Interim HealthCare of Omaha

Interim Calendar Picture

2011-08-08T16:29:00.000-05:00

Does anyone recognize where in Omaha this photo of the pioneer statues was taken? It appeared in Interim's Traveling Across the Country calendar as the month of July.

MDA Fundraiser

2011-07-26T16:03:00.000-05:00

Our marketers Tracey and Colin will be going to jail! Well at least serving time for Jerry's Kids and the Muscular Dystrophy Association.They need your help to make their bail of $2,000 a piece before Thursday, July 28th. Your 100% tax-deductible donation will help the MDA continue research on the causes and cures for 43 neuromuscular diseases.

What your donations will provide:

$1,600 sends 2 children, ages 6-17, to MDA Summer Camp
$800 sends 1 child, age 6-17, to MDA Summer Camp
$500 helps repair medical equipment
$150 allows 1 visit for clinical services at the University of Nebraska Medical Center MDA Clinic
$100 funds 1 support group sessions for families affected by a neuromuscular disease
$85 funds 1 minute of research
$30 provides an annual flu shot

Donations can be made online at:

Colin's Site

Tracey's Site

Cash and Checks (made payable to MDA) can be mailed to either Colin or Tracey at:

Attn: MDA

11207 West Dodge Road, Suite 100

Omaha, NE 68154

Tracey and Colin will make sure to give you your tax deductible receipt after receiving your donations.

Thank you all for your contributions

Happy Flag Day!

2011-06-14T15:45:00.000-05:00

Put out your American flags and show your support!

The Bottom Line on Arthritis

2011-05-25T16:55:00.000-05:00

Those of you who have arthritis, think you may have it or know someone who does, will have a few more helpful ideas of how to deal with this disabling disease. Here is a brief list of important points:

1. Pay attention to your symptoms, see your doctor and get an accurate diagnosis. Find out if you have arthritis earlier rather than later —the earlier an accurate diagnosis is made and treatment started the better. Early diagnosis can often mean less joint damage and less pain.

2. Protect your joints; if you are having joint pain when performing an activity, stop what you are doing or do it another way that does not cause pain.

3. Stay close to your recommended weight.

4. Get moving—exercise helps lessen pain, increase range of movement, reduces fatigue and helps you feel better overall.

5. Products are available, such as: jar openers, sock puller and buttoner that are easy to use and make small activities doable again. Talk with your doctor, physical therapist, pharmacist or contact the Arthritis Foundation, www.arthritis.org or call 800-568-4045, about free information.

6. Take your medication just as your doctor prescribes. If you are tempted to stop because you feel it is not working or you believe it is causing side effects, call your doctor first. It can take weeks or months for the full benefits of a medication to become apparent and some side effects to ease over time.

7. Finally, face facts, learn something new about arthritis. Build an understanding of your disease. The more you know about arthritis, the more empowered you will be to help yourself or someone you care about.

De-Conditioning another Key Issue of Arthritis

2011-05-23T17:02:00.000-05:00

One of the biggest problems arthritis sufferers must battle is not moving around a lot because you anticipate pain. This is easy to understand, you want to be still and not move the painful part. With osteoarthritis you need to move. If you don’t move, muscles become weak and joint lubrication decreases. When muscles become weak and joint lubrication decreases, arthritic pain becomes worse. Move! Swim! Dance! Walk the Mall! Walk the dog! Get up, get out and move!

Movement is the best thing you can do for your muscles, joints, your mood and perception of pain. Movement will make muscles and tendons stronger and more supportive. The longer you go without using a painful joint the more difficulty you will have getting it to move again without pain. So, if you have not been moving around much, start out slow but move and keep moving.

Here are a number of suggestions for activity made by the Arthritis Foundation:

Stretch your legs to keep joints and muscles flexible and keep your calf muscles strong and flexible.

Take a hike—choose your favorite spots and make plans to walk them at least once a week. Walking is the ideal exercise for most people with arthritis—it burns calories, strengthens muscles and builds denser bones all without jarring fragile joints.

Listen to your favorite music—it can lighten your mood and may even help you forget your pain for a little while. Make a tape of your favorite upbeat tunes and listen to it when you need a lift.

Exercise in water--the water’s buoyancy reduces wear and tear on sore joints.

Sign up for a class that makes exercise fun, for example: country line dancing, ballroom dancing, swimming, Yoga or Tai chi.

Play in the dirt—buy seeds for three of your favorite vegetables or flowers and plant a garden.

Have a good laugh—read a book of jokes, rent a funny movie or watch your favorite sit-com or stand-up comedian

Play it safe in the sun: wear sunglasses, a hat and sun screen as some types of arthritis and certain arthritis medications can leave you more vulnerable to the sun’s harmful rays.

You can contact your local chapter of the Arthritis Foundation (www.arthritis.org or 800-568-4045) or other organization (http://aarp.org) to get plugged into activities available in your community.

Pain: A Key Issue with Arthritis

2011-05-20T16:42:00.000-05:00

Not surprisingly, people with arthritis can have chronic pain in their feet, knees, hips, back, shoulders and elbows. This pain can lead to poor quality of sleep. Poor quality of sleep can lead to tension and more pain and so on and so on. One way to reduce joint pain and support refreshing sleep is to soak in a warm bath before bed. It can relieve muscle tension, ease aching joints and help you get a good night’s sleep.

If you are waking up every few hours in pain and you are on a medication to relieve pain, you need to call your doctor, because it is not working. Tell him or her when you have pain, what you are doing and how long you have pain after your last pill. Ask your doctor if a different pain medication would work better or if you should change the time or the amount that you take. You may want to keep a pain and sleep journal for just a few days or a week to give the doctor and you more information. What this means is that you write down every day how you slept, when you had pain and what you did to make it go away. You’ll also want to include any ideas you have about what seemed to cause the pain or poor quality of sleep.

An important point about managing your pain is knowing what medications you are on. If you are on a medication for pain, be sure that you are taking the medication as instructed by your doctor. Also, consider taking your prescribed pain medication before you get out of bed in the morning if your pain is worse at this time. Give yourself an extra half hour to allow your pain medication a chance to work before getting up. Keep water and crackers next to your bed if pain medication bothers your stomach.

Pain relief through massage in another way to relieve your Arthritis. Treat your muscles to a gentle massage from a certified massage therapist. The therapist’s gentle movements will help mobilize muscles, ligaments and joints that have been used infrequently. Results vary from person to person but may include decreased pain and increased circulation, energy and flexibility. You should check with your doctor before beginning regular massages.

The use of heat or cold treatments can be used to manage pain that is localized to one area of your body. Be very careful to follow your doctor’s directions in the type, amount and length of time for any applications of heat or cold. Heating pads, ice packets and products you can purchase without a prescription at the drug store can cause injury if not used properly, so be sure to get guidance on the use of heat or cold from your doctor.

Also, look at your wardrobe; do your shoes fit; are they comfortable to your toes, heels and bunions? A well padded, well fitting shoe with plenty of room for your toes and their imperfections can make a world of difference in the way your arthritic feet (and the rest of you) feel.

The Impact of Diet, Diet Sensitivities and Nutritional Supplements on Arthritis

2011-05-18T16:23:00.000-05:00

Research is currently being done to establish the relationship of arthritis to diet. Many people with arthritis want to know if the foods they eat can cause arthritis or affect their arthritis symptoms from varying from one day to the next. In fact research to date has shown that what you eat may affect certain kinds of arthritis. If you identify something you eat and believe it may be causing your arthritis pain to be worse after you’ve eaten it, tell your doctor. Your doctor may want you to avoid this food for a few days and then re-introduce it into your diet to see what/if any effect there is on your arthritis.

In exciting new research a connection has also been found between nutritional supplements and certain types of arthritis. The most studied area so far is the relationship between knee osteoarthritis and the use of Glucosamine and Chondroitin. A very large study recently showed that these supplements have a positive effect on cartilage in the knee. Glucosamine and Chondroitin are being used to relieve pain from osteoarthritis and may reduce the loss of joint cartilage that occurs with the disease. Consider taking this nutritional supplement only with your doctor’s approval, as there can be interactions between supplements and other medications or food that you eat. Tell your doctor, even though so-called natural medications or supplements have the potential to cause side effects or cause interactions that could put your health at risk.

Arthritis research, just as research for other long, term chronic diseases, consistently recommends that you eat a healthy, well-balanced diet including: plenty of vegetables, fruits and whole-grain products. In particular eat oranges they have vitamin C and other antioxidants that reduce the risk of osteoarthritis and its progression.

Preventing More Damage

2011-05-16T16:47:00.000-05:00

Your doctor may recommend a combination of treatments to prevent further damage to your joints and reduce your discomfort. These can include medication, use of heat or cold, weight management, exercise, and therapy. While you can't prevent your risk for getting arthritis such as inherited genes, gender, or past injuries you can take advantage of factors you can prevent.

One factor in preventing further joint damage is getting early treatment. Research has shown that you will help yourself more with early treatment than if you wait. Your doctor may prescribe physical or occupational therapy and not medication as the first step. The therapist can teach you how to make a movement or complete a task in a manner that is less taxing to an arthritic joint. This is a way to avoid further injury to that joint and less pain in your daily activities. Your occupational therapist might also give you suggestions about tools that you can use that may make certain tasks easier. Tools such as a jar opener, cane, walker, phone dialer, buttoner and sock puller can be helpful in getting everyday tasks done while minimizing your pain.

A second important factor in preventing joint damage is to control your weight. Think of it in this way: pounds put on in your 20s and 30s can build up years of pressure on your joints. Imagine sitting with a 30 pound weight on your neck for the next 20 years. That would increase joint stress in every joint below that extra weight: your neck, back, shoulders and hips. This stress can cause more wear and tear on your joints which can result in osteoarthritis. Even a few extra pounds have an impact. Being only 10 pounds overweight increases the force on the knee by 30-60 pounds with each step.

Assessing Your Risk of Developing Arthritis

2011-05-11T16:10:00.000-05:00

If you are:

a woman
over the age of 60 and have used your joints in any type of repetitive motion for prolonged periods such as jogging, bending, stooping, lifting
you’ve sustained a joint injury in an accident or fall
you have a close relative with osteoarthritis
you are or were overweight

Your risk of developing osteoarthritis is increased.

If you are already experiencing joint stiffness, joint pain with movement or you wake up with joint pain in the morning, you may already have arthritis. Make a point to tell your doctor about these symptoms on your next visit. Pain and stiff joints are not just a normal part of aging that you must endure.

Causes of Osteoarthritis

2011-05-09T16:27:00.000-05:00

Three things typically cause osteoarthritis.

Genetics
What happens to you during your life
How you live

Genetics is important in determining whether you get arthritis. If your parents or other close relatives have or had the disease you are more likely to develop arthritis.

However, what happens to you during your life is also important because there is a relationship between your activities and developing arthritis. For example joggers, high school and professional athletes in high impact team sports (e.g. football) and people who have had joint injuries or fractures are more likely to develop arthritis later in life in areas that were injured. Also, repetitive bending, stooping and lifting in your day-to-day life can lead to cartilage loss and pain in the hips and knees.

Other aspects of how you live your life can impact the disease as well. If you are overweight or were overweight for a significant amount of time in your life, you are more likely to develop arthritis in the knees, back and hips from the pounding your joints took. Even if you were never overweight, played impact sports, jogged, had a broken bone or your close relatives never had arthritis, sometimes osteoarthritis hits people without a known reason. How do you know if you have or may get arthritis? You should assess your risk and assess your symptoms.

Types of Arthritis

2011-05-04T16:25:00.000-05:00

There are more than 100 different types of arthritis, but most types have common features. You might be interested in the fact that even dogs can have arthritis. One in five adult dogs have the disease! Not surprisingly the symptoms between humans and dogs are the same. Here are a few of those common symptoms:

Favoring a limb
Difficulty sitting or standing
Sleeping more
Stiff or sore joints
Hesitancy to climb stairs, run or jump
Weight gain due to inactivity
Decreased activity
Attitude or behavior changes: might be more preoccupied or irritable due to pain

Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis, but first, let’s talk about normal joint construction. The normal joint has a covering of cartilage that is very durable and somewhat elastic. Cartilage is the soft bendable tissue that we can feel on our earlobes and nose. Cartilage provides a sort of shock absorber for our joints. It allows the ends of bones to move smoothly past one another without rubbing or grinding. After certain types of injuries the cartilage is destroyed and bone begins to rub on bone. When the ends of bone rub against each other, it causes osteoarthritis.

Osteoarthritis causes pain, loss of movement and stiffness and swelling in or around your joints. The pain of osteoarthritis is what makes it hard to move your body in the way that you rely on every day for taking care of yourself and your family. Movements such as stooping to pick up the newspaper, peeling back the lid of a medication bottle, opening a can of soup, washing your back or walking to the mailbox are painful and hard to do.

Introduction to Arthritis

2011-05-02T17:07:00.000-05:00

Arthritis which is pronounced by many as Arthur-i-tis, is the nation’s leading cause of disability in Americans. It causes pain, loss of movement and sometimes swelling of the joints. Arthritis limits everyday activities such as walking, dressing and bathing and is one of the most prevalent chronic health problems in our population.

The number of people who have arthritis is rising. In 1985 there were 35 million people with the disease. In 2006 that number was 46 million. A continued dramatic surge in arthritis is predicted, due to the Baby Boomer Generation’s increased awareness of the disease and greater likelihood of diagnosis.

Chances are that you or someone you know has arthritis. A diagnosis of arthritis can change your life but it does not have to be as bad as you might think. One half of Americans who have arthritis do not think anything can be done to help them.

In this blog series we will be offering some practical suggestions about how to manage the disease for those of you that have it, in order for you to make the most of your life. Future posts will cover the signs and symptoms of arthritis, so those who suspect that they have it can take action early.

The Food Pyramid for Age 70 and Older

2011-04-04T16:52:00.002-05:00

At age 70 and older, individuals inherently have unique dietary needs. Fewer calories are needed as typically you may be less physically active, and your metabolic rate does slow down. Although this may seem to indicate that you need to worry less about nutritious meals, research actually shows that you require the same or higher levels of nutrients to remain healthy and better
manage the signs and symptoms of any chronic disease.

The food pyramid for older adults was created at Tufts University to represent these changes which most often occur at age 70. It has seven elements, all of which are equally important-the best visualization is a circus tent with seven gussets, if you will, all of which make up the body of the tent.

The seven elements daily nutrition at age 70 and older are:

1) Whole, enriched and fortified grains and cereals such as brown rice and 100% whole wheat bread which are fiber rich

2) Bright-colored vegetables such as carrots and broccoli

3) Deep-colored fruits such as berries and melon

4) Low and non-fat dairy products such as yogurt and low-lactose milk

5) Dry beans and nuts, fish, poultry, lean meat and eggs

6) Liquid vegetable oils and soft spreads low in saturated and trans fats

7) Fluid intake

To get these nutrients each day does not require access to fresh food-frozen, packages or bags of pre-cut vegetables and fruits work just as well. Note the last element, fluid intake. As we age, we gauge how thirsty we are less well. The importance of consuming enough fluids each day cannot be understated. This means not only water, but soups, vegetable juice and foods high in water content such as lettuce.

The pyramid for older adults does indeed look like a circus tent as it has a flag at the top. This unique visual is used on this food pyramid to suggest that older adults may need certain supplemental nutrients. The need for calcium, vitamins D, E and B12 increases as we age and it is often difficult to obtain these from food alone. The potential need to use supplements needs to be discussed with your doctor, especially with regard to the current medications that you take and any over-the-counter drugs such as antacids, herbal supplements or other vitamins.

Clearly the relationship between nutrition and our health continues throughout our lifetime, and changes as we age. An important factor for everyone is understanding our current nutritional health and any risk factors that we may have added by virtue of our lifestyle and the changes in our daily habits as we age. The first step to a healthy life and better managing any disease that we may have or develops is our diet. Take the first steps by assessing your nutritional health now.

So What is the Latest Information About Nutrition - How Well Do You Like Fruits and Vegetables?

2011-03-31T16:43:00.000-05:00

In March 2007, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the National Institutes of Health (NIH) launched a public health initiative to make us aware of the need for fruits and vegetables in our diet. The program was called "5 a Day "to encourage adults to eat five or more servings a day of fruits and vegetables or two to six and a half cups per day. This change also acknowledges that many people struggle with understanding the size of a serving, and so the new requirements are stated in cups. Below are some examples of how these new requirements can be simply met in our daily diets.

Morning:
1 small apple (1 cup)

1 small banana on cereal (½ cup)

Mid-Day:
1 cup of lettuce and ½ cup of other vegetables

6 baby carrots (½ cup)

Evening:
½ sweet potato and ½ cup of green beans (1 cup)

16 grapes (½ cup)

"E"lder years above age 80

2011-03-31T11:58:00.000-05:00

As age increases, the risks of frailty and health problems also increase. Checking your nutritional health regularly at age 80 and older is just good sense to continue a productive life.

"N"eed Assistance

2011-03-31T10:45:00.000-05:00

Most older people are able to eat, but one of every five have trouble walking, shopping, buying or cooking food. If someone you know has trouble walking or standing for a long time, you know that they likely have problems shopping or cooking. If shopping is the problem, more and more stores now offer delivery of groceries to the home for a minimal charge. Shopping assistance-even transportation to and from the store may be available from a local senior center or home care agency that offers homemaker services in which these workers not only shop but can help with cooking.

If cooking is the problem, consider what meals you can microwave - including dinners already made that you can buy at the local store. Consider having meals brought to your home, there are a variety of services including Meals on Wheels which also offer special diets.

"I"nvoluntary Weight Loss/Gain

2011-03-30T16:20:00.000-05:00

Losing or gaining a lot of weight – 10 pounds or more in the last six months – when you are not trying to, is a warning sign that you cannot ignore. See your doctor and understand why, before this condition slowly deteriorates your health.

"M"ultiple Medicines can be Trouble for your Appetite

2011-03-29T16:13:00.000-05:00

Most adults over age 60 take some type of medicine for a health problem. Almost half of older Americans take multiple medicines – more than four per day. As we grow older our body changes in how it responds to drugs. The more medicine that we take, the greater the chance of side effects such as increased or decreased appetite, change in taste, constipation, weakness, drowsiness, diarrhea, nausea, and other symptoms. Our doctors should know every drug we take, including vitamins and minerals, as drug-food interactions are real as well as drug-drug side effects that can make eating an experience we want to avoid.

If you take four or more medications per day and you have little appetite, ask your doctor if the medicines may be affecting your appetite or even causing taste problems (things just don’t taste they way they used to). Changing medications can make a real difference, but you need to tell your doctor that there is a problem.

"R"educed Social Contact: How it Impacts Nutrition

2011-03-28T16:56:00.000-05:00

One third of all older people in the US live alone. Older people who find themselves single after many years of living with another person may find it difficult to be alone, especially at mealtimes. It is not uncommon among the single or widowed population to lose interest in preparing or eating regular meals, or eat only sparingly. In a study published in the Journal of Gerontology, researchers found that newly widowed people, most of whom were women, were less likely to enjoy mealtimes, less likely to say that they had a good appetite and less likely to report good eating behaviors. Nearly 85% of those widowed reported a weight change during the two years following a spouse’s death; the average weight loss was 7.6 pounds. Most of the women
enjoyed eating and cooking before they lost their spouse, but as widows, cooking was now a ‘chore”. For many widowed men who left cooking to their wives, the problem was often worse. They often did not know how to prepare meals and instead snacked too often or ate out a lot, both of which lead to eating too much fat, sodium and cholesterol and not enough food with the vitamins and minerals needed.

The importance of this research only reinforced the earlier findings that eating alone often can put your nutrition at risk. For those widowed or who are long term caregivers of a sick spouse who can no longer share meals as in the past, an important intervention is eating with friends or family or participating in group meals at a senior center or church at least every few weeks. Being with people daily has a positive effect on morale, well-being and eating!

"E" Economic Hardship

2011-03-25T15:59:00.000-05:00

As many as 40% of older Americans have incomes of less than $6000 per year. Having less and choosing to spend less as you see the prices rise in the grocery store, makes it very hard to spend $25-$30/week on food that will keep you healthy.

One program that targets the nutrition of low-income elderly is the Administration on Aging (AOA) Elderly Nutrition Program which offers a variety of nutrition services to the elderly throughout the nation. These programs provide for congregate and home-delivered meals, and each meal must provide at least 1/3 of the recommended dietary allowances established by government. Although there is no means test to be eligible, the over 4,000 such nutrition programs across the US primarily serve low-income elderly among those 3 million plus individuals who depend on the meals provided daily.

The Elder Nutrition Program is not just about getting nutritious food to the table, it is also about helping seniors access a range of services such as nutrition screening, assessment, and education to help an individual meet needs that may be threatening their independence. Volunteers and paid staff who work in the program have an important role in reporting any health or other problem that they learn of when delivering the meals or interacting at the congregate meal sites so that other community-based services such as homemakers, home health aide services, transportation or physical activity programs can be accessed and help to keep a senior at home and independent longer.

"T": Tooth Loss or Mouth Pain

2011-03-23T16:07:00.002-05:00

A healthy mouth, teeth and gums are needed to eat many of the foods required for a nutritious diet. Missing, loose or rotten teeth and dentures that don’t fit well or which cause mouth sores make it hard to eat food such as meat, fresh fruits and vegetables, all of which have the nutrients you need each day

What to Do -Try Other Foods To Ensure Nutrition:

Instead of:Fresh fruit

Try: fruit juices and soft canned fruit like peaches, pears or applesauce

Instead of: Raw vegetables

Try: vegetable juices and creamed and mashed cooked vegetables

Instead of: Meat

Try: Ground meat, eggs, milk, cheese, yogurt, and foods made with milk such as pudding and creamed soups

Instead of: Sliced bread

Try: Cooked cereals, rice, bread pudding and soft cookies

Eating Poorly

2011-03-22T15:15:00.000-05:00

The "E" in DETERMINE represents eating poorly. Eating too little and eating too much both lead to poor health.Our food and drink habits can put our nutrition at risk. Eating the same foods day after day, not eating fruit, vegetables and dairy products daily, skipping meals because you just don’t feel like it or you are too busy leads to poor nutrition.

In addition to eating poorly, alcohol is another contributor to poor nutrition. One in four adults drink too much alcohol, which causes many health problems to become worse if the individual drinks more than one or two alcoholic beverages a day.

Disease the "D" in Determine

2011-03-21T16:49:00.000-05:00

Disease - any disease, illness or chronic condition which causes you to change the way you eat or makes it hard for you to eat, puts your nutritional health at risk. Four out of five adults in this country have a chronic disease by age 55 that is affected by their diet. But it is not only diabetes and high cholesterol that affects what you eat and how often you eat; it is also confusion or memory loss that take their toll on our diet as we age. One out of five adults experiences memory loss or increasing confusion as they age, and they can actually forget to eat or cannot remember if they did. To ask a friend or family member whose memory loss or confusion seems to be increasing if they ate today and what they ate is a reasonable and important question. Finally, even mental conditions impact nutrition. Feeling sad or depressed happens to about one out of eight older adults, and these feelings can cause big changes in appetite, digestion, energy level, weight and well-being.

Using DETERMINE to Understand Nutritional Health

2011-03-15T16:45:00.000-05:00

So what is nutritional health? The American Academy of Physicians, the American Dietetic Association and the National Council on the Aging have joined forces to provide a simple way to screen your nutritional health, using the word DETERMINE.

Disease

Eating Poorly

Tooth Loss or Mouth Pain

Economic Hardship

Reduced social contact

Multiple Medicines

Involuntary Weight Loss/Gain

Need Assistance

Elder years above age 80

Communicating with your Healthcare Providers

2011-03-10T16:20:00.000-06:00

Communication between your healthcare provider is the first step in keeping you and your loved ones safe. The best way to do that is to ask questions until you fully understand the answers your healthcare provider is giving you.

Communication between your provider

Ask your healthcare provider about your and other patients safety, and how communication between you two can be improved.

How to be more involved in your care

Tell your healthcare provider you want yo be more involved in your care and ask them how you can help contribute.
Find out the process for reporting errors within your healthcare provider.

Patient Safety Awareness Week

2011-03-08T16:06:00.000-06:00

March 6th-12th is Patient Safety Awareness Week and during this week health care companies will be promoting the importance of analyzing, reporting and preventing errors with their patients medical care, as well as showing how important it is for their patients to revive the right care at the right time. Patients and families need to be aware of their health care needs and the best way to do that is to maintain your health and communicate with your different health care providers to make sure everyone is on the same page.

So Why Should You Care About Nutrition As You Age?

2011-03-03T16:25:00.000-06:00

People are right when they think that the chronic diseases that they have now or the ones that develop as they age are influenced by poor eating habits when they were younger. For example if you have osteoporosis now, it was influenced by eating habits – especially calcium intake – and insufficient exercise during early adolescence and early adulthood. However, we also now know that nutrition in the later years can help lessen the effects of diseases common among older Americans such as osteoporosis, high blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease, certain cancers and gastrointestinal problems.

Studies demonstrate that a good diet in our later years helps to both reduce the risk of chronic diseases and to manage the diseases’ signs and symptoms. On the other hand, poor nutrition as you age can prolong recovery from illness and worsen the signs and symptoms of chronic disease.

Introduction to Nutrition and Aging

2011-03-01T15:49:00.000-06:00

March is National Nutrition Month, and to help answerer people's questions about nutrition we will be posting information on the importance of nutrition and aging.

You are not alone if you have questions about nutrition. The news each day seems to confuse us more than answer our questions. What is a healthy diet? If I already have high blood pressure, is what I eat going to make a difference? What really is the right size portion – we typically don’t carry scales with us. The good news is that once the hype is separated from the fact, there is strong, solid evidence about nutrition and how it impacts our life at 50, 80 and beyond.

Throughout the month of March we will answer these questions and more , so keep checking in to find out more about the importance of nutrition as you age.

Making Bath Safety Comfortable and Convenient

2011-01-25T16:27:00.000-06:00

Here are a few tips to help make safety in the bath more comfortable and convenient for you or a loved one.

Having a telephone or pull cord near the toilet allows someone who has fallen or having troubles the ability to call for help
When looking for the best place to house a loved one keep in mind that the bathroom should ideally be in a direct path from the bedroom of the person in care
The ideal height for the sink is 32”-34” from the floor
Make sure there is enough room for two people to access the bathroom sink
Make sure toilet paper is within an easy reaching distance, in order to avoid straining muscles (back) and to prevent falls
If needed add an elevated or raised toilet seat
Place heat lamps in the ceiling, to provide warmth when exiting the shower

More Senior Bath Safety Tips

2011-01-20T15:41:00.000-06:00

Install guard rails around the toilet or use a portable toilet seat that has them built in.
Make sure every sharp corner and edge is cover, preferably with some kind of rubber cushioning
Make sure your electrical appliances have a ground fault interrupted (GFI) feature and/or install GFI outlets
Don't use glass shower doors. If you do have them, they can be replaced with unbreakable plastic
Don't use towel racks as a grab bar, install one around your vanity instead
Be sure to have lights in your medicine cabinets in order to reduce that chance of making a mistakes while taking medicine.
Make sure your hot water thermostat is set below 120° F.

Bath Safety Products

2011-01-18T16:52:00.001-06:00

There are multiple products on the market today that are important in ensuring safety in the bath. Below is a list of some products that are useful in maintaining that safety.

Transfer bench: helps you get in and out of the bath safely.

Shower Stools : are seats in the shower that help prevent you from slipping.

Grab Bars (Safety Bars): are attached to the walls of the bathroom as well as on the sides of walk-in tubs. These help you move around in the bath safely, buy providing additional places to put your hands and stabilize your body.

Security Rails : are hand-holds that are attached to the sides of the bath or toilet

Walk-in bathtubs : are accessible tubs which are easy to get in since they have a water tight door which allows you to access the bathtub. Once in, you sit on a raised seat while the bathtub fills up with water. They limit the need to climb over the edge of the tub to get in and out, thus helping to reduce falls.

Hand held showers : are shower heads which are mounted on the shower wall and can be detached for washing ones self while seated on a shower stool

Seniors and Bath Safety

2011-01-13T16:55:00.000-06:00

Bath safety is an important part for the health of seniors. People who are 65 years or older account for more than 75% of slip and fall deaths. If the bathroom is not equipped to the needs of seniors it can become one of the most troublesome rooms in the house for them. Side-effects from medications, poor eyesight and limited mobility further affect seniors safety in the bath.
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Bath Safety Tips

2011-01-11T16:31:00.000-06:00

Practice these safety tips to help limit mishaps in the bath:

Put anti skid and non-slip mats in your bath and next to it.
Make sure the bathroom floor is dry.
Limit objects in the bathroom layout in order to allow easy access
Put grab bars in your bathtub and shower..
Use impact-resistant fixtures in your shower and bath..
Keep all electrical switches and outlets away from water.
Make sure bathroom door locks can be unlocked from both sides.

Bath Safety Methods

2011-01-07T16:43:00.000-06:00

Before entering the bath be cautious of the following:

Parts of the bath that can be slick
Parts of the bath that are harder to maneuver around
Parts of the bath that may be dangerous
Any fixtures in the bath that are hard to access, use or clean

Bath Safety Month

2011-01-04T16:41:00.000-06:00

January is Bath Safety Month and to help spread awareness we will be posting helpful bath safety tips and articles to help educate on the sometimes overlooked dangers of the common bath. Water may seem harmless, but when combined with smooth surfaces it can impose a serious risk. Bathrooms are the most widely used room in the house and can also be the most dangerous. One of the most common threats in the home is falling and about a third of those falls happen in the bath.

In a report by The Consumer Product Safety Commission, the United States, has an average of 370 people a day suffer injuries in the bath, with slips and falls being the main reasons. These accidents are the second leading cause of accidental death and disability. Everyone is at risk, but those with restricted movement, such as seniors are more inclined to be injured in the bath.

What to do When Diagnosed with Alzheimer's

2010-11-30T16:36:00.000-06:00

When a loved one, family member, neighbor or friend has Alzheimer's disease, there are health care team members who can help families and friends cope with the signs and symptoms of this disease and to start treatment. Here are some of the health care professionals that can help:

• Primary care physician
• Geriatrician—a doctor who specializes in treating the elderly
• Neurologist—a doctor trained to treat diseases of the brain
• Psychiatrist—a doctor who specializes in treating behavioral problems

To locate a doctor near you, visit the American Medical Association’s (AMA) website. If you do not have or use a computer you can use the phone to contact directory assistance (dial 411) to locate the AMA’s phone number in your state. There is no cure for Alzheimer's disease. Treatment for Alzheimer's Disease focuses on maintaining quality of life for the person with the disease. Some medications can help improve memory and others can slow the progression of
the disease. Not all treatments will work for everyone. The use of medication is a decision that you and your medical team must decide.

Prevention of Alzheimer's

2010-11-29T16:15:00.000-06:00

Since we cannot prevent aging, it is unlikely that we can prevent Alzheimer’s disease. However, to date research has identified some actions that we can take to help reduce our risk for the disease. We know that adults with damaged blood vessels in their brain are more likely to develop Alzheimer’s disease. Blood vessel damage in the brain is more likely to occur in people with high blood pressure, high cholesterol or diabetes. These diseases can be managed through medication, healthy diet and exercise. The more “under control” that these diseases are, the less damage or hardening of the blood vessels.

Seven Warning Signs of Alzheimers

2010-11-23T16:44:00.000-06:00

1. Asking the same question over and over again,
2. Repeating the same story, word for word, again and again,
3. Forgetting how to cook, or how to do repairs, or how to play cards— all activities that were previously done with ease and regularity;
4. Losing one’s ability to pay bills or balance one’s checkbook;
5. Getting lost in familiar surroundings, or misplacing household objects;
6. Neglecting to bathe, or wearing the same clothes over and over again while insisting they have taken a bath or that their clothes are sill clean
7. Relying on someone else, such as a spouse, to make decisions or answer questions they previously would have handled themselves without hesitation;

When these symptoms are noticed and reported to the doctor, the patient is in a position to obtain treatment that may improve their quality of life. Early treatment in some cases has been shown also to slow the progression of this disease, and importantly, gives time to discuss care options while the diagnosed individual can still take part in decision-making for future treatment and care.

How is Alzheimer’s Recognized?

2010-11-22T16:15:00.000-06:00

Family members are often the first to notice changes that could indicate the onset of Alzheimer’s. Family and friends should learn the early warning signs of the disease and be an advocate for the individual who they are concerned about to have an evaluation earlier rather than later, and to seek treatment.

Typical Early Symptoms of Alzheimer’s
• aphasia—or difficulty speaking,
• disorientation---or difficulty remembering place and time, and/or
• disinhibition—difficulty with self-management of behavior such as outbursts of violence without previous history of such.

Developing Alzheimer's Disease

2010-11-18T15:15:00.000-06:00

This disease is not transmitted from one person to another, you cannot “catch” Alzheimer’s from someone who has it. You also cannot get it from the food you eat. Scientists are rather looking at a number of complicated causes related to “errors” that occur in our body’s proteins and genetic mutations that cause the disease to consistently appear generation after generation in some families. However, at this point in time we only have a number of theories as to the cause of the disease that may later lead to a definitive reason why people get the disease and when they get it, and hopefully a cure.

History of Alzheimer's

2010-11-17T16:07:00.001-06:00

The first Alzheimer’s case was diagnosed more than 100 years ago. Dr. Alois Alzheimer, a German psychiatrist, identified what was to become the first case of Alzheimer’s Disease in a 50 year old woman in 1901. He was able to observe the woman until her death five year’s after her diagnosis. Upon examining the woman’s brain, Dr. Alzheimer identified brain tissue with abnormal clumps and irregular knots of brain cells. Today, these clumps (now called plaques) and knots (now called tangles) are considered the classic hallmarks of Alzheimer's disease.

From that time forward, the diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease was given to people between the ages of 45 and 65 who had the symptoms of pre-senile dementia. Unfortunately, dementia was considered to be a normal outcome of the aging process for those over age 65 and was thought to be caused by age-related “hardening” of brain arteries. In the 1970s and early 1980s the name Alzheimer’s disease began to be used for all people who were afflicted with dementia
regardless of their age.

Familial Alzheimer's Disease (FAD)

2010-11-16T16:03:00.000-06:00

This type of Alzheimer's disease is known to be entirely inherited. In affected families, members of at least two generations have had Alzheimer's disease. FAD is extremely rare, accounting for less than 1% of all cases of Alzheimer's. The disease typically has a much earlier age of onset (often in the 40s).

Late-Onset Alzheimer's

2010-11-15T16:16:00.000-06:00

This is the most common form of Alzheimer's disease, accounting for about 90% of cases and usually occurring after age 65. Late-onset Alzheimer's disease is evident in almost half of all people over the age of 85.

Early Onset Alzheimer's

2010-11-12T13:26:00.000-06:00

This is a rare form of Alzheimer’s diagnosed among people under age 65. These patients represent less than 10% of all Alzheimer's disease patients. Because these individuals experience premature aging, individuals who are born with Down syndrome are particularly at risk for this

type of Alzheimer’s. Adults with Down syndrome are often in their mid - to late 40s or early 50s when symptoms of Alzheimer’s first appear.

Severe Alzheimer's Disease

2010-11-10T16:03:00.000-06:00

People with severe Alzheimer's disease may:
• Have problems with eating-remembering to swallow, how to use a utensil, etc.
• Have problems with speech – sentence structure that does not make sense, incorrect identification of objects, or they may not speak at all
• Not recognize friends or family members
• Not be able to control bowels or urine
• Have problems with walking-generally unsteady on their feet.

Moderate Alzheimer's Disease

2010-11-09T16:02:00.000-06:00

People with moderate Alzheimer's disease may:
• experience poor memory of recent events
• Have trouble with completing tasks such as washing dishes or setting the table
• Have difficulty in appropriately dressing for the weather or occasion
• Forget to shave or shower which was a routine repeated task of their daily life
• Argue more often
• Believe things are real when they are not
• Wander, most often at night
• Appear worried or depressed more often than usual, and
• Need close supervision to ensure that they finish tasks or follow through on actions that they start.

“Mild” Alzheimer's Disease

2010-11-08T16:03:00.000-06:00

People with “mild” Alzheimer's Disease may:
• experience memory loss,
• Have trouble naming common items,
• Ask or say the same thing over and over,
• Easily get lost,
• Lose interest in things they once liked to do,
• Misplaces things more often than usual
• Exhibits personality changes, not their usual selves with no significant event in their life that might explain the change.

What is Alzheimer’s Disease?

2010-11-03T16:19:00.000-05:00

Alzheimer’s is a disease that worsens typically on average over a period of 8 to10 years after diagnosis. Although it affects each person differently, there are some common symptoms as the disease progresses. Categorizing the symptoms and behaviors commonly seen in people who suffer from Alzheimer’s can be helpful. Alzheimer's is broken down into three different categories: Mild, Moderate and Server; and three main diseases: Early Onset, Late-Onset, and Familial Alzheimer's Disease (FAD).

Alzheimer's Disease Awareness Month

2010-11-01T16:08:00.000-05:00

Alzheimer’s is a devastating disease that strikes older Americans with increasing frequency. It is the leading cause of dementia or loss of intellectual function in our population, and the eighth leading cause of death in the US. November is Alzheimer’s awareness month, and we will be posting information about how to recognize some of the signs of this disease, and what to do with that information.

Healthy Habits for Aging Adults

2010-09-28T16:54:00.000-05:00

Healthy Habits

Smoking and drinking are two big habits that can affect your health and the way you handle aging. Alcohol may be fine in moderation but you must be careful that your consumption is a healthy not harmful habit. Alcohol can contribute to sleep and appetite problems. It’s important to making an effort to change harmful habits. An abundance of medical evidence indicates that smoking is the cause of a variety of illness including cancer, heart disease and lung diseases.

Sleep
Quality sleep becomes more difficult for many people as they get older. On the average people age 50 and over sleep 6 hours per day. Sleeping poorly might be the cause of big changes in life, health issues, medication, stress or anxiety. Exposure to daily sunlight as well as regular exercise contribute to restful sleep.

Mental Activity
Mental stimulation can significantly improve the aging process. Trying to keep active mentally can improve your memory, combat boredom and also help improve sleeping. Simple and fun games and puzzles, reading or changing your route to the store are easy ways to keep your mind active and engaged.

Sure Step: Fall Prevention Program

2010-09-23T17:11:00.001-05:00

The odds of falling are about one in three after age 65. You are more likely to fall as you age because of normal, age-related physical changes, certain medical conditions and medications. A fall often damages more than your dignity and many people know others who have been injured or disabled after a fall. But, you do not need to let the fear of falling rule your life; with some medical management, physical activity and common sense you can help yourself and others avoid falls and stay independent longer.

Sure Step: Fall Prevention Program
Age-related physical changes affect many of your body systems and can put you more at risk for falling. Changes with your vision or hearing can have an effect on both coordination and balance. Nerves become less able to carry information from your brain to your muscles, which can slow your reaction time and ability to move away from obstacles quickly enough. Normal weakening of muscle strength and joint flexibility can make getting out of chairs, standing up and walking more difficult. The good news is that regular exercise can help to slow this process and help to keep you safe.

In order to avoid falls it is important to keep your body moving. Ask your doctor for a general exercise program that includes walking or group exercises. Exercises such as water workouts in a pool or tai chi are gentle on the body and are proven effective in reducing the risk of falls. Your doctor may also recommend using a cane or walker to make certain that you are balanced when you are moving. If you are using either of these it is also important to be sure that you are using them correctly. The secret to reducing your risk for falls is moving more and safely, not moving less. You doctor may also advise you to work with a physical therapist to create an individual exercise program for your unique needs. The exercises that your doctor or physical therapist recommend can help to improve balance, strength, coordination and flexibility.

Certain medical conditions can also increase your risk for falls. As you get older, you are more likely to have diseases that affect internal organs, your nervous system and brain. Conditions that can affect the flow of blood, such as diabetes and atherosclerosis can affect eyesight as well as contribute to dizziness and confusion that can lead to falls. Diseases such as Parkinson’s or ALS (Lou Gehrig’s disease), which affect the nervous system, are more common in the older adult and can lead to problems in judging distance or walking without dragging your feet that can lead to falls. Joint diseases such as arthritis can reduce how easily you move around including walking on uneven surfaces or going up and down stairs or getting in and out of cars or getting off buses.

The prescription medication that you take can actually increase your risk of falling. Most often this is related to changes in the way your body reacts to medication, including those that you may have taken for years. Many drugs have side effects that have an impact on your brain function and can cause you to become dizzy or lightheaded affecting your balance

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Some high-risk medications that can cause these problems are for: high blood pressure, heart disease, allergies, colds, coughs, sleeping problems, excess stomach acid, depression and diabetes.

Drugs that affect the cardiovascular system (your heart and blood vessels), including those for high blood pressure and heart disease can lower your heart rate and blood pressure, which reduces blood flow to the brain. This means it is important to rise slowly from a lying or sitting position, this will allow your body to adjust.Medications –those the doctor prescribes or you buy in the store, for allergies or colds or to sleep can contain antihistamines and can cause drowsiness or sleepiness. Sleepiness can interfere with your thinking as well as your balance and coordination.Be careful to plan activities accordingly if you are taking one of these medications; driving, exercising, cooking and bathing –especially taking hot baths, should be avoided while you are feeling the effects of such drugs.

Many prescriptions, including antidepressants and pain pills, also affect your central nervous system or brain. They can cause side effects including dizziness or feeling “drugged”. Again, it is important to safely plan your activities with enough time afterward that you feel alert. Talk to your doctor about taking some of these prescriptions at night so that the strongest side effects occur while you are sleeping and won’t interrupt your plans during the day and to be aware of any symptoms you experience.

Insulin shots and the pills you take to control your blood sugar can actually make your blood sugar lower. This condition, known as hypoglycemia can make you confused, weak or even experience a seizure. Be sure to closely monitor your blood sugar and that you know how to treat the symptoms-ask your doctor if you are not sure what to do immediately.

Combining alcohol with some medications can make you dizzy. Read the labels on the side of your prescription bottles to be sure that you can drink when you take this prescription.

If you are taking four or more medications, especially those that are high-risk medications such as those that we just talked about, it is important to let your doctor know and ask his or her help to reduce your chances of falling. In order to prevent complications it is important for your doctor to know each and every medication you are taking, including vitamins and herbal supplements. The next time that you see your doctor, take in all your medicine or a list.

It is also a good idea to always get your prescriptions at the same drug store or from the same mail order pharmacy (remember most new Plan D’s are mail order and so is AARP the largest pharmacy in the world!). The pharmacist can review ALL the drugs you take for side effects that occur only when taking some drugs together. These can be serious and cause dizziness, sleepiness, and imbalance. Also, be sure your pharmacist reviews the side effects of any new medication with you, including when to take it and what to avoid. If you don’t have a way to talk with your pharmacist, be sure to read the paper that comes with your prescription and look at the side effects. Can the prescription cause dizziness? Does it say not to drive your car?

There are many ways you can reduce your risk of falling and continue to live a healthy and independent life. When you first wake-up, sit on the edge of the bed for a few minutes and make sure you are not dizzy before trying to stand. Eat breakfast every morning as skipping a meal can make you weak and more likely to fall. It is also important to be careful around pets who get under your feet and make you trip or jump on you and could cause you to fall.. Also wear clothes and shoes that fit properly so you don’t trip. Make sure you do not leave items on the floor and that you close drawers and cabinets so you won’t stumble over them. Getting regular eye exams and updating your eyeglasses will also help you prevent falls.

Household safety is of utmost importance when trying to avoid falls. Hazards in each room should be identified and eliminated or modified in order for you to remain safe in your home or apartment. The bathroom is notorious for slips and falls, however, by using simple devices such as non-skid mats, raised toilet seats, shower chairs and grab-bars you will be able to reduce your risk of falling. Many of these items may be eligible for payment under Medicare. Talk to your doctor, physical therapist, nurse or medical equipment company.

Stairs are a constant danger for falls. Remember to never carry any package that obstructs your view of the next step and to keep at least one hand on a handrail. Make sure your living area (where you spend the most time) and bedroom have clear paths and that you have easy access to light switches, preferably switches that turn the lights on before you enter the room.

Have someone help you “tour” your house and find hazards such as cords, wires, unsecured throw rugs and low furniture such as coffee tables. All furniture needs to be sturdy and easy for you to get in and out of. Kitchen safety includes making sure that items are easily accessible; this will help you avoid unnecessary climbing or bending. It is also important to clean up any spills and use non-skid floor wax.

Even after taking precautions, it is still possible for a fall to occur. After you fall, panic is often the first reaction. However, how you react after a fall can actually cause more injuries than the fall itself. If you try to get up too quickly or in the wrong position you may make an injury worse. The following advice on getting up from a fall is from the American Orthopedic Surgeons. Remember to take deep breaths and decide if you are hurt. If you think you are injured do not get up, if you can reach a phone call 911 or press your personal response device or ask for help from a family member. If you feel strong enough to get up, roll over naturally to your knees, turning your head in the direction of the roll. If you can, crawl to strong furniture like a chair, put both hands on the seat and pull yourself up onto your knees. Slowly begin to stand using your stronger knee and leg to push your body up, then carefully twist around and sit in the chair.

It is important to document the times that you have fallen or almost fell. Try to remember what you were doing, where you were, when it was and how you fell. Information about your fall can help you and your doctor identify any risk factors for falling and how to manage them.

Getting Up From a Fall
After you fall, panic is often your first reaction. However, how you react after a fall can cause more injuries than the fall itself. If you try to get up too quickly or in the wrong position you may make an injury worse.

Remember to take several deep breaths, assess the situation and determine if you are hurt. If you believe you are injured, do not attempt to get up. Instead, call 911 or get help from a family member. But, if you feel strong enough to get up, follow these steps provided by the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons.

Try to fall on your side or buttocks. Roll over naturally, turning your head in the direction of the roll.

If you can, crawl to strong, stable furniture like a chair, and pull yourself up. Approach the chair from the front and put both hands on the seat.

Slowly, begin to rise. Bend whichever knee is stronger; keep your other knee on the floor.

Slowly twist around and sit in the chair.

Copyright American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons, used with permission

Click here for more information on Interim HealthCare's Sure Step Program

Benefits of Growing Older

2010-09-13T17:09:00.001-05:00

The benefit of growing older is that we have the opportunity to use our wisdom to manage or regain our zest for life. Here are some easy things you can do everyday to make it healthy, safe and fun.

• Stop pressing the snooze button
• Step outside before breakfast to get a dose of sunlight
• Eat to energize
• Save your skin
• Go outside to boost your mood
• Stay hydrated (at least six 8 ounce glasses of liquids every day)
• Try a mental exercise
• Break for coffee or tea with a friend
• Don’t forget your vitamins or meds
• Stretch, exercise with weights or walk for 10 minutes
• Reapply sunscreen
• Eat healthy snacks
• Dim the lights to wind down
• Monitor your alcohol intake
• Turn off the TV

The Importance of Exercise and Aging

2010-09-13T17:05:00.010-05:00

Exercise
Keeping your body healthy increases your chances of living a long life. It’s not about how strenuous your exercising is but that it’s consistent. It can help with weight loss and maintenance, combat anxiety and depression, keep bones, muscles and joints working properly relieve symptoms of arthritis and reduce the risk of heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes and some types of cancer. Exercise is one of the major cornerstones of healthy living.

The following foods contribute to a long and healthy life when they are part of a well balanced diet:
• Good fats such as: avocados, olive oil, sesame seeds and almonds, salmon, mackerel
• Antioxidants such as: pomegranate, blueberries, strawberries, cranberries
• Colorful Produce such as: tomatoes for red lycopene, red bell peppers, carrots, mangoes and sweet potatoes
• Anti inflammations such as: ginger and green and red apples
• Important immune builders such as: low fat yogurt
• Greens such as: asparagus, green tea, broccoli

Weight Loss
Losing weight without trying could be a warning sign of worsening health. Weight loss through diet and exercise is normal. Maintaining a healthy weight is one of the most important things you can do for your health. However, if you have lost weight without trying, make an appointment with your doctor to make sure it’s not a serious illness.

Skin Care
Exercise increases circulation that enhances distribution of nutrients to your skin. As we age skin thins so be sure you moisturize and use at least a SPF 15 or higher.

Early Detection of Problems

2010-09-13T17:02:00.008-05:00

Health screenings help to detect chronic diseases early in their course, when the disease is most treatable. Screenings can help save lives.

There are a number of other ways you can confront the aging process and give yourself the best odds for success.

Attitude
Your sense of hope, humor and confidence will determine the tone of your aging experience. Your attitude is one thing you have full control over.

Civic Involvement
Sharing your interests and passions with others and being involved in a cause that is important to you will provide a constant reminder that you have a lot to offer and serves as a tool for putting problems in perspective or maybe even forgetting about them altogether.

Friends and Social Involvement
Contact with others will feed your spirit and can provide purpose and meaning in your life whether it be at work, church, or family get togethers. Interaction with grandchildren and being a volunteer are also very important to keeping ourselves involved verses isolated.

Knowledge of Aging

2010-09-13T16:59:00.001-05:00

Growing knowledge and resources about the effects of aging can help you actively take part in your own health and wellness. Taking advantage of these resources can translate into feeling more comfortable, contented and healthy as you age. Keep in mind that reducing your risk of disease is all about making simple changes in your daily routine.

In the past we believed there was little or nothing we could do to change our health and improve our overall wellness. Research has shown that healthy lifestyle behaviors, such as being physically active, eating a healthy diet, and not smoking, are more influential than genetic factors.

Published results in medical research, in-depth studies on women’s and men’s health, and medical and pharmaceutical advances in research have all helped to inform the public and open avenues for better decision making about managing personal health.

Common Myths About Aging

2010-09-13T16:57:00.002-05:00

Let’s review some of the common myths about aging and the real statistics.

Myth: To Be Old is to Be Sick
Reality: Older people are in remarkably good health, with fewer illnesses and disabilities; 89% of those age 65-74 report no disability at all.

Myth: You Can’t Teach an Old Dog New Tricks
Reality: Research shows that older people can and do learn new things. Many seniors today are keeping up in a number of ways. 13% of total online users are 55 and over.

Myth: The Horse is Out of the Barn (meaning that the behaviors and habits of our youth and early life have already caused irreversible damage to our health)
Reality: New habits such as healthy eating, regular exercise, mental activity and a strong social life are remarkably effective in combating the byproducts of yesteryear’s bad habits and unhealthy living.

Myth: The Secret to Successful Aging is to Choose Your Parents Wisely
Reality: The MacArthur Foundation conducted a study that showed that lifestyle changes are as important indicators of successful and healthy aging as hereditary is.

Myth: The Lights may be on, But the Voltage is Low
Reality: Mental Acuity and physical ability to an extent decline with age however they are greatly affected by attitude and lifestyle habits.

Myth: The Elderly Don’t Pull their Own
Reality: Seniors play some of the most important roles in society both in formal positions within the community, and informal roles as parents, grandparents, friends and neighbors. Additionally, new opportunities for paid work are blossoming since the traditional retirement age is being
reinvented.

Healthy Aging for Seniors Over Age 65

2010-09-13T16:36:00.010-05:00

Getting older brings with it an abundance of emotional, physical and mental challenges. Aging can also bring with it a lot of anxiety. When we are in our 40’s we frequently talk about our parents, aunts and uncles getting older but seldom realize that at the very same time we are also aging.

The unexpected nature of the aging process often makes us feel nervous and scared. One in every eight Americans is over the age of 65. Preventing health problems is one of the few known ways you can remain independent for as long as possible and avoid the debility traditionally associated with aging.

Many organizations, agencies and health care providers are exploring and setting agendas for improvements in health across all life stages in an effort to improve our health and well being as we age.

Interim HealthCare staff are trained to assist you to take care of your body so you can feel more comfortable as you greet the changes that come with aging. Interim HealthCare is committed to assist you with information, education and resources that will help you manage many of the aspects of the aging process and improve your quality of life and help you enjoy yourself.

What the Flu is Costing Your Business.

2010-08-25T09:29:00.010-05:00

When employees are sick, your company suffers, one employee sick day can cost your business up to $500 in lost production, replacement and related expenses. Additionally, healthy employees are forced to manage their sick coworker's workload, which leads to distraction and frustration. When sick employees do come to work, they can infect others, multiplying your losses. The Center for Disease Control (CDC) encourages all employees who want protection from the flu to get vaccinated for the seasonal flu.

One way to protect your employees is to set up a Worksite Flu Program. Worksite Flu Programs work by having a nurse or pharmacist come into the office to perform vaccinations at your workers convenience. They will also help organize and promote the program. By having a Worksite Flu Program your employees don't need to spend time out of the office for a doctor's visit and because it is convenient, staff members are likely to take advantage of the vaccination, which in the end means more healthy employees and a more productive company.

In the end Worksite Flu Programs save money by reducing the expense of employee sick days, maintain employee and company productivity, as well as demonstrate your commitment to your employees' well being.

UV Protection

2010-07-06T16:22:00.002-05:00

Did you know that exposure to sunlight during the winter months puts you at the same risk as exposure during the summertime? There are a number of things you can do to prevent sun damage in any season. This is a short list of the things you can do to control sun damage to your skin:

1) Seek shade between 10 AM and 4 PM. This is the time of day that the sun’s rays are at their strongest and can do the most damage.

2) Cover up; don’t spend a lot of time in the sun with a bathing suit on. Cover up with towels, tee shirt or robe. Areas of your body that have not seen the sun in a long time are vulnerable to the sun’s damage.

3) Wear wrap-around sunglasses; use the kind that block as close to 100% of UVA rays as possible.

4) Use a hat with a wide brim to shade your face, head, ears and neck. If your hair is thin or you are bald or balding, the uncovered areas of your scalp can sustain a bad burn.

5) Use sunscreen with sun protective factor (SPF) 15 or higher on any skin areas that will “see” the sun.

Sun Damage to the Skin

2010-07-01T16:26:00.003-05:00

We often link together a glowing complexion or sun-tanned skin with good health. If you are a “sun worshiper”, damage to your skin from days in the sun or a tanning booth may not become apparent until later in life.

Exposure to the sun causes a variety of conditions to occur; these are:

• Pre-cancerous and cancerous skin lesions caused by the loss of the skin’s ability to fight off disease

• Benign skin tumors

• Discoloration of the skin, including freckles

• Skin lines, including fine and course wrinkles

• Blood vessels that may raise closer to the surface and dilate under the skin

Senior Health & Fitness Day: Healthy Weight Management

2010-05-26T16:44:00.004-05:00

Today is Senior Health and Fitness Day and in support we've posted one of our Here's to your Health presentations on Healthy Weight Management.

Obesity has doubled among the population aged 65 and older since 1987. A Task Force of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) estimates that more than 25% of American adults are obese and therefore at risk of heart disease, Type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, stroke and some forms of cancer.

What is Obesity vs. Being Overweight?

Most people believe that obese is being very overweight, but it is not that simple. In fact, “overweight” is defined as an excess amount of body weight that includes muscle, bone, fat and water. “Obesity” is specifically an excess amount of fat. Bodybuilders, for example, with a lot of muscle can be overweight, but not obese.

A certain amount of body fat is necessary for heat insulation, shock absorption and other body functions. Women as a rule have more body fat than men, and so the proportion of fat considered “healthy” varies by gender. The current standard is that men with body fat more than 25% and women with more than 30% body fat are obese.

Measuring the exact amount of body fat is not easy. The US Preventive Services Task Force recommends using the body mass index (BMI), which is simply weight adjusted for height. As an example, go to the BMI table, and then find your height in the far left-hand column. Then find your weight to the right of your height, and look at your weight group and classification. Are you normal, overweight or obese?

If you are obese, you are more likely to suffer from: gallbladder disease and gallstones; liver disease; osteoarthritis-the result of excess weight on the joints; gout; pulmonary or lung problems-including sleep apnea; and, if a woman, you are at more at risk for cancer of the gallbladder, breast, cervix, uterus and ovaries.

Are You an Apple or a Pear?

Research tells us that not only how much fat a person has is a predictor of risk, but also where that fat is stored on the body. Women typically collect fat in their hip and buttocks, giving them a “pear” shape. Men usually build up fat around their bellies, giving them more of an “apple” shape. Of course men can become more pear-shaped as they age, and some women become more appleshaped after menopause. However, an apple shape is a predictor of heart disease. If you carry fat around your waist you are more likely to develop health problems. Among Asian Americans or persons of Asian descent a waist measurement is a better predictor of disease than using the BMI index.

Measure your waist:

• Women with a waist measurement of > 35 inches,

• Men with a waist measurement of >40 inches are at greater health risk, particularly for heart disease and stroke.

What Causes Obesity and Being Overweight?

Both obesity and being overweight occur when you consume more calories than you burn. However, genetic, environmental, psychological and other factors play a role.

Genetics: Obesity and being overweight does tend to run in families, suggesting a genetic cause. Remember that families do share diet and lifestyle habits that contribute to the problem. Research is beginning to show that heredity can be linked to obesity.

Environment: Lifestyle, such what a person eats and your level of physical activity strongly influences your weight - so genes need not to destine people to lifetimes of obesity. People can change eating habits and levels of activity.

Psychological: Many people respond to negative emotions such as anger, boredom or sadness by eating. Most overweight people have more psychological problems than people of average weight.

Other Causes: Some illnesses also lead to obesity as well as a tendency to gain weight. These include hypothyroidism, Cushing’s syndrome, depression and certain neurological problems. Drugs such as steroids and some antidepressants can also cause weight gain.

Who Should Lose Weight?

The standard in US healthcare is to lose weight if your BMI is 30 or more. If your BMI is between 25 and 29.9, prevention of weight gain is recommended unless your doctor recommends weight loss due to other health factors.

Fortunately, a weight loss of only 5-10% can improve health! The NIHrecommends if you are obese that you lose 10% of your baseline weight (the weight you are now that classifies you as “obese”) at a rate of 1-2 lbs/week. If you are overweight, reduce calories by 300-500/day and you should have a loss of .5 lbs per week.

What Happens 6 Months After You Start Losing Weight?

We now know that in general after 6 months of weight loss, the rate at which weight usually declines does plateau. If you need to lose more weight, it will take intense management and discipline on your part to watch your diet, sustain physical activity and behavior control. This is now the weight
management stage, and you are considered successful if you regain less than 6.6 pounds in the next 2 years and sustain a waist reduction of 1.6 inches from your waist measurement when you started.

Eating for Successful Aging-5 Simple Suggestions:

Loss of weight and sustaining weight is never easy, but the following are 5 suggestions that represent lifestyle changes that help you.

1. Eat plant-based foods: Healthy eating plans includes include foods with whole grains, fresh vegetables, fresh fruit and beans, nuts and seeds.

2. Drink water: Age increases your sense of thirst. By the time you feel thirsty, you are already slightly dehydrated. So drink until you have had enough, and then drink a little more. Although a common guideline says drink 8 glasses a day, a better individualized amount of how much water
you need is to divide your weight in half – this is the approximate amount of fluid ounces you need daily. Remember that drinks with alcohol or caffeine do not count – they only make you urinate more!

3. Watch fat, cholesterol and sodium: This guideline is particularly important for women. Women on average lose more muscle and gain fat more than men do. Therefore, women need to watch the intake of the following fats even more closely:

a. Saturated fat: butter, cheese, whole milk, meat, cream, poultry, chocolate, lard and solid shortening all have saturated fat and raise your cholesterol.

b. Polyunsaturated fat: while vegetable oil lowers polyunsaturated fats, it also promotes oxidation. Oxidation enables cells in your arteries to absorb fat and cholesterol. Over time oxidation builds up plaque, narrowing your arteries.

c. Monounsaturated fat: Olive oil, canola oil and nuts contain this fat that may help lower blood cholesterol. It is a good idea to control all types of fat, but when do you add fat to your diet,
choose monounsaturated fat.

d. Sodium: You need only a small amount of salt in your diet – less than one quarter teaspoon daily to help regulate fluid balance. Controlling sodium can be as easy as limiting processed foods, and carefully watching how much salt you add to foods when cooking and eating.

4. Watch calories: As you age your metabolism slows and fat accounts for a greater proportion of weight. This reduces your need for calories. Don’t forget this fact. On average women gain a pound per year after age 35.

5. Consider supplements: Talk to your doctor about certain vitamin or mineral supplements. Especially important are calcium, Vitamin D, C and E, selenium and co-enzyme Q10-all antioxidants. Do NOT decide on your own about these supplements, as taking too much is dangerous.

These five simple suggestions and making a few adjustments for aging can make the issue of being an apple or a pear a discussion solely for produce section of the grocery store and not your doctor’s office!

References

“Obesity and Other Chronic Conditions Drive Medicare Spending Increases” Diabetes, Obesity and CVD American Diabetes Association November 2006

"Successful Aging" Mayo Clinic Health Information, 2000

"The Practical Guide-The Identification, Evaluation and Treatment of Overweight and Obesity in Adults" National Institutes of Health – National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute North American Association for the Study of Obesity October 2000

“USPSTF Recommends Obesity Screening for all Adults” Medscape Medical News 12/01/03

“Understanding Adult Obesity: Do You Know the Health Risks of Being Overweight?” Briefings on Patient Safety National Institutes of Health 2000

New Commercial for the Month of May

2010-05-03T09:48:00.002-05:00

Click here to check out our new commercial that starts airing today on Lifetime and USA!

Tips for Caring for Your Heart and Preventing Heart Disease

2010-02-04T16:07:00.009-06:00

February is Heart Health Month, an entire month dedicated to caring for our hearts and preventing heart disease. Heart disease involves any disorder that affects the heart's ability to function normally. The most common cause of heart disease is narrowing or blockage of the coronary arteries, which supply blood to the heart. Other causes of heart disease include problems with the heart valves, abnormal electrical rhythm of the heart and weakening of the heart's pumping. As we age there are many diseases and conditions that affect our hearts and we want you to learn how to recognize if you are having problems with heart disease and how to help control any heart disease you may have. This information is tailored to an older adult who may possibly be living with heart disease, and in sharing this information; we hope to guide you on the path to preventing complications and managing heart disease and to living a happy, healthy life.

Some of the reasons that people get heart disease are not in their control, such as family history, age and race. However, there are many ways you can control the development and seriousness of heart disease. Because the disease is so common (it is the number one cause of death of men and women over 85) many older adults may already have heart disease and not even know it. It is also common not to have any signs while heart disease is developing, so it is extremely important to know your risk factors and ways to manage them. Lifestyle issues such as smoking, obesity (being overweight), high cholesterol, lack of exercise, high blood pressure and uncontrolled diabetes can all lead to problems with your heart. We know that making changes in your lifestyle is not an easy task, but no matter what your age, by making changes you can improve your health and reduce the chance that heart disease occurs or becomes more problematic.

There are many ways you can improve the health of your heart. The first change you will need to make is to quit smoking. Because people who smoke have more than twice the risk for heart attack, this is a powerful way to slow heart disease and reduce symptoms of existing heart disease. Secondly, you may need to improve your cholesterol levels and lower your blood pressure. Because the fat from cholesterol and damage from high blood pressure can lead to heart problems such as coronary artery disease and congestive heart failure, eating a diet low in fat and exercising is extremely important. To lose weight and improve your health you will need to eat foods such as fish, vegetables, fruits and whole grains. You can lower your chances of getting heart disease by carefully choosing the foods you eat. Be sure to speak with your health care professional before beginning any diet program. For a healthy heart eat:

Less Fat
Some fats (saturated) are more likely to cause heart disease.
Eat less of foods containing:
• Animal fats such as meat, milk, cheese and butter
• Palm and coconut oils
Eat more of foods containing polyunsaturated & monounsaturated fats:
• Olive, canola, safflower and corn oil
• Seafood

Less Sodium
This can help to lower some people’s blood pressure as well as reduce the risk of heart disease. Avoid adding salt to foods at the table; many already contain sodium, which was added during preparation.

Fewer Calories
If we eat more calories than our body needs then we gain weight. Being overweight can cause heart disease. In order to lose weight, eat fewer calories.

More Fiber
To lower your chances of getting heart disease eat more foods containing fiber such as:
• Fruits
• Vegetables
Grain

Exercise not only helps you lose weight but also strengthens the heart and improves blood flow. It is safe for most adults over the age of 65 to exercise. Even people with chronic conditions such as heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes and arthritis can exercise safely; in fact, many of these conditions are improved with exercise. Even leisure-time activities such as gardening, walking and dancing are good for our hearts. If you are not sure if exercise is safe for you, please ask your health care provider. Exercise can be fun and helps to reduce stress, which can be a common problem for people with heart disease. Managing stress can help to reduce heart disease symptoms as well as help prevent feelings of depression, another common complication for those diagnosed with heart disease. Be sure to speak with your healthcare provider if you are experiencing signs of depression such as feeling sad, trouble sleeping, wanting to be alone, or feeling worthless or helpless.

Normally blood flows freely inside your heart’s arteries, which are like hollow tubes. As you grow older, fat and other substances build up along the walls of these tubes, causing narrowing and hardening; this build up is called plaque. Coronary artery disease is the clogging or narrowing of the blood vessels that bring blood to our hearts; if the heart doesn’t get enough blood it becomes starved for oxygen and cannot work properly. Lack of oxygen causes the heart to cramp during activities such as exercise, eating and excitement, when your heart needs extra oxygen. The most common symptom of coronary artery disease and lack of oxygen is angina, which most people say feels like bad heartburn. Angina causes the sensation of pressure in your chest, but it is also common to feel aching, burning, fullness and pain. Angina discomforts may also be felt in the left shoulder, arm, throat and jaw or in your back. If you have angina pain for the first time or if you are already taking medication for angina and it does not relieve your pain, you should seek help immediately.

Another serious condition that can affect your heart is called congestive heart failure. Heart failure is when your heart can no longer pump enough blood to your body, or, when the heart cannot stop blood from “backing up” in your lungs. In most cases heart failure occurs over time and can have many different causes. One of the most common causes of heart failure is an abnormal heartbeat called an arrhythmia. Patients sometimes describe an arrhythmia as their heart beating too fast, fluttering or skipping a beat. Although it is important to see your doctor if you have had any of these symptoms, it is common as you age to have arrhythmias. Other causes of heart failure include: high blood pressure, abnormal heart valves, alcohol or drug abuse, damaged heart muscle or damage to the lungs. Symptoms of heart failure include feeling tired, an irregular heartbeat, loss of appetite, confusion, nausea, coughing or wheezing that doesn’t go away, shortness of breath and swelling of the feet, legs or stomach. Again, it is very important to see your doctor if you experience any of these problems. With congestive heart failure your doctor may recommend limiting your fluid intake in order to reduce the stress on your heart. Weighing yourself daily will also be an important tool in managing congestive heart failure.

One more complication we would like to mention is vascular disease or disease of the blood vessels. Vascular disease is included in the discussion on heart disease because it can eventually lead to heart failure or even a heart attack. There are many different types of vascular disease, each with separate causes and symptoms, but what is important to remember is that any condition that affects your arteries, veins, lymph vessels or blood can affect your heart. Blockage of arteries in your body, abnormal bulges in your vessel walls (aneurysm), certain diseases, varicose veins and blood clots or clotting disorders all place you at a higher risk for heart disease.

After studying the results of your tests your doctor may prescribe medications to help treat or prevent heart disease. There are many different kinds of medications, some are used to lower blood pressure and cholesterol while others rid your body of excess fluids, which put stress on your heart. Each person is unique as is the treatment of his or her heart disease. Although we cannot possibly describe every medication and how it works, we do have some simple suggestions to help you safely use the medications prescribed to you. Keep a list of your medications and how much you are taking with you at all times, this is important in case you experience complications or illness and need to go to the hospital. It is also important to tell your health care team about additional medications you are taking, such as: vitamins, herbals and dietary supplements. If you have allergies to any medications or have had a problem when taking a particular medication in the past, this is also important information to share. If cost is a concern, there may be another medication that costs less, yet works the same. Ask questions about every new prescription medication and be sure to get the answers you need before taking the medication. Know what your edication is for. It is also important that you take your medication when scheduled and at the same time every day. Some medications are more effective when taken at a certain time of day, so scheduling is key. Also, some medications may work better if taken with food and others may react with certain types of foods or with other medications so be sure you follow instructions. Do not skip doses or stop taking your medication unless you speak with your doctor first. Filling a pillbox is a great way to keep medications organized and help you to remember times and dosages. It is also not safe to take over-the-counter or herbal remedies unless approved by your doctor. Before having surgery be sure to let the doctor or dentist know what medications you are taking, because some heart medications may cause excess bleeding. Also, some medications may cause dizziness, so be sure to stand up slowly, especially when getting out of bed. In sharing these tips we hope to help you prevent complications from medication errors, and live a healthier life.

The prevention of infection is of utmost importance to people who have heart disease. By getting vaccinations that protect against flu and pneumonia you can lower your risk of infection related complications that could further damage your heart. Protecting yourself against infections such as the common cold is as simple as washing your hands. Be sure to use soap and warm water and lather up for at least 15 seconds and a great tip for anyone during cold and flu season is to avoid others who appear sick. Knowing the symptoms of the common cold and the flu will allow you to know when there is a problem and when it is time to notify your doctor. A high fever, accompanied by a headache, body aches and pains, fatigue and chest discomfort such as coughing may be the flu. The flu can produce many severe complications, such as pneumonia, so be sure to call your doctor if you experience these symptoms.

The final topic is cardiac emergencies. There are different types of emergencies, but we are going to focus on heart attack. A heart attack occurs when the heart does not get enough oxygen due to blocked arteries; remember that plaque that caused narrowing? Due to the lack of oxygen some of the heart muscle dies, and if too much of the heart is damaged, it can cause sudden death. A heart attack requires immediate attention! For most people symptoms of a heart attack include severe chest pain that may also be felt in the back, jaw, throat or arm. Other symptoms include heartburn-like sensation, sweating, nausea and vomiting, problems with breathing, feeling dizzy, weak or anxious. If you are having chest pain and have been diagnosed with angina, it is important to take your nitroglycerin as prescribed. If you think you are having a heart attack call 911 or emergency services right away. If your heart stops beating, or is quivering instead of beating, you will need to receive defibrillation. Defibrillation assesses your heart rhythm and delivers an electric shock in order to correct it. If a defibrillator or AED device is not available, CPR is another method to help someone whose heart has stopped. CPR does not “restart” the heart, but it helps to deliver oxygen and circulate blood until help arrives. Once you arrive at the emergency room doctors will perform an ECG and do several blood and other tests. Quick treatment is important to save the heart from permanent damage. Treatment may include any of the various medications, procedures, surgeries and/or devices that we have mentioned throughout our discussion and there are also many more options available that we didn’t discuss. If you have already had a heart attack you may be able to prevent having another one; this is where the lifestyle changes we discussed are so important. We at Interim HealthCare are available.

References
Allender, J., & Spradley, B. (2005). Community Health Nursing (6th ed.). Philadelphia:
Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.
American Heart Association. (2005). Diseases and Conditions. Retrieved November 3,
2005, from http://www.americanheart.org
Black, J., Hawks, J., & Keene, A. (2001). Medical-Surgical Nursing (6th ed.).
Philadelphia: W.B. Saunders Company. Allender and Spradley.
Cardiology Channel. Congestive Heart Failure. Retrieved November 8, 2005, from
http://www.cardiologychannel.com
Cass, P., Luckmann, J., Nigro, C., Schlapman, N., & Timby, B. (2002). Content Mastery
Series Registered Nurse Medical-Surgical Review Module (4.1 ed.). United States:
Assessment Technologies, LLC.
Cleveland Clinic. (2005, July). Recovery after heart surgery. Retrieved November 10,
2005, from http://www.clevelandcling.org/heartcenter
Jarvis, C. (2000). Physical Examination and Health Assessment (3rd ed.). Philadelphia:
W.B. Saunders Company.
Porth, C. (2002). Pathophysiology Concepts of Altered Health States (6th ed.).
Philadelphia: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.
WebMD. (2005, October). Heart Disease: Your Guide to Heart Disease. Retrieved
October 27, 2005, from http://mywebmd.com
MedlinePlus. (2004, February 1). Nitroglycerin Tablets, Capsules, and Sprays. Retrieved
November 10, 2005, from National Institutes of Health Web Site:
http://nlm.nih.gov
Additional resources include JCAHO.org and FDA.gov

The Move Has Started!

2010-01-28T16:59:00.004-06:00

The move has started and will be done by the end of the weekend, so we can be fully operational out of the new office starting Monday February 1st, 2010.

Walk and Roll for Disabilities

2010-01-20T11:03:00.004-06:00

Interim HealthCare of Omaha is sponsoring KellyLynn for this years Walk and Roll for Disabilities. The walk raises money for the C. Louis Meyer Rehabilitation Foundation, which helps poeple with developmental disabilities, by supporting programs at the Monroe-Meyer Institute.

KellyLynn is this years honorary captain, and those who sign up through Interim will be privileged to walk on her team.

The walk takes place, Sunday, Febuary 21st at 10:30am on the second floor of the Westroads Mall.

Please click on the link below to learn more and make a dontation. All donations are secure and go directly to the C. Louis Meyer Rehabilitation Foundation.

http://firstgiving.com/kellylynnwakehouse

GO TEAM KELLYLYNN!

The Road to Driving Safety: How to survive winter's hazards

2010-01-18T15:50:00.004-06:00

from Interim HealthCare's HealthCare Professional Digest

Over the long months of warm weather, we forget how to drive safely when winter rears its sometimes ugly head. Sleet, snow, freezing rain and street ice all pose dangers for even experienced drivers.

And, as a home healthcare professional or hospital staffing nurse, you don't have the luxury of pulling the bed covers over your head and waiting for the mess to thaw. You have patients who need you, regardless of the weather.

So, here are some ways you can keep yourself safe, no matter what winter throws your way.

Before you get behind the wheel

If you haven't already, you should immediately "winterize" your car. Having it prepared for cold weather will help you get your car started -- and keep it safely on the road. So, be sure to:

Ask your mechanic to check your car's battery, antifreeze, wipers/windshield washer fluid, ignition system, thermostat, lights/hazard lights, exhaust system, heater, brakes, defroster and oil level/weight.
Inspect your tires for adequate tread.
Put a windshield scraper and small broom in your trunk for ice and snow removal.
Put together a car kit including: a flashlight and extra batteries, first aid kit, blankets, newspapers for insulation, matches, warm clothes, small tools, booster cables, brightly colored cloth, canned fruit and nuts, nonelectric can opener and bottled water.
Put a few bags of sand in your trunk over the rear axle if you have a rear-wheel-drive vehicle. Line them up with the center of your wheels. If you drive a front-wheel-drive car, forget the sandbags.
Know how your car handles ice and snow. If you're not sure, go to an empty, ice- or snow-covered parking lot and practice. Slam on your brakes, try to turn into the skid and see what happens. And keep on doing this until you know how to regain control of your car.
Don't go anywhere with less than a half-tank of gas. If you get stuck or stranded, the engine will be your only source of heat. Plus, keeping your tank close to full will prevent warm daytime temperatures from filling empty space in the tank with moisture, which can condense during the cold night and, sooner or later, rust out your tank.

Rolling, rolling, rolling

Once winter comes, there's always the possibility of encountering adverse road conditions. And just like it's not very smart to drive around with the convertible top down during the winter, you have to adjust your driving tactics and techniques if the weather turns nasty.

For instance, in inclement weather, you should:

Listen to your radio or call the state highway patrol for the latest road conditions.
Give yourself some extra time.
Clear snow and ice from all your windows and lights, as well as the hood and roof -- before driving.
Never warm up your car in an enclosed area (carbon monoxide can quickly build up).
Always wear your safety belt.
When snow's on the ground, and the day's very bright, wear sunglasses.
Start out in the lowest gear recommended by your vehicle's manufacturer.
Decrease your driving speed and proceed according to road and weather conditions.
Keep your headlights on. (But never use your high beams since they reflect the snow and make it more difficult for you to see.)
Leave plenty of room between your car and the one in front of you, and brake early.
Be extra careful when crossing bridges. They really do ice up first.
Look farther ahead in traffic. What other drivers do can alert you to problems and give you extra time to react to them.
Watch electronic highway signs for information
When it's freezing or below, don't use your cruise control or overdrive. Touching your brakes to deactivate cruise control can cause you to lose control of your vehicle if you're on ice or snow. Overdrive automatically accelerates or downshifts your car when you're on a hill, and that can cause a loss of traction.
Don't think you're indestructible just because you have four-wheel drive. Four-wheel drive may help you get to your destination quicker, but it won't help you stop any faster if you hit an icy spot.
Never pump anti-lock brakes. Instead, "stomp and steer."
Unless it's absolutely necessary, never pass a snowplow or salt/sand spreader.
If driving conditions worsen, turn on your four-way flashers, get off the highway to a safe area and wait for the visibility and road conditions to improve.

I never thought it'd happen to me

Despite your best efforts, you might find yourself trapped in bad weather. Don't panic. You can get through this, too, if you:

Stay in your car unless help is visible within 100 yards.
Hang a brightly colored cloth on your radio antenna, and raise your car's hood.
Run your car's engine and heater for about 10 minutes each hour. You can also turn on your car's dome light at the same time if you need to.
Clear snow from the exhaust pipe periodically, and open a downwind window slightly to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning.
Watch for any signs of frostbite, hypothermia or dehydration.
To aid in circulation, clap your hands and move your arms and legs from time to time.
Use newspapers, maps and car mats for added insulation.
Don't overexert yourself. Shoveling snow from your car or pushing your car can bring on a heart attack if you're not in tip-top shape.
Always carry a cell phone. If you don't want to sign up for a plan, invest in a pre-paid cell phone. You can get one for $30 or so, and some companies have calling cards you can purchase for as little as $10 for a month's activation. A few even allow you to make 911 calls if you don't have any time left on your card -- as long as you did an initial activation when you purchased the phone and first loaded up time. But make sure you get a card without an activation fee. Once the bad weather is over, you can just put the phone away until winter comes back to town.

By following these tips you should be able to "weather" winter and all its hazards just fine. But if the thought of driving on ice and snow still gives you goose bumps, the Car Talk Guys offer a sure-fire way to get around safely during those months between November and April -- move to Hawaii.

Sources: Washington State Department of Transportation, TDC Marketing and Management Consultation and Car Talk.

Here's To Your Health: Glaucoma

2010-01-07T16:49:00.015-06:00

January is National Glaucoma Awareness Month and we will be spreading awareness by posting information on our blog, facebook page and twitter account.

Glaucoma is a condition that affects the eye and causes changes in your vision, which can lead to blindness. As you age you become more at risk for glaucoma, therefore it is especially important for you to know the risks as well as the warning signs in order to protect your eyesight and prevent injuries. When discussing glaucoma we want you to know what it is, who is at risk and what may be happening to your eyesight if you have this disorder. We will also cover the tests for glaucoma, why it is important, and when you should have the tests done. There are different treatments for glaucoma and we will explain how these tests are done and what the goals are of each.

Glaucoma is caused by increased pressure in your eye. A normal eye has fluid known as aqueous humor, which helps to maintain the shape of the eye. If the flow of that fluid is interrupted, pressure can build up and put stress on the optic nerve, which produces your vision. The stress on the optic nerve causes gradual loss of eyesight. The loss of sight begins on the sides (known as peripheral vision) and if not treated can lead to blindness.

The most common reasons for people to get glaucoma are: their age (over 60), infection, tumors, trauma, family history, diabetes or anything that interrupts the flow of the fluid in the eye. Glaucoma is described as seeing halos around lights. Another common complaint is tunnel vision; Imagine if you had on sunglasses and we took a paintbrush and painted white paint on the outside of the lenses. Now imagine that we started painting on the outside and left just a small hole in the middle of the glasses for you to see through; that is tunnel vision. It is very hard for people with tunnel vision to see to the side without having to turn their heads and body. Tunnel vision can cause problems with the ability to judge distances and make many of the day’s activities much more difficult and dangerous. If you have glaucoma you may also have mild aching or pressure in your eye and other vision problems that are not improved with eyeglasses.

It is necessary to see a doctor and discuss any difficulties that you are having with your vision. Glaucoma can either be very slow or quite fast to occur, depending on the type. It is also a major cause of blindness in older adults, so regular eye tests are very important. Some of the tests for glaucoma include reading the eye charts and testing what and where you can see.The doctor will also perform further tests, to measure the pressure in your eye. These tests will let the doctor know how to treat your specific glaucoma. Again, these tests should not cause pain. Detecting glaucoma early is so important because treatment can not return eyesight that has already been lost.

Treatment for glaucoma focuses on slowing the damage to your optic nerve, which means lowering the pressure in your eyes. The treatment options available are medications, laser and surgery. The success of treatment for glaucoma depends on your learning about the disease, which includes using your medications correctly and getting regular checkups to lower the chance of problems. Medications such as eye drops, pills and liquids that you drink are normally used before surgery is considered. If these medications cannot control the pressure in your eye, then surgery must be performed. Surgery is done with either a laser or an incision (cut) and simply creates an opening to allow fluid to drain from the eye; this will reduce the stress on the optic nerve. The surgery usually takes less than one hour and although there may be some burning or stinging, it should not be painful.

Interim HealthCare staff is trained to assist you before and after glaucoma surgery, if you need or want assistance before surgery the goal is to aid you in avoiding injuries that may occur due to poor vision. The staff will help you prepare your home to make sure that it is safe and allows you to live as independently as possible. Interim HealthCare staff will let you know which items may be dangerous to you, such as throw rugs, clutter or cords. Lighting will be checked to make sure that you are able to see as well as possible, especially if you have stairs or other obstacles. Your bathroom will be assessed for any areas that may be dangerous and also for safety equipment that might be needed. Furniture and beds will be tested to make sure that they are secure and safe for you to get in and out of, and also to see if you have a phone or assistive device such as a call light close by. The kitchen is also an area of concern and the staff will help you to organize the space in the safest way possible. Labeling faucets, stoves, thermostats and other hazardous objects will help you to prevent burns and injuries. Creativity and planning ahead, using items like pill boxes, large-print reading materials, voice-activated switches, electronic timers and
other equipment will allow you to remain at home in a safe environment for as long as possible.

Here is a short review on Glaucoma:

• High pressure in eye which damages the optic nerve

• Risk factors include:
– Age
– Infection
– Tumors
– Trauma
– Family history
– Diabetes

• Signs and Symptoms:
– Eye pain
– Loss of peripheral (side) vision
– Seeing halos around lights

• Complications include:
– Blindness

• Open Angle vs. Closed Angle Glaucoma:

o Open Angle is chronic
Insidious onset and slow progression
Mild aching in the eye
Loss of peripheral vision
Loss of visual acuity un-correctable with glasses
Seeing halos around lights

o Closed Angle can be acute
Ophthamalic Emergency!!
Rapid onset
Unilateral pain and pressure over affected eye
Moderate pupil dilation
Nonreactive to light
Cloudy cornea
Photophobia (sensitivity to light)
Decreased or blurred vision
Seeing halos around lights

• Diagnostic and Laboratory Tests for Glaucoma
o Tonometry (measures intraocular pressure)
o Silt-lamp examination (visualize cornea)
o Gonioscopy (determines angle of anterior chamber of eye)
o Visual field test
• Pharmacology for Glaucoma
o Topical beta blocker (betaxolol, Timoptic) eye drops
o Epinephrine
o Diuretics
o Miotic eye drops (pilocarpine)

References:

Allender, J., & Spradley, B. (2005). Community Health Nursing (6th ed.).
Philadelphia: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.
Black, J., Hawks, J., & Keene, A. (2001). Medical-Surgical Nursing (6th ed.).
Philadelphia: W.B. Saunders Company. Allender and Spradley.
Cass, P., Luckmann, J., Nigro, C., Schlapman, N., & Timby, B. (2002). Content
Mastery Series Registered Nurse Medical-Surgical Review Module (4.1
ed.). United States: Assessment Technologies, LLC.
Cleveland Clinic Cole Eye Institute. (2004, October). Cataract Surgery. Retrieved
October 17, 2005, from http://my.webmd.com
Division of Aging and Seniors Health. (1999). Communicating with Seniors
[Brochure]. Ottawa, Ontario.
Ellman, M. (2005). Glaucoma Surgery. Retrieved October 17, 2005, from
http://www.somersetmedicalcenter.com
Jarvis, C. (2000). Physical Examination and Health Assessment (3rd ed.).
Philadelphia: W.B. Saunders Company.
Knolle, G. (2004, August 3). Cataract Awareness. Retrieved October 17, 2005,
from http://my.webmd.com
Porth, C. (2002). Pathophysiology Concepts of Altered Health States (6th ed.).
Philadelphia: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.
Rayfield, S., & Manning, L. (2004). Nursing Made Insanely Easy (4th ed.).
Bossier City, LA: I CAN Publishing.

Happy 2010!

2009-12-31T16:00:00.002-06:00

Merry Christmas

2009-12-23T14:08:00.002-06:00

Merry Christmas from Everyone at Interim HealthCare of Omaha

Our New Office

2009-12-07T12:20:00.006-06:00

Starting February 1st this will be the new home office of Interim HealthCare of Omaha.

Front Entrance

Office Lobby

Fountain and Landscaping Outside Building

Main Office Space

The Safe

Click here to checkout more photos on our facebook page.

Happy Thanksgiving

2009-11-25T16:19:00.003-06:00

Happy Thanksgiving from everyone at Interim HealthCare of Omaha

About Interim HealthCare

2009-11-12T11:37:00.006-06:00

With 40 years of home care experience, Interim understands how important it is for people to stay in their homes. But sometimes, the challenges of everyday living get beyond even the most independent-minded people.

Interim HealthCare provides both professional nursing and therapy services as well as non-medical supportive services that help people remain independent and in control.

It starts with a careful review of the situation and continues with an individualized plan of service. This plan includes options that make it easy to match the right services to the right needs and meet daily challenges - big and small.

Our caregivers are carefully screened, bonded, and insured. They meet our high standard of quality, because we know how important it is to you and your family. And, since they are Interim employees, there is no worry about taxes, Social Security or supervision. We help make independent living at home a possibility for you or the people you care about.

Interim HealthCare employs over 75,000 home health workers each year including RNs, LPNs, therapists, home health aides and more, caring for approximately 50,000 patients on any given day. With our innovative programs, skilled professionals, trained therapists and caring aides, Interim HealthCare cares for individuals in the comfort of their own home and provides payors and physicians the cost effectiveness and positive outcomes of home care. Physicians, health care facilities and payors depend on our proven clinical pathways and national policies and procedures to provide consistent care they can trust.

Wii Bowling Tounament at Seven Oaks of Florence

2009-11-12T11:35:00.044-06:00

Wii sports have become a staple mark in retirement communities all over the country, and none more so then at Seven Oaks of Florence. Of the sports themed games, residents find bowling to be the most fun and entertaining. Residents try to gather at least once a week to have fun and test their bowling skills.

On Monday, Interim HealthCare of Omaha hosted their first Wii Bowling Tournament. While many residents practiced the week before to sharpen their skills and gain an edge on their fellow competitors, others showed up with brute confidence in their abilities.
There were six competitors fighting for the title, bragging rights and movie themed gift baskets.

And the winner of Interim Healthcare's first Wii Bowling Tournament is Betty. She came out on top with a combined score of 472 and a game high of 174. Included in Betty's winnings were movie passes to the Rave Theater and a DVD.

Congratulations Betty and thank you to everyone who participated and helped put on the event.

Betty lining up her shot.

Veterans Day Salute

2009-11-11T16:20:00.004-06:00

Thank you to all the Veterans who served this country and to those who are currently serving. We appreciate all that you do to protect our rights as Americans and your efforts in keeping our citizens safe. Without you we would not be able to live the lives we do today and pursue our American dreams.

Your Rights as a Consumer of Home Care Services

2009-11-09T16:49:00.003-06:00

As a consumer of home care, you have several rights and a home care agency will usually provide you with a written copy of them. They include the following:

• The right to choose your home care provider. Your choice must be honored by your doctor, hospital discharge planner, or other referring agency. However, for members of managed care plans, the choices will depend upon which home care agencies your plan works with.

• The right to have your property treated with respect.

• The right to have your family or guardian act for you if you are unable.

• The right to complain to the agency or the State licensing body about your treatment or care if it is not provided, or if staff shows disrespect for you or your property.

• The right to be given a copy of your plan of care or service plan, so you can ask questions about the type of services and staff the home care agency plans to provide to you and how often you can expect those services.

• The right to be informed in writing about how much the services will cost you.

It is important for you to remember that the goal of home care is to keep residents independent in the location of their choosing.

Fall/Winter Newsletter

2009-11-09T11:49:00.007-06:00

Who Pays for Home Care?

2009-11-06T10:12:00.011-06:00

Here is a look at some typical payors and what they usually cover for home care services.

Medicare Not all home care agencies are approved by Medicare to provide services to Medicare beneficiaries. A home care agency who is approved by Medicare is called certified. A certified agency has met strict federal requirements for patient care and management and therefore can provide home health services that are paid for by Medicare or Medicaid. These agencies typically focus on medical-related care such as nursing, therapies, and home health aides, but can also provide a range of supportive services. Most commercial health insurers require that services they cover be provided by Certified agencies.

The federal Medicare program provides comparative data on their website as to how certified home health agencies compare in providing care for some of their patients. Quality information that can be used to help you compare home health agencies can be found on Medicare's website www.medicare.gov

If you are a Medicare beneficiary and meet certain criteria, Medicare will cover:

• Skilled nursing care on a part-time or intermittent basis. Skilled nursing care includes services and care that can only be performed safely and correctly by a licensed nurse (either a registered nurse or a licensed practical nurse).

• Home health aide services on a part-time or intermittent basis. A home health aide does not have a nursing license. The aide provides services that support any services that the nurse provides. These services include help with personal care such as bathing, using the toilet, or dressing. These types of services do not need the skills of a licensed nurse. Medicare does not cover home health aide services unless you are also getting skilled care such as nursing care or other therapy. The home health aide services must be part of the home care for your illness or injury.

• Physical therapy, speech-language pathology services, and occupational therapy:

• Physical therapy, which includes exercise to regain movement and strength to a body area, and training on how to use special equipment or do daily activities, like how to get in and out of a wheelchair or bathtub.

• Speech-language pathology services, which includes exercise to regain and strengthen speech and swallowing skills.

• Occupational therapy, which helps you become able to do usual daily activities by yourself. You might learn new ways to eat, put on clothes, comb your hair, and new ways to do other usual daily activities.

• Medical social services to help you with social and emotional concerns related to your illness. This might include counseling or help in finding resources in your community.

• Certain medical supplies, like wound dressings, that are ordered as part of your care.

The criteria you must meet to be eligible for Medicare’s home health benefit have been defined by Medicare:

Physician involvement - Your doctor must decide that you need medical care at home, and make a plan for your care at home.

Patient is homebound - You must be homebound, or normally unable to leave home unassisted. To be homebound means that leaving home takes considerable and taxing effort. A person may leave home for medical treatment or short, infrequent absences for non-medical reasons, such as a trip to the barber or to attend religious service. A need for adult day care doesn’t keep you from getting home health care.

Patient requires skilled care or SN,PT,ST (or OT with another skill) - You must need at least one of the following: intermittent skilled nursing care, or physical therapy, or speech-language therapy, or occupational therapy.

The services are part-time/ intermittent - Eligibility is also based on the amount of services you need. Medicare covers your home health services for as long as you are eligible and your doctor says you need these services. However, the skilled nursing care and home health aide services are only covered on a part-time or “intermittent” basis. This means there are limits on the number of hours per day and days per week that you can get skilled nursing or home health aide services.
Therapy services don’t have to be part-time or intermittent.

Medicare doesn’t pay for
• 24-hour-a-day care at home;

• meals delivered to your home;

• homemaker services like shopping, cleaning, and laundry

• personal care given by home health aides like bathing, dressing, and using the bathroom when this is the only care you need.

Although Medicare doesn’t cover prescription drugs as part of home health care, a recent law added new prescription drug benefits to the Medicare program as a whole.

Medicare HMO
Medicare Advantage is the name for the Medicare Managed Care Plan or HMO. Your Medicare HMO plan is required by Medicare to provide the same home care benefits as the regular Medicare plan.

If you belong to a Medicare Advantage Plan, you may only be able to choose a home health agency that works with the health care plan. Call your plan if you have questions about the plan’s home health care rules, coverage, appeal rights, and your costs. If you get services from a home care agency that doesn’t work with your Medicare Advantage Plan, neither the plan nor Medicare will pay the bill.

Medicaid
Most states provide state-funded supportive services to elders and disabled individuals who meet income and functional eligibility guidelines. These non-medical supportive services are designed to enable frail elders to remain in their homes.

Most states also provide for state-funded nursing or physical therapy services at home for those individuals who qualify.

Insurance
Medicare is not the only payor who pays for home care. Commercial health insurance policies typically cover some home care services for when a person is recovering from surgery or illness. However, benefits for long-term services vary from plan to plan. Commercial insurers generally pay for medical care in the home with a cost-sharing provision. Cost sharing varies with individual policies. You should contact your health insurer for more information.

As the public's need and preference for home care has grown, private long-term care insurance policies have expanded their coverage for in-home care. Home care benefits vary greatly among plans but most plans today cover home care.

Other payors
There are other sources of payment for home care services. These can include Workers Compensation, the Veterans Administration, the Military Health Program, the Older Americans Act and more. Many home care providers have foundations that will pay for home care for low-income families.

Private Pay
If an individual does not qualify for home care benefits through insurance or Medicare or Medicaid, that individual may want to consider arranging payment privately with the agency.

Benefits of Working with a Home Care Agency

2009-11-05T11:50:00.006-06:00

It might be becoming to you, how working with a home care agency rather than a registry or individual worker can protect you as a consumer.

Hiring Most home care agencies have strict hiring criteria and hiring processes. In many states these criteria and processes are required by law. Any home care agency that receives payment for their services from a federal government program like Medicare or Medicaid are also required to have these strict criteria and processes in place. Registries are not subject to these laws and requirements. You want to use an agency who has successfully used their hiring criteria and processes for many years.

Background Checks
Although most states require that home health care agencies perform criminal background checks on their workers and carefully screen job applicants for these positions, the actual regulations vary depending on where you live. Therefore, before contacting a home health care agency, you may want to call your local area agency on aging or department of public health to learn what laws apply in your state.

Background checking laws usually do not apply to registries. When you do your own hiring, the background checking is up to you.

Caregiver Training
Most home care agencies have a structured program of training for their different levels of employees. State licensing laws, and the federal government in certain circumstances, require that home care agencies use only competent employees to provide home care services.

Again, registries are not subject to these laws. It’s up to you to determine the capabilities of any independent worker you choose to hire.

Insurance and Taxes
Home care agencies handle all aspects of employment, including all employer taxes and tax reporting.

With an individual worker and sometimes with a registry, you are responsible for
withholding taxes and social security, filing appropriate reports and paying employer
and employee taxes in a timely manner. Penalties are severe and could result in large
fines.

Scheduling
When you hire an independent worker, you are responsible for the hiring process from advertising to interviewing to separating the employment relationship. You are also responsible for scheduling. This means making all the phone calls and worrying about someone actually showing up to work.

If you are working with a home care agency, they take care of all of these issues.

Access to payors
If you require home care services that are covered under your insurance plan or by Medicare or Medicaid, you must use a home care agency that has been approved by your insurance plan and/or by the Medicare program.

Insurance companies (usually) and Medicare (always) will not pay for services delivered by a registry or by individual workers.

Types of Home Care Providers

2009-11-03T15:29:00.001-06:00

Just like there are different types of home care services available, there are also different types of home care providers to consider. As a consumer it's important for you to fully understand the advantages and disadvantages of each type of home care provider before making a decision.

Home Care Agency - A home care agency is an organization that provides home care services, like skilled nursing care, physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, and personal care by home health aides.

The home care agency employs the qualified individuals to provide these services. The agency is responsible for its employees’ taxes, insurance, bonding and worker's compensation (as required by law). Employment is the key word. It carries with it an array of protections. If an employee is sick or goes on vacation, the agency provides another employee to perform the needed services. Employees receive training specific to the kind of care they provide. A licensed home care agency provides ongoing supervision for their employees. This helps the agency monitor and respond to the changing needs of clients, assuring that the appropriate level/skill of caregiver is assigned and mediating any other issues. The agency conducts background checks according to state law. In many instances the agency is licensed to provide all levels of home care (skilled nursing, therapy and non-medical services for example) so the individual does not need to work with more than one company and can access formal payor sources such as Medicare or insurance for those needs.

Registries or placement agencies differ from home care agencies in that the nurses, therapists, or home care aides they provide are contractors, not employees. Using a placement agency may seem a less expensive alternative; however, placement agencies provide less supervision and oversight of their workers. In some cases, the registry offers only referral and screening services, with the client taking the responsibility to pay the worker directly. In that case, you act as the employer and may be responsible for paying workers compensation and payroll taxes for the worker.

An independent worker is a person who is individually hired by either a family member or the person needing help. Employing a health care professional is an important decision, and one in which most people have little training or practice. While this may appear less expensive, there are many "hidden" costs and some significant risks.

Anyone who hires an independent worker must pay all appropriate payroll taxes - they are the employer. If the independent worker is injured on the job, the person who hires the individual is responsible for medical bills and any other expenses. Also, if the independent worker is sick or goes on vacation, he or she is not obligated to find a replacement. There is no supervision or training program. Unfortunately, there is always the potential for both physical abuse and financial exploitation when work is being done on behalf of a frail and sometimes functionally limited individual. While most individuals who provide care do so out of a desire to help others, there will always be those who see this type of work as an opportunity to take advantage of someone. This becomes especially easy in a private home setting with little or no supervision. Perhaps lower in hourly costs, choosing an independent contractor does not provide the security, trust and assurance most people want for themselves or their loved ones.

Types of Home Care Services

2009-11-02T15:09:00.009-06:00

November is national Home Care Month and to celebrate it, we will be putting up posts about the different realms home care covers, so you may understand what to look for when deciding to use home care.

Home care is one of the fastest growing and most cost-effective providers of the health care industry, and is clearly preferred by patients. Who of us wouldn’t prefer to be cared for in our own homes rather than in a hospital or other institution?

Types of Home Care Services:

Actually home care is a name that encompasses many different forms of care and services.

There are non-medical supportive services available through home care that help people who need some assistance remain independent. These are services which can extend the ability of many people to live in their own homes. These services are provided by paraprofessionals such as home health aides, certified nursing assistants, homemakers and companions. Services can include assistance with bathing, meal preparation, companionship, shopping, etc. Companions and homemakers give comfort, support and assistance to those who want to continue an active, independent lifestyle in their own home.

Intermittent skilled services are provided through a home care agency by Registered Nurses RNs), Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) or Licensed Vocational Nurses (LVNs). These professionals visit your home periodically and provide health status assessments, teaching about diseases and treatment for clients and families, taking samples for lab tests, nutritional counseling, medication training and compliance, wound care, venipuncture, ostomy teaching and management, IV management and more.

Additionally, many therapies can be provided at home to speed recovery from illness, injury or surgery. These include physical therapy to regain physical motion and strength, occupational therapy to regain day to day skills such as dressing and feeding oneself, and speech and language therapy to improve breathing, swallowing or communicating.

Many home care patients require continuous care for major portions of every day, if
not 24 hours a day. These include:

• Technology-dependent patients who have respiratory conditions treated by ventilators, infusion.

• Functionally disabled patients who may include individuals who are paralyzed,mentally disabled, or unable to perform activities of daily living.

Registered Nurse is One Thriving Job that is Here to Stay

2009-11-02T14:26:00.003-06:00

Registered Nurses

Registered nursing tops the health-care occupations with the greatest number of total jobs (2.5 million). Openings are expected to rise 23 percent from 2006 to 2016. Recent news reports say that 116,000 jobs for registered nurses are currently open in hospitals, with another 100,000 unfilled positions at nursing homes. An additional 587,000 new jobs are predicted to open, which makes nursing the single-largest occupation in terms of career growth.

Prepare to land an opening by completing an online associate or bachelor's degree program in nursing. The median 2008 annual wage for registered nurses was $62,450, with top earnings at $92,240.

- Yahoo HotJobs

CSR Recognition Month

2009-10-30T14:14:00.011-05:00

In honor of CSR Recognition Month, everyone at the Interim office would like to thank; Diana, Crystal, Andrew and Tracy, for all the hard work and effort they put in each day to keep our nurses busy, clients happy and our business moving forward. Keep up the great work we really appreciate all that you do.

Happy Halloween!

2009-10-30T13:59:00.004-05:00

Breast Self Examination

2009-10-30T13:25:00.003-05:00

Monthly breast self-exams are recommended for all women throughout their life. This allows you to become more aware of how your breasts normally feel and more likely to notice changes such as
lumps or masses that could be early signs of cancer. Examine yourself on the same day every month (after you do the test demonstrated below, mark your calendar for next month’s test). If you see or feel a change in your breasts, see your doctor immediately. Remember, most of the time breast changes are not cancer, but your doctor should check what has you concerned.

Step 1 Use a mirror to inspect your breasts in the following positions:

• with your arms at your sides

• with your hands on your hips

• with your arms raised while flexing your chest muscles.

Step 2 Look for any changes in contour, swelling, dimpling of skin, or appearance of the nipple. It is normal if your right and left breasts do not match exactly.

Step 3 Use the pads of your fingers to do the following:

• press firmly on your breast, checking the entire breast and armpit area

• move around your breast in a circular, up-and-down, or wedge pattern

• check both breasts

Step 4 There are three patterns you can use to examine your breast. Use the pattern that is easiest for you:

• the circular

• the up-and-down

• the wedge patterns

Use the same pattern every month.

Step 5 Gently squeeze the nipple of each breast and report any discharge to your doctor immediately.

Step 6 Examine both breasts lying down. To examine the right breast, place a pillow under your right shoulder and place your right hand behind your head. Use the pads of your finger to press
firmly, checking the entire breast and armpit area. Use the same pattern you used while standing. Repeat for your left breast.

How is the Government Helping to Reduce Breast Cancer?

2009-10-29T13:48:00.005-05:00

In 1990, to improve women’s access to screening for breast and cervical cancers, Congress passed the Breast and Cervical Cancer Mortality Prevention Act. This Act guided the Centers for Disease Control in creating the NBCCED, a program for detecting breast cancer in low-income, uninsured and under served women. The NBCCEDP provides screening support in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, 4 U. S. territories and 13 American Indian/Alaska Native tribes or tribal organizations. The services offered in this program are:

• Clinical breast examinations

• Mammograms

• Diagnostic testing for women whose screening outcome is abnormal

• Surgical consultation

• Referrals to treatment.

Since 1991 the NBCCEDP has provided more than 6.9 million screening examinations and diagnosed more than 29,900 breast cancers. In 2000 Congress passed the Breast and Cervical Cancer Prevention and Treatment Act which gives states the option to offer women in the NBCCEDP program access to treatment through Medicaid. As of this date, all 50 states and the District of Columbia have approved this Medicaid option. Local doctors, county or state health
departments can provide information about how to enroll in these programs.

What Can You Do to Reduce Your Risk?

2009-10-29T13:33:00.003-05:00

While there have been advances in diagnosing and treating early stage breast cancer, the medical community has been unable to form a consensus as to the most appropriate and effective ways to reduce the risk of developing breast cancer. The best approach seems to be early detection:

1. Get a mammogram. The American Cancer Society recommends having a screening mammogram every year after age 40. Mammograms may detect lumps that cannot be felt during a clinical breast exam or your own self examinations. Mammograms are an important part of your health history. If you go to another health care provider or move, take your previous mammograms with you or arrange to have them sent.

2. Examine your breasts each month and continue these examinations throughout your life. You will become familiar with the contours and feel of your breasts and will be more alert to changes.

3. Have your breasts examined by a health care provider at least every year after age 40. Clinical breast exams by a trained professional – doctor or nurse - can sometimes detect lumps you may not feel.

How is Breast Cancer Identified and Diagnosed?

2009-10-29T13:19:00.004-05:00

You as an individual are the first stop on the quest to recognize and report any abnormalities in your breasts. By checking your breasts on a monthly basis, a woman is doing the most important task to identify a problem early. Any of the following signs found during a breast self-exam should be reported to a doctor as soon as possible:

• Any lump or thickening in your breast or armpit.

• Any scaly, thickened or inward-turning nipple.

• Any discharge from your nipple.

• Dimpled or reddened skin or sores on your breast.

• Strange veins in any irregular pattern on your breast.

• Breast pain.

Mark your calendar at the same time every month with the initials “BSE” for Breast Self-Exam and support each other in ensuring that a breast exam is done according to the information in the handout that will be given to you at the end of this program. Notify your doctor as soon as possible if you notice any abnormalities.

The monthly self-exam is not the same as that performed by your doctor. The doctor or a trained nurse takes a careful personal and family history, and then performs a clinical breast examination. This examination uses touch to specific areas of the breast and underarm areas to detect any abnormalities or changes.

A mammogram is another type of exam. Mammography is the best way to detect breast cancer in its earliest, most treatable stage. Surprisingly, mammography can detect a tumor on average one to three years before a woman can feel the lump in her breast. Mammography also can locate cancers that are too small to be felt during a clinical breast examination performed by a specialist. The mammogram test is performed by a technician who has had training in conducting the procedure. The test uses X-rays to look at the tissues of the breast, one breast at a time, using two views of each breast. The technician only exposes the area to be tested (one breast at a time) and only a long as necessary. The technicians work rapidly and carefully to minimize any discomfort that is felt during the test.

A physician or radiologist, reads the mammogram and provides the results to your doctor. The radiologist may contact you to have a repeat test if there is a question about anything that is seen on the mammogram. Sometimes the radiologist will conduct another test that is called an ultrasound to take another type of look at an area of possible concern that was identified on the
mammogram. This test uses sound waves and bounces them off the tissues of the breast. The sound waves are used to create a high quality picture of the area that the radiologist wants to examine further.

Based on the results of these tests, your doctor may or may not request a biopsy as a procedure to take a sample of the breast mass cells or tissue that were found on the mammogram or ultrasound test and remain a concern. After the sample is removed from the breast it is taken to a laboratory. A laboratory pathologist –a doctor who specializes in diagnosing abnormal tissue changes –reviews a sample using a microscope. They look for abnormal cell shapes or growth patterns. Thankfully, nearly 80% of suspicious lumps that are tested turn out to be harmless. When cancer is present, the pathologist determines the type of cancer and whether it has spread beyond the ducts or lobules of your breast. If it has spread this is an invasive or more serious type of cancer.

The diagnosis of breast cancer and creation of a treatment plan for each individual is generally accomplished by a team of experts who work together with the woman involved. Each woman needs to evaluate the advantages and limitations of each type of treatment, and work with what will often be a team of physicians to develop the best and most effective approach to treatment and survival.

What are the Warning Signs?

2009-10-29T13:11:00.002-05:00

The American Cancer Society presents the following warning signs of
breast cancer:

• A lump or thickening in or near the breast or in the underarm that persists through the menstrual cycle or lasts one month in non-menstruating women.

• A mass or lump which may feel as small as a pea.

• A change in the size, shape or contour of the breast.

• A blood-stained or clear fluid discharge from the nipple.

• A change in the feel or appearance of the skin on the breast or nipple; it could be dimpled, puckered, scaly or inflamed.

• Redness of the skin on the breast or nipple.

• An area appears distinctly different from any other area on either breast.

• A marble-like hardened area under the skin.

What is Your Individual Risk?

2009-10-28T13:08:00.008-05:00

All women should talk with their physicians about their individual risk for developing breast cancer. For those of you with daughter or granddaughters, this conversation should occur early in life—in their twenties. As we age we should update our health histories, especially if a mother or sister develops breast cancer, or if you have any risk factors for breast cancer from the list in the last posting. A current medical history helps your physician to tell how often you should be screened for breast cancer. The guidelines that are listed in the following, What Can I do to Reduce My Risk section are for women determined by their physician as at average risk. Women who are at high risk may receive different guidelines from their doctors.

Who is at Risk for Getting Breast Cancer?

2009-10-28T12:55:00.008-05:00

Scientists still do not know what causes breast cancer, but we do know that certain factors may put a woman at higher risk of developing it. A risk factor is anything that increases a person’s chance of getting a disease. Different cancers have different risk factors. Having a cancer risk factor or even several of them does not necessarily mean that you will get cancer. Some women with one or more breast cancer risk factor never develop it. However, every woman is at some risk for breast cancer as simply being a woman and growing older puts us at risk for this disease. As of age 40, the incidence of breast cancer increases as we age, and continues to increase over our lifetime.

Other factors that can increase a woman’s risk include:

• Personal history of breast cancer - if a woman has had cancer in one
breast; she is at increased risk for developing it in the other breast.

• Family history - a woman is at increased risk if her mother, sister, or
daughter has had the disease.

• Cellular irregularities - if a woman has certain changes in her cells which are called atypical hyperplasia or lobular carcinoma in situ, she is at increased risk; your doctor can help you determine if you have this irregularity.

• Genetics - the presence of certain inherited genes called BRCA1 and BRCA2 indicate a woman’s predisposition to develop breast cancer. Tests are now available to determine the presence of these genes.

• Women who began menstruation at an early age - under 12 years old--had children later in life- after age 30 - or not at all or experienced late on-set menopause - after age 55 - may be at increased risk

• Weight: women who are overweight - carrying their weight particularly in the waist area - are at higher risk, particularly after menopause.

• Familial Groups - female descendants of Eastern and Central European Jews (also known as Ashkenazi Jews) are at increased risk for breast cancer.

• Alcohol - Use of alcohol is linked to increased risk of developing breast cancer. Compared with non-drinkers, women who consume one alcoholic drink a day have a very small increase in risk; however, those who have 2 to 5 drinks per day have about a 1.5 times the risk for the disease as that of women who drink no alcohol.

• Race - Caucasian women are at a slightly higher risk of developing breast cancer than are African-American, Asian, Hispanic or Native American women.

• Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) - long term use of certain female hormones increases the risk of breast cancer. If you have taken such therapy, discuss your risk factors with your physician.

Breast Cancer Awareness Month

2009-10-27T16:45:00.007-05:00

Chances are everyone has been touched during our lives by someone who has had breast cancer. Perhaps it was a mother, sister, aunt, a close friend or yourself. While signing the National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program (NBCCEDP) Reauthorization Act, President Bush addressed how breast cancer has touched his life. Jenna Welch, Laura Bush’s mother was diagnosed with breast cancer at age 78. Her disease was diagnosed early, and she received effective treatment and now, she is cancer-free.

Breast cancer is a disease that forms in the tissues of the breast, usually in the ducts or tubes that carry milk to the nipple, and in the lobules or glands that make the milk. Breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths for American women. Over the past 50 years, the number of women diagnosed with breast cancer has increased each year which is likely due to better public education about the disease and better as well as earlier detection.

Today the statistics are that 1 in nearly 8 women will develop breast cancer in her lifetime, or 12.3% of US women in their lifetime. This year an estimated 180,000 Americans will be diagnosed with breast cancer. Although rare, an estimated 1,500 mean will be part of that number. Our focus today will be on breast cancer in women.

Effective breast cancer testing procedures such as the mammogram diagnose breast cancer before it has a chance to spread to other areas of the body. Such early detection also allows early intervention and is the best way to increase the chance of survival. Early detection also makes treatment more effective. Most breast cancer in the early stages can be effectively treated with surgery that preserves the breast. According to the American Cancer Society, 63% of breast cancers are now discovered at an early stage, before the cancer has spread to other organs or body tissues. The five-year survival rate following treatment for early stage breast cancer is 96%. The American Cancer Society also states that the mortality rate from this disease could decrease by 30% if all women age 50 and older who had a mammogram annually or as often as recommended by their physician.

Particularly vulnerable groups are women who immigrated to the U.S. within the past 10 years as they often under-use breast cancer screening tests. If you are a woman who falls into the category or you know such a woman, we will give the information on a program that will assist you to get the testing you need.

Recent Articles

2009-10-27T16:20:00.003-05:00

Is H1N1 safe?
- Omaha World Herald (9.19.09)

Interim HealthCare will be featured on Lifetime Television's half-hour show "The Balancing Act" this Fall.
- The Balancing Act (9.14.09)

Pregnant Women Need H1N1 Shot.
- Yahoo News (9.28.09)

H1N1 Virus Vaccinations set to Arrive.
- KETV (9.28.09)

Beware of Fake H1N1 Vaccination.
- Yahoo News (10.7.09)

More H1N1 to Arrive.
- Omaha World Herald (10.7.09)

Social Networking and he Elderly.
- CSA Connections (10.12.09)

Close to 5,000 People Worldwide Have Died from H1N1.
- Yahoo News (10.23.09)

Flu season comes early; most are swine variety

Health workers under pressure to get flu shots.

Companies claim single-dose swine flu vaccine

Stories from Yahoo New!

Many ask: Is flu shot safe?

H1N1 virus leaves Huskers with queasy thoughts

Stories from Omaha World Herald

H1N1 Dominant Flu Virus In Area

Story from KETV (Omaha ABC affiliate stattion)

Health Related Articles from Yahoo

2009-09-03T13:17:00.006-05:00

Here are some articles that relate to what people are doing for the upcoming flu season and the proper use of medication

Story from Yahoo News:

Swine flu fears factor in possible school closures

This article talks about how the scare of H1N1 has school around the world concerned and contemplating closing. Children are more likely to contract H1N1 and having them in group settings is making administrators concerned.

Story from Yahoo Health:

Daily aspirin may do more harm than good: study

An article from Yahoo Health reports on a study that people who take aspirin daily to prevent heart attacks could be putting themselves in danger. The study shows what aspirin does to the stomach lining and how it can be harmful.

Help Us Choose Home Campaign

2009-08-24T15:11:00.003-05:00

Clink on the link to learn more about home care and show your support by signing the effort to collect 1,000,000 signatures on a petition to oppose drastic reductions in the Medicare home health benefit. There are also links on how to reach your representatives and voice your opinion.

Help Us Choose Home Take Action

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Interesting Health Related Articles in the Local Paper

2009-08-18T16:00:00.003-05:00

Here are a couple links to articles that are interesting and health related. They are from the Omaha World Herald.

VA Hospital in Need
This story is about the VA Hospital in Omaha, NE and how it is in desperate need of hundreds of millions of dollars. The facility needs new additions along with renovations and upgrades to the current building. Some of the problems that need to be addressed are the lack of space and functional issues. Both Sen. Mike Johanns and Sen. Ben Nelson are discussing the issue.

Kids With Broken Arms Do Better With Ibuprofen
A study result shows that kids with broken arms did better after taking ibuprofen than those taking acetaminophen plus codeine.

Registered Nurse is Number Two Best Bet for a Solid Second Career

2009-08-17T15:59:00.005-05:00

According to Yahoo Hotjobs, Registered Nurse is the second best bet if you are looking to start a new career, while Licensed Physical Therapists is number eight.

2) Registered Nurse

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the career with the greatest expected increase in available jobs over the next seven years is registered nurse. If you have an aptitude for science, a compassionate nature, and like the idea of variable hours, an RN degree may be your ticket to future employment. Not to be confused with LPNs or LVNs, it takes four years of education to obtain a bachelor of science in nursing or two to three years to receive and associate's degree from a community college. Either path can lead to an RN certification.
Median annual salary: $55,910

8) Licensed Physical Therapist

With 27 percent growth expected by 2016, licensed physical therapy is another graduate degree program with promise of jobs in the future and excellent compensation. Most programs require a master's or doctorate-level degree.
Median annual salary: $64,322

(Contenct from Yahoo Hotjobs click here for full article)

Pictures of Our Client with Her New Special Needs Dog, St. Croix

2009-08-12T13:14:00.009-05:00

Here are pictures of our client with her new special needs dog, St. Croix, that proceeds from the bake sale last month helped purchase.

Bake Sale Results

2009-07-29T16:35:00.008-05:00

Thank you to all of those who contributed to our bake sale on Friday. We were able to raise $1,300 for our clients special needs dog. Our owner, Paul, and administrator, Paula, surprised her with the check today.

Bake Sale

2009-07-24T10:47:00.002-05:00

Our office is having a bake sale today (7/24/09) to help one of our clients purchase a helper dog. We will be set up in the main lobby of the Wear Building at 7602 Pacific St. We have an array of goodies to choose from, so stop on by and support a good cause while enjoying a treat.