Archive for the ‘Senior Health Management’ Category

Seven Ways to Prevent Bad Breath

Wednesday, July 25th, 2018

Seven Ways to Prevent Bad Breath
Submitted by Christine Stone, RN
LifeQuest Clinical Liaison

The causes of bad breath were detailed in a previous blog article. Here are a few tips to prevent bad breath recommended by the American Dental Association.

1. Brush and Floss – Meticulous care of your teeth is essential to control bacteria often associated with bad breath.
2. Keep Your Tongue Clean – Brush the tongue with your toothbrush or use a special tongue scraper to remove bacterial film. Don’t neglect this important step in your oral hygiene.
3. Mouthwash – Can provide a temporary fix to bad breath, but this is a little like “sweeping dirt under the rug.” Mouthwash is never a substitute for good oral hygiene. Mouthwash/mouth rinse can also contribute to dry mouth.
4. Clean Your Dentures – If you are a denture wearer, ALWAYS remove your dentures at night and clean/brush the inside of your mouth as well as the dentures themselves. It’s also recommended that you remove the dentures after each meal to remove odor-causing food debris.
5. Monitor Your Saliva – Saliva has antibacterial properties to help prevent tooth decay, gum disease and bad breath. If you suffer from dry mouth, try chewing sugar-free Xylitol gum. The very act of chewing helps stimulate salivary flow.
6. Quit Smoking – Smoking (and chewing tobacco) is one of the worst breath offenders. Giving up tobacco will improve your breath and your overall health.
7. Get Regular Dental Check Ups – Having your teeth professionally cleaned and your mouth examined by a dentist is the best way to rule out more serious causes of bad breath. Identifying the exact cause is key in selecting the right solution.

Safe Ways to Dispose of Unused Drugs

Tuesday, June 12th, 2018

By:  Christine Stone, RN, BSN

If you’re like most people, you probably have unused or expired medications in your closet.   What do you usually do with those medications?   Again, if you’re like most people, you probably just flush them down the toilet or pour them down the drain.  Easy enough, right?    Think again.  

Drugs can get into our water supply in a variety ways.   Households, hospitals, nursing homes, and even some pharmaceutical companies pour drugs down the drain.   Manufacturing companies regularly dump by-products into rivers and streams.  Farms and ranches give animals antibiotic and hormone-laced feed.    And ALL of these toxins are landing in our water supply.

Sewage and water treatment plants are able to remove harmful bacteria and some other impurities from our drinking water, but they are NOT equipped to filter out drugs.  As a result, some pharmaceutical pollution does wind up in our drinking water.   It’s possible that ingesting even very small amounts of these drugs could, over time, affect your health.   Pretty scary, right?

The drugs being poured down the drain are affecting the fish.   For example water sources polluted with hormones such as estrogen (birth control pills) are producing fish with both male and female characteristics.   This is having a negative impact on the fishes’ ability to reproduce.

New guidelines encourage responsible drug disposal for hospitals and nursing homes.   Companies are also under closer scrutiny of their use and disposal of chemicals.

What can YOU do?

  • Do not flush unused medicines or pour down the drain. Instead, throw medications into the trash.   Medications disposed of this way will be incinerated or buried in landfills.   Not ideal, but better than pouring down the drain.
  • Do not buy medications in bulk (large quantities).
  • Use your community’s drug take back program. Take back programs are organized by state and local government, and some private institutions including pharmacy chains. There are over 6,000 such locations around the United States.    These programs allow you to drop off your unused drugs for proper disposal.   I recommend that you first remove any personal identification from the medication containers.   In my community, drugs can be dropped off at the township building – no questions asked.  

In summary, we don’t know the full level of harm to humans from the current levels of drugs in our drinking water.  But why contribute to the likely pollution?    I urge you adopt the easy recommendations listed above.   It’s one of the many ways you can help your fellow man, and also a few fish!

Resources for the Caregivers of  People with Alzheimer’s & Other Dementias

Monday, April 16th, 2018

Christine Stone, RN

Alzheimer’s Association, Alzheimer’s and Dementia Caregiving Center:   alz.org/care

            This is always a good, first place to look for information.   Call 1-800-272-3900 for the 24 / 7 Helpline.   They can connect you to your local Alzheimer’s Association chapter.

ALZConnected Social Networking Community:     alzconnected.org

            This is a free membership public forum for caregivers and people with Alzheimer’s and other dementia s.  Why join?     Connect with people who understand.   Post questions and offer solutions.   Create public  and private groups around a dedicated topic.

Purple Cities Alliance:       purple cities.org

            Lists “dementia-friendly” cities where city workers, police, shopkeepers and others are educated in how to effectively  interact with people with dementia.

Alzheimer’s / Dementia Hospital Wristband Project:    http://www.commonsensecaregiving.com/dementia-hospital-wristband-program.html

            Lists hospitals which are using purple wristbands to identify patients with dementia.  All staff and  physicians receive additional education on the disease basics and how to communicate kindly and effectively with persons with dementia.

Music & Memory:     musicandmemory.org

            It is well known that music is an effective way to reach people with dementia who otherwise seem  “unreachable.”  This website will guide you in making a customized “music playlist” for your loved one.

GreyMatters App:    greymatterstous.com  (“grey matters to us”)

            GreyMatters is a tablet application that aims to improve quality of life for people with dementia and their caregivers. Through an interactive life storybook, paired with music and games, the app helps  patients and families preserve yesterday’s memories, as well as share today’s joyful moments

Alzheimer’s Speaks:   https://www.alzheimersspeaks.com/memory-cafes

            Alzheimer’s Speaks believes collaboration is the key to living a successful and purpose filled life with  dementia.  By working together, we can push both conventional and alternative efforts forward in search of answers. 

 Alzheimer’s Reading Room:   alzheimersreadingroom.com

            The goal of the Alzheimer’s Reading Room is to Educate and Empower Alzheimer’s caregivers, their families, and the entire Alzheimer’s community.

Recognizing Mental Health Problems in Older Persons

Friday, March 23rd, 2018

Christine Stone, RN

     Mental health problems are should NOT be an expected part of getting older.   Think about the stereotypes –  the sad nursing home resident, the anxious little old lady, the feisty old man.   There is nothing about being older that guarantees mental health problems or memory loss.  But we’ve been “conditioned” to believe poor mental health is an inevitable part of aging.

     The diagnoses of depression and dementia have become the new “normal” – a regular part of growing old.  When we view depression as normal, we tend to overlook its symptoms – it becomes something to be endured, tolerated, or untreatable – which is completely wrong.    In addition to Alzheimer’s Dementia, there are over 10 known types of dementia, some of which are treatable or even reversible.   For this article, we’ll focus on depression and delirium – both of which are completely treatable.

     The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) identify depression as a real and treatable medical condition, not a normal part of aging.  Older people who are depressed are often misdiagnosed and inadequately treated.  It has been suggested that as many as 6.5 percent out of 35 million older Americans are depressed.   That’s 1 in 5 seniors living with this treatable condition.   So, whether they’re living in a nursing home or in the community, depression is not normal.

     Depression in seniors can occur when chronic illnesses create distressing symptoms such as pain, fatigue, and memory loss.  Inadequate treatment of these symptoms can lead to depression.   Generational  beliefs that depression is “taboo” make many seniors reluctant to report feelings of depression to health care practitioners.  

Is it depression or delirium?

     Infections, acute illnesses and/or physical injury can cause sudden and usually reversible changes in a person’s mental status.   The otherwise alert and oriented person becomes confused – doesn’t recognize family or close friends, doesn’t know where they are, sees or hears things that aren’t there.   The person experiencing these symptoms is usually completely unaware of their confusion or irrational behavior.   This is delirium – and it usually resolves when the infection or injury is adequately treated.

    Onset of the symptoms of depression can be very subtle, and may not be noticed in the day to day routines.   Often, it isn’t until depression is quite severe that it is realized how impaired or isolated the elderly person has become.   Things that used to bring pleasure are neglected or avoided, or there are changes in appetite, weight and sleep patterns.   There might be feelings of helplessness or hopelessness.   Sometimes depression is “situational”  – related to a loss or an acute illness –  is considered normal and will resolve with appropriate treatment (talk-therapy).   When the symptoms last longer than 6 months, or impact daily life –  it’s time to talk with your doctor.   Medication therapy alone, or in combination with psychotherapy, are extremely effective treatments for depression.  Your doctor may also order some routine lab tests to make sure there is no medical reason for your depression.

    If you think you or your loved one might have depression – call your doctor.  Once a diagnosis is made and treatment has started, improvement can be seen in as little as two weeks.     Isn’t that worth feeling better and the improvement in the quality of life?

Making the Most of Your Doctor Visits

Wednesday, November 15th, 2017

Christine Stone, RN

Do you feel overwhelmed when you visit your doctor?  Do you forget what you wanted to ask about, or forget the names of your medications?   A lot of people feel rushed and get flustered at the appointments.  They forget what the doctor said or are confused by the instructions they were given.   Don’t despair!   There are things you can do to make every doctor visit count.

Prepare for the visit.  

  1. Write down a list of your questions. Things to consider are:  What is the reason for your visit?  Do you have a new medical problem, or is this a follow-up appointment?   Refer to your list during your time with the doctor to make sure all your questions are answered and nothing is overlooked.
  1. Don’t be shy or embarrassed to share all your symptoms or health concerns. The more the doctor knows, the better he/she can help.
  1. Write down the complete list of the medications you are taking – even medications prescribed by specialists. Be sure to include vitamins, herbal supplements, and over-the-counter (non-prescription) medications.  

 
When you are at the appointment

  1. Don’t be afraid to ask for clarification if there’s something you don’t understand. If you want to know why a medication is being prescribed, just ask.  You have the right to understand all decisions that affect your health.  
  1. Bring an adult family member or friend to the appointment. An extra set of ears can pick up on information that you might have missed.  It’s okay for that person to take notes while you talk with the doctor.
  1. Before leaving, get a recap of the appointment. Ask the doctor or nurse to repeat the instructions.  Write down what you need to remember.  Some offices now give a written summary of the appointment – make sure you understand the information on that summary. 
  1. Were you given prescriptions? Make sure you have the paper copy of the prescription before you leave your appointment.   Some offices now send prescriptions directly to your pharmacy.   If you still have questions about your prescriptions, the pharmacist is always a source of information. 

 
And while we’re talking about prescriptions –  ALWAYS use the same pharmacy – this will eliminate any chance of medication errors.

 

 

Six Causes of Bad Breath

Tuesday, September 19th, 2017

Sumitted by: Christine Stone, RN

There are many reason for having bad breath and while most are innocuous and treatable, bad breath can be a sign of something more serious! According to the American Dental Association, 50% of adults have bad breath. Here are six causes of bad breath of which you should be aware.
1. Bacteria – There are hundreds of (good) bacteria that are normal in the human mouth. These bacteria help start the process of food digestion, but can also contribute to dental plaque formation. Without good dental hygiene these bacteria can cause bad breath.

2. Dry Mouth – is the absence of saliva in the mouth and can be caused by many medications, problems with the salivary glands, or simply from mouth breathing. Saliva has many anti-bacterial properties and without sufficient saliva bacteria can flourish in the mouth and cause odors.

3. Gum Disease – Bacterial plaque causes gum disease. Bad breath can be one of the subtle warnings signs for gum disease.

4. Food – Aromatic compounds in foods like onions and garlic are eliminated through the lungs, not the digestive tract! No matter how much you brush your teeth or use mouth wash these food will cause breath problems. In addition these compounds are eliminated through sweat glands. A double-whammy of bad smell!

5. Smoking – Smoking causes bad breath as well as a whole host of other potentially serious health problems like gum disease and cancers (lungs, mouth, throat). Smoking also affects your ability to smell and taste.

6. Medical Conditions – Bad breath can result from sinus problems, liver or kidney diseases, gastric reflux, or a host of other causes. In the absence of obvious causes see your doctor ASAP.

It’s important to have regular dental check ups and maintain good oral hygiene – brush and floss regularly.

Ticks!!!  

Thursday, August 31st, 2017

Submitted by Christine Stone, RN     Clinical Liaison

To me, ticks seem more plentiful this year (20170 compared to past years.  Just thinking of them makes me feel itchy.  All I have to do is walk outside, and I find a tick on me.   Fortunately, the ticks had not yet attached to my skin.   I’ve done some reading on the subject of ticks, the diseases they can transmit to humans and animals, and some ways to prevent and treat tick bites.  Here’s a summary of my readings:

Ticks love to hide in grassy, wooded and leaf covered areas.  They crawl, rather than fly, or fall from trees.  By just walking across your lawn, ticks can land on you.  Not all ticks carry the dreaded Lyme disease, but there are a number of different diseases they can carry.   If ticks feed on infected mice, they can transmit the diseases to humans and animals.   When the tick attaches itself, it “salivates” into the human body – this makes me itchy

Always check yourself and for ticks when you come in from the outside – hair, under arms, groin, under your waistband.  Check your pets too.  If you find a tick on yourself or your pet, there are very specific ways to remove the insect.   Pay no attention to all those “folklore remedies” which recommend using peppermint oil, nail polish, petroleum jelly, apple cider vinegar, or heat.  They don’t work, and you’d be wasting precious time.   Instead, grab the tweezers, grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible, pull straight up with steady pressure.  Then thoroughly clean the area (and your hands) with rubbing alcohol or soap and water.   To get rid of the tick, flush it down the toilet, or place in a sealed plastic bag.

Other measures you can take to minimize ticks include:

  • Keep grass mowed, remove tall grass/brush and leaves so ticks don’t have dark, wet places to hide.
  • Use wood chips or mulch as a barrier around trees and bushes.
  • Spraying insecticides is probably the least environmentally-friendly option. Some communities offer neighborhood spraying.   Stay indoors when spraying is being done.
  • Rather than spraying, treat clothing with chemicals that kill or repel ticks such as DEET or permthrin. This can keep ticks from landing on you and biting.
  • Throw clothing in the dryer on high heat after coming inside.
  • When walking or hiking, wear light-colored clothing so the ticks can be easily seen. Stay in the middle of the trail
  • Check with your veterinarian for appropriate tick and flea treatment for your pet.

If you develop a rash or a fever, seek medical attention right away.   Early recognition and treatment can decrease the risk of serious complications later on.

Carbon Monoxide – The Invisible Killer

Wednesday, May 3rd, 2017

Christine Stone, RN May 3, 2017
Clinical Liaison for Lifequest Nursing Home

Carbon Monoxide – also known as CO2 is a colorless and odorless gas that is impossible to detect without specialized equipment. For that reason, it’s been called “The Invisible Killer.”   About 400 people die each year from CO2 poisoning. Another 200,000 people are sickened and require hospital treatment.

CO2 can be produced by fuel-powered devices in the home – like stoves, furnaces, water heaters, dryers, broilers, and lanterns, wood-burning stoves, charcoal grills, and generators.   Ask yourself: do you have any of these in your home or apartment? If your answer is “Yes”, then please read on.

The reason CO2 is so dangerous is that it replaces oxygen in your blood.   When you breathe in CO2 in an enclosed or poorly ventilated space, your body becomes “starved” for oxygen in less than three minutes.   Cells will begin to die, and permanent damage begins.

This all sounds very dire, but there is an easy, relatively inexpensive solution.   Much like a smoke detector, the CO2 detector sounds an alarm when unsafe levels of the gas are detected. CO2 detectors can be battery operated or can connect directly into electric outlets.   In many states and counties, CO2 detectors are required by law, and should be placed on each level of the home (including basement, attic, garage and other work rooms). At minimum, there should be a CO2 detector placed outside each bedroom.

Other steps to keep your family safe include:

  • Check the CO2 detectors monthly to make sure they’re working and have functional batteries. Keep an extra supply of fresh batteries on hand.
  • When using the fireplace, keep the damper wide open and keep it open until the ashes have completely cooled.
  • Never use your gas stove or oven to heat a room.
  • Never use a portable generator inside the house. Generators should be kept outside at least 20 feet from the house.
  • Never use a charcoal or propane grill inside the house.

Know the signs and symptoms of carbon dioxide poisoning:

  • Weakness
  • Dizziness
  • Headache
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Confusion

If you suspect that you or a family member has CO2 poisoning – immediately go outside for fresh air and then call 911.

It’s A Matter of Balance….(and we’re not talking about your checking account!)

Monday, July 25th, 2016

By Christine Stone, RN, BSN

As if we need another reason to go kicking and screaming into our older years…….

Our sense of balance is affected as we age which can increase our risk for falls and fractured bones. Yikes!   Why does this happen and what can we do about it?   Read on…..

Think about it – – our vision diminishes as we age and we don’t see things as clearly as we once did.   We have more problems with night vision and depth perception – driving at night is especially challenging.   The loss of these visual cues can affect our balance and increase the risk of a trip and fall.

The inner ear has a very complex system (called “vestibular”) which helps us sense where the body is in space: Are we standing upright or lying down or bending over?   The vestibular system is connected to parts of our brain which also help regulate our balance.   When working properly it helps us correct our position if we feel ourselves falling over or losing balance.   As we age, cells in the vestibular system diminish. This in turn affects our ability to self-correct our balance quickly enough.

Changes in blood pressure (BP) – especially dips when we suddenly stand up can cause dizziness, lightheadedness, blurry vision, and even fainting.

We lose muscle mass and strength, and our reflexes and coordination slow as we age. This can cause stumbling and decreased reaction time.

Some health conditions can cause problems with balance.   They include, but not limited to, Parkinson’s disease, stroke, arthritis and multiple sclerosis.  Medications can cause blurred vision, dizziness, drowsiness, or could damage the inner ear – triggering balance issues.

What can we do to minimize problems with balance?

  • Always wear glasses or have corrective vision or cataract surgery.
  • Stand up slowly from a sitting position.
  • Sit on the edge of the bed for a minute or two before standing up from a lying down position.
  • Keep your home free of clutter to minimize the chance of trip and fall accidents.
  • Exercise to rebuild muscles strength and power.   If you start to trip/fall, muscle strength and power will help you react faster.   You don’t need to go to a gym. Talk to your health care provider for a list of exercises you can do right in the comfort of your home.

Making the Most of Your Doctor Visits

Thursday, February 11th, 2016

Written by Chris Stone, RN

Do you feel overwhelmed when you visit your doctor? Do you forget what you wanted to ask about, or forget the names of your medications?   A lot of people feel rushed and get flustered at the appointments.  They forget what the doctor said or are confused by the instructions they were given.   Don’t despair!   There are things you can do to make every doctor visit count.

Prepare for the visit:  

  • Write down a list of your questions. Things to consider are:
  • What is the reason for your visit?
  • Do you have a new medical problem, or is this a follow-up appointment?
  • Refer to your list during your time with the doctor to make sure all your questions are answered and nothing is overlooked.
  • Don’t be shy or embarrassed to share all your symptoms or health concerns. The more the doctor knows, the better he/she can help.
  • Write down the complete list of the medications you are taking – even medications prescribed by specialists. Be sure to include vitamins, herbal supplements, and over-the-counter (non-prescription) medications.

When you are at the appointment:

  • Don’t be afraid to ask for clarification if there’s something you don’t understand.   If you want to know why a medication is being prescribed, just ask. You have the right to understand all decisions that affect your health.
  • Bring an adult family member or friend to the appointment.   An extra set of ears can pick up on information that you might have missed. It’s okay for that person to take notes while you talk with the doctor.
  • Before leaving, get a recap of the appointment.   Ask the doctor or nurse to repeat the instructions. Write down what you need to remember.  Some offices now give a written summary of the appointment – make sure you understand the information on that summary.
  • Were you given prescriptions? Make sure you have the paper copy of the prescription before you leave your appointment.   Some offices now send prescriptions directly to your pharmacy.
  • If you still have questions about your prescriptions, the pharmacist is always a source of
  • And while we’re talking about prescriptions – ALWAYS use the same pharmacy – this will eliminate any chance of medication errors.