile is an important social asset. Yet, when asked what they’d like to improve most…
Chocolate and Health Benefits: It’s in the Flavanols
(Family Features) Every day, more and more health benefits are being associated with chocolate and Americans are in the know – nine in ten Americans are aware of the health benefits associated with cocoa and dark chocolate, according to HealthFocus. But, the truth is, the benefits come from the cocoa flavanols – not from how…
What to Do with Your Old Electronics
(Family Features) Mobile phones, laptops, tablets, game consoles, cameras – electronic devices are a big part of American life. In fact, Americans own an average of 24 electronic products per household, according to the Consumer Electronics Association. With technology changing so rapidly and new “it” devices hitting the market every few months, a lot of…
Cooking for One? Use Your Freezer
(Family Features) If busy nights have family and friends eating at different times, the freezer can be your greatest asset. With a little planning and some freezer space, you can create great meals for yourself in no time. Buy in Bulk – One great way to save yourself time and hassle is to purchase items…
Life Lessons for Dogs and Pet Parents
(Family Features) Leash pulling, potty training issues, pet anxiety – these are just a few everyday challenges that trouble many pet parents. In fact, behavioral problems are cited in the list of top reasons dogs are put in shelters, according to the American Humane Association. Dogs are always learning, whether you’re intentionally teaching them or…
Change Up Your Routine
Healthy ways to reinvent yourself (Family Features) Aging gracefully is as much about feeling good on the inside as feeling good on the outside. It’s never too late to make changes to reinvent yourself and maximize your mental and physical wellbeing. Self-improvement is at the top of many women’s to-do lists, and doing so can…
A Colorful, Crunchy Salad
(Family Features) As days get longer and the weather gets warmer, take your meal outdoors for some tasty al fresco dining featuring a fresh and easy-to-prepare salad. With minimal ingredients and maximum flavor, this combination of radicchio, California green ripe olives, chickpeas and Parmesan is sure to find its way into your seasonal meal occasions,…
Natural Sleep Solutions to Dream About
(Family Features) It’s no secret: Americans are desperate for sleep. In fact, the U.S. sleep aid market is expected to grow to $44 billion by 2020, according to data from Persistence Market Research. However, achieving better sleep may be as easy as changing what you eat. A survey commissioned by the Cherry Marketing Institute and…
Health Help for Your Feline Friend
(Family Features) Cats are typically self-sufficient family members, but owners tend to forget that those furry feline friends do need help when it comes to their daily nutrition. To keep your cat healthy, it’s important to look for a cat food with high-quality ingredients to help with their nutrition needs, from head to tail. “It’s…
Giving to the Next Generation
(Family Features) From self-expression to self-direction, there are countless ways to age out loud. Some of the most rewarding ways for older adults involve passing on experiences, wisdom and skills to others. Everyone has something to share, and these ideas from the Administration of Community Living can help you get started. Mentor. Use professional or…
Help Your Dog Fight Flu Season
(Family Features) People who have suffered from the flu know how exhausting the fever, chills and upset stomach can be. Your dog may be at risk for the same symptoms. One type of canine influenza virus – CIV H3N8 – has been around for years, and a new type (CIV H3N2) was identified in Chicago…
Don’t Let Cold and Flu Ruin the Season
(Family Features) As the holidays approach, many are gearing up for Thanksgiving dinners, holiday shopping and celebrating with family and friends. But with the unpredictable cold and flu season, it’s equally important to add staying healthy to your list. To help answer your most pressing queries, Dr. Travis Stork, emergency room physician and host of…
Simple Ways to Manage Pain
(Family Features) Sooner is better when it comes to managing nagging aches and pains that can hamper your healthy lifestyle. In fact, the coming winter months are when pain pops up the most for people of all ages, according to celebrity trainer Ramona Braganza. Keys to keeping active and pain-free are getting ahead of pain…
Ways to Welcome a Shelter Dog
(Family Features) Animal shelters are full of lovable dogs of all breeds, sizes and ages deserving of a good home and ready to become your next four-legged family member. In fact, according to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, nearly 2 million dogs are adopted into new families each year. However,…
With Eggs, the Choices Are Many
(Family Features) Cage-free? Organic? Local? When purchasing eggs, many people read the carton to help understand how the hens were housed when producing those eggs. But is the label on the egg carton a good indicator of the hens’ well-being? The variety of options can make determining the eggs best for you and your family…
Tips to Save Money at the Pump
(Family Features) As gas prices continue to drop, motorists should take advantage of their savings at the pump and invest it back into their vehicles. By spending a little now to increase fuel efficiency, drivers can multiply fuel savings and save more money at the pump, according to the Car Care Council. Here are a…
Fight the Flu with Healthy Habits
(Family Features) With cold and flu season upon us, it may be tempting to hibernate until the danger of red, puffy eyes and a stuffy nose disappears. Waiting for a cold or flu to run its course can truly feel like an eternity, especially when the symptoms have you looking as bad as you feel….
Inspirational Stamps Teach History of Civil Rights
(Family Features) The influence of family can be a powerful thing. When asked who inspired her as a child, Rosa Parks, an extraordinary American activist, answered, “My family, I would say, my mother, and my maternal grandparents. I grew up with them.” On December 1, 1955, Parks was arrested in Montgomery, Alabama, for refusing…
Living with diabetes? Watch your mouth!
Why are those with diabetes more vulnerable to gum disease? High blood glucose levels impair the body’s ability to heal from oral infections and uncontrolled diabetes can make treating gum disease more difficult, according to the American Diabetes Association. The Association is joining with Colgate to launch a new “Watch Your Mouth!” campaign to help…
Try a Tartine
(Family Features) Tartines are trending in restaurants nationwide, but technically you’ve probably been eating them for years. Originating in France, a tartine is simply a slice of buttered bread, topped with jam or preserves. Tartine toppings have become more imaginative these days, running the gamut from melted Gruyere cheese and prosciutto to ricotta and…
Learn More, Breathe Better
Early Intervention Key to Preventing and Managing COPD (Family Features) Only a few years ago, about one third of the population had not heard of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), despite its status as one of the leading causes of death in the United States. Now, nearly a decade later, awareness of COPD is on…
Bring Global Flavor to Your Table with Pork
(Family Features) Explore new flavors and cuisines and take a tasty trip around the world with pork – all from the comfort of your own home. Pork’s versatility and savory taste make it the perfect pairing with global ingredients and dishes, giving you a passport to delicious mealtimes you will want to share with…
Change Up Your Routine
Healthy Ways to Reinvent Yourself (Family Features) Aging gracefully is as much about feeling good on the inside as feeling good on the outside. It’s never too late to make changes to reinvent yourself and maximize your mental and physical wellbeing. Self-improvement is at the top of many women’s to-do lists, and doing so can…
Unprotected Heroes
Vests Save K-9s Lives as They Protect and Serve Communities (Family Features) A German Shepherd named Kilo was shot multiple times during a gun battle in Florida between police and a man suspected of shooting at officers earlier in the night. Fortunately for Kilo, he was wearing a protective vest, which saved his…
Advances in Treating Arthritis of the Spine
Dr. Praveen Kadimcherla with Atlantic Spine Center offers tips on what to expect from same day surgery to relieve chronic lower back pain stemming from spinal arthritis. Read the full story here: http://www.prweb.com/releases/atlanticspine/spinearthritis/prweb13274906.htm
Supplying the Aging Brain with More Energy
A growing dysfunction in energy metabolism, such as might be caused by higher levels ofmitochondrial damage in cells, has been implicated in the progression of age-relatedneurodegenerative conditions. The neurons of the brain collectively require a lot of energy to operate, and thus it is reasonable to consider that disruptions in the processes that provide that…
Senior Living Poised to Attract More Diverse Residents
Race, age and income all play a significant role in who is looking at senior housing, but recent survey findings suggest a possible inflection point, as minorities express more interest in senior living for themselves than for their parents. Caucasian Americans are significantly more likely to consider a senior living community for their aging parents…
Increased Generation of Mitochondrial Reactive Oxygen Species Tends to Slow Aging in Laboratory Species
The interactions between molecular damage in cells, repair system activity, the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in mitochondria capable of causing damage, and individual or species longevity are far from simple. The free radical theory of aging and its variants were early and in hindsight overly simplistic views based on the observation that the…
How old is too old – and are YOU too old?
Are you too old? That’s actually a loaded question… On the weekend I watched a documentary on PBS about John Glenn. While many know of – and even remember – his inspiring flight in 1962 as the first American into orbit, what I didn’t know was that while he was a sitting Senator and holding down…
Bring Global Flavor to Your Table with Pork
Explore new flavors and cuisines and take a tasty trip around the world with pork – all from the comfort of your own home. Pork’s versatility and savory taste make it the perfect pairing with global ingredients and dishes, giving you a passport to delicious mealtimes you will want to share with family and friends….
Change Up Your Routine – Healthy ways to reinvent yourself
Aging gracefully is as much about feeling good on the inside as feeling good on the outside. It’s never too late to make changes to reinvent yourself and maximize your mental and physical wellbeing. Self-improvement is at the top of many women’s to-do lists, and doing so can take many forms. According to a recent…
Unprotected Heroes Vests Save K-9s Lives as They Protect and Serve Communities
A German Shepherd named Kilo was shot multiple times during a gun battle in Florida between police and a man suspected of shooting at officers earlier in the night. Fortunately for Kilo, he was wearing a protective vest, which saved his life. Unfortunately, thousands of other K-9s officers across the country perform their duties without…
Too Much Sitting Linked to Disability in Adults 60 or Older
Most of us are aware that being too sedentary isn’t healthy. Not long ago, it was dubbed “the sitting disease,” due to research that long periods of time sitting is associated with the onset of diseases such as diabetes, some cancers and heart disease. Older adults are especially encouraged to offset sitting with regular activity…
If You Want To Age Better, Be Happy
It makes sense that happier people with a positive world view would have longer, more fulfilling lives. Several recent studies have demonstrated various happy/healthy connections, such as happier marriages translating to better physical health for the partners. One U.K. study, reported inMedicalNewsToday.com, found a strong correlation between individuals who enjoy life and their increased physical function….
Stem cell source found in tissue discarded in hip replacements
Tissue that is typically discarded in routine hip replacement operations may offer a rich untapped source of stem cells that could be banked for later use in regenerative medicine, where patients’ own cells are used to treat disease or repair failing organs. This was the implication of a new study led by the University of…
Five Coolest Senior Care Tech Unveiled at CES 2014
The Innovation Series is Brought to you by Care Innovations, a joint venture between Intel Corporation and GE, committed to creating technology-based solutions that give people confidence to live independently, wherever they are. With GE’s expertise in healthcare and Intel’s expertise in technology – we’re innovating to change the way care and solutions are delivered. Tech…
5 Ways to Beat Those Winter Blahs and Blues
It’s not even the end of January and winter has been brutal here in the Midwest. Along with other areas of the country unused to constant sub-zero temperatures and snow, we’re all growing weary of being stuck inside, trying to stay warm. After the normal post-holidays let-down, the winter blahs and blues tend to set…
Task Force evidence reviews suggests that one-time screening for abdominal aortic aneurysms could benefit older men
A one-time screening for abdominal aortic aneurysm in men 65 years or older is associated with decreased AAA rupture and AAA-related mortality rates, according to a new review being published in Annals of Internal Medicine. AAA is a weakening in the wall of the infrarenal aorta resulting in localized dilation, or ballooning, of the abdominal aorta. A large…
Using Home Health Care to Facilitate Independent Living
When faced with the choice between living in an elderly care facility or aging as independently as possible at home, home health care is almost always the more desirable choice. Still, it’s not always easy to build a feasible support system for aging seniors who wish to retain as much independence and dignity as possible by continuing…
Fight the Flu with Healthy Habits
(Family Features) With cold and flu season upon us, it may be tempting to hibernate until the danger of red, puffy eyes and a stuffy nose disappears. Waiting for a cold or flu to run its course can truly feel like an eternity, especially when the symptoms have you looking as bad as you feel….
Unprotected Heroes Vests Save K-9s Lives as They Protect and Serve Communities
(Family Features) A German Shepherd named Kilo was shot multiple times during a gun battle in Florida between police and a man suspected of shooting at officers earlier in the night. Fortunately for Kilo, he was wearing a protective vest, which saved his life. Unfortunately, thousands of other K-9s officers across the country perform their…
Inspirational Stamps Teach History of Civil Rights
(Family Features) The influence of family can be a powerful thing. When asked who inspired her as a child, Rosa Parks, an extraordinary American activist, answered, “My family, I would say, my mother, and my maternal grandparents. I grew up with them.” On December 1, 1955, Parks was arrested in Montgomery, Alabama, for refusing…
Living with diabetes? Watch your mouth!
Living with diabetes? Watch your mouth! (Family Features) According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, people with diabetes are two times more likely to develop gum disease. In fact, about one-third of people with diabetes have severe gum disease. Why are those with diabetes more vulnerable to gum disease? High blood…
American Red Cross Advancing Health Options in Southern Nevada
Dr. John Lunetta, D.O. arrived in Las Vegas more than a year ago to help with the American Red Cross Blood Services regional expansion. For decades, the Red Cross blood supply in Southern Nevada came from other areas of the country, mostly from Idaho, Montana and Utah. But over the course of the last year…
New research: Cranberry concentrate reduces risk of urinary tract infections in elderly
New research [1] published in the American Journal of Geriatrics shows that over 25% of bladder infections (cystitis) can be reduced with the regular use of cranberry concentrate supplements in vulnerable older people in nursing homes at high risk of urinary tract infections. Over 20% of these high-risk elderly did not develop any UTI’s at all when taking the cranberry…
Of course I talk to myself. Who else can I trust?
Talking to yourself out loud in public is a sign of mental illness. True or false? If you said true then I am in need of serious psychiatric counseling. Over the past six weeks I have been seriously challenged with numerous, stressful family and eldercare situations – coming at me from all sides and at…
Sex and the Senior Living Community: N.Y. Times
With a documented, “rapid” increase in sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) among older Americans, there’s cause for concern about unsafe sex practices happening in retirement communities around the country, says a recent New York Times opinion piece. Both chlamydia infections and syphilis diagnoses rose substantially among seniors aged 65 and older between 2007 and 2011, according to the…
Enjoy life more – your body will age better, study shows
A new study from the UK and published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal claims that people who enjoy life will have better physical function and faster walking speeds than their more pessimistic counterparts. We already know there are health benefits associated with a positive outlook on life. A study from 2013 suggested people who have happy marriages also…
2 Easy Travel Tips for Long Trips With Elderly Seniors
Are you planning on any traveling with your elderly parents this year – for holiday visits with long distance family members or perhaps just to have a fun trip out to see sights and enjoy lovely scenery? My senior mom and I just returned from a 7 hour drive to visit some of her great-grandkids….
Red Cross Blood Products Prolong Life of Two-Year-Old Las Vegan
Two-year-old Sawyer Balonek of Las Vegas has been diagnosed with Bruton Agammaglobulinemia, an inherited immunodeficiency disease. He has to have an infusion of immunoglobulin every four weeks from plasma extracted from blood given by volunteer donors. The blood products needed by Sawyer are provided by the American Red Cross. The Red Cross is the…
Drug interactions causing a significant impact on statin use
A new study has found that many people who stopped taking cholesterol-lowering statin drugs were also taking an average of three other drugs that interfered with the normal metabolism of the statins. The other drugs can contribute to a common side effect of taking statins – muscle pain – and often led people to discontinue…
New Survey Reveals that Aging Parents and Adult Children Aren’t Always On the Same Page!
In honor of National Family Caregivers Month, life transition planning and daily money management firm LifeBridge Solutions, LLC surveyed nearly 400 aging parents and adult children. The national survey was conducted online November 12 – 14, 2013. Survey results indicate that adult children are generally more concerned about their aging parent’s wellbeing than the older…
New Survey Examines Public’s Views on End-of-Life Medical Treatments
At a time of national debate over health care costs and insurance, a new Pew Research Center survey on end-of-life decisions finds most Americans say there are some circumstances in which doctors and nurses should allow a patient to die. At the same time, however, a growing minority says that medical professionals should do everything…
How to Talk to Aging Parents About Senior Housing
One in three adults ages 65 and older will fall each year. Use this podcast to learn how to talk to aging parents about senior living before an accident occurs. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, one in three adults ages 65 and older fall each year. Of these falls, 20–30 percent result…
Baby Boomers and Seniors face nutritional triple threat of obesity, weight loss and lack of balanced meals
Livliga dishware is a new solution to help these two generations eat right and stay healthy Americans are living longer than ever, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control, but the fight to stay healthy is just as challenging as it has been with past generations. Recent studies show that the Silent Generation, born…
U.S. Veterans Honored by Encore.org’s 2013 Purpose Prize
Seven Awards for People Over Age 60 Solving the World’s Toughest Social Problems The Purpose Prize has become a “MacArthur genius award for people who develop a second career as social service entrepreneurs.” – The New York Times. A veteran of the U.S. Navy organizes a network of volunteers across the country to teach disabled…
Coalition to Protect Retirement Launches Campaign to Safeguard Retirement Savings Incentives
Nearly 9 in 10 Americans Say Retirement Savings Accounts Should be “Off Limits” As a Source of New Tax Revenue – Part of National Campaign to Raise Awareness About Benefits of Tax Deferral WASHINGTON, Nov. 7, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ — Americans overwhelmingly – by a margin of 4 to 1 – oppose changing tax rules for retirement…
Holiday Season Is Perfect Time to “Talk Turkey” about End-of-Life Care Wishes
Compassion & Choices Provides Tips to Families to Discuss Issue Everyone Will Face The upcoming holiday season is the perfect time to “talk turkey over turkey” with your family about an important issue we all will face: our wishes for end-of-life care. It is the key message in the featured holiday story of the fall…