August is Cataract Awareness Month

Back in May we posted information covering Healthy Vision Month. Now, in August, it’s time to take another look at eye health, in honor of Cataract Awareness Month.

First, what exactly are cataracts? These clouding of the lenses of the eye may blur or dim vision. Most common in older adults, risk factors include genetic predispositions, smoking, diabetes, serious eye injuries or inflammations, steroid use, and extensive sunlight exposure .

While cataracts generally develop in both eyes, they may not develop at the same rate, and the condition becomes serious when it starts interfering with vision. Cataracts are not reversible, but they are easily operable (in fact, the operation often takes 20 minutes or less), and cataract surgery – and the associated restoration of vision – has an extremely high margin of success.

Whatever one’s current risk factors, it’s worth protecting the eyes as much as possible. Seniors (and all adults) should wear sunglasses with good UV ray protection, limit sun exposure still further by wearing a hat with a wide brim, stay away from smoking, and for those with diabetes, control it as carefully as possible with diet, exercise, and/or medication.

Additionally, seniors should make sure to get their eyes checked regularly – not only for cataracts, but to screen for more serious conditions such as glaucoma or age-related macular degeneration.

In recognition of Cataract Awareness Month, EyeCare America, a program affiliated with the Foundation of the American Academy of Opthamology, is sponsoring free eye exams for some seniors of age 65 and upward. Program and eligibility information can be found here.

More information about cataracts can be found at their site as well, along with information about other eye conditions and eye health information for seniors.

Summer travel tips #2: Stress reduction

The height of summer brings travel and vacation plans to mind for many of us, and seniors are no exception.  Whether these plans include a family vacation, a relaxing trip for two, or some other type of excursion, preparation is key to ensuring that elderly travelers, caregivers, and any other family members or companions all enjoy a trip that is enjoyable and as stress-free as possible.

Pre-travel

Regardless of the type of travel, it is especially important for the elderly to have a physician check-up beforehand.

• For those traveling out-of-country, inquire about any needed or recommended vaccines.  Some vaccines or boosters are recommended for the senior population in particular.
• Make sure the senior’s general health and fitness level is up to the specific travel plans. If in doubt about planned activities or about managing medical conditions while on the road, ask.
• Pack carefully! Whether traveling by air or ground, include extra medication (carefully labeled and accessible during travel), clothing that can be worn in layers, snacks and water for the trip, activities (magazines, a book, music, or crosswords) to make delays less stressful, accessible ID and travel necessities such as tickets and boarding passes, and anything else needed to increase travel comfort, such as a pillow or jacket.
• Consider dietary requirements and the food options that will be available before traveling.  If you will be in an unfamiliar place, have a plan for making sure the elderly person will always have food they are comfortable with.
• Request wheelchairs, scooters, attendant assistance, senior discounts, or any other needed travel or hotel considerations in advance (and if special equipment needs to be transported, make sure well in advance that it is permissible).

Air travel

If you’re traveling by air, check out our blog post from last year: “Summer travel tips – flying with an elderly person,” and keep the following tips in mind.

• Make airport and flight arrangements early, to maximize seat choice for the elder’s preferences and convenience, to arrange any special accommodations, and to look into and take advantage of any senior discounts available.  Consider first class travel or aisle seats when possible, to maximize comfort.
• Even if a wheelchair is not usually required, consider using one at the airport, as distances can be great and travel is often exhausting even for the young.  Check whether early boarding is permitted.
• Plan extra time into your schedule.  Arrive early, avoid short layovers, and make sure there is time to eat and stay hydrated before, between, and after flights.
• Encourage the elderly to move around during flights, as sitting still for long periods of time can be bad for the circulation.

Car (or other ground) trips

Again, careful planning is key to comfort while on the road.

• Make sure any senior travel companions are comfortable with the intended journey lengths, and don’t try to cover too much distance in one day.
• If traveling with children, pack activities that will keep them occupied and quiet, and plan regular stops to use up their energy.  Riding in a closed environment with noisy children can be highly stressful and fatiguing – even if they are one’s adorable and much-adored grandchildren. If children are old enough, talk to them in advance about being especially considerate of their grandparent while traveling.
• If sightseeing stops are planned, carefully balance the number of stops and the time required at each stop with the amount of distance still to be traveled.  Don’t attempt a packed, stressful schedule, and avoid overly early departures or late-night arrivals.

Outdoor activities

As with car trips, avoid packing too much travel or too many activities into one day.

• Spread more taxing events out, and make sure to consider the fitness level of all participants.
• Take local weather conditions into consideration.  Make sure the elderly person has a jacket easily accessible, lightweight sun cover-ups and a hat, sunblock, available shade, etc.  Pack (and keep handy) an umbrella in case of rain. Elderly people not only get cold more easily than the general adult population; they are also more at risk for heat exhaustion and heat stroke.
• Make sure the planned events are those that the elderly person will actually enjoy (Disneyworld may be great for the grandkids, but Grandma may not want to spend three days in line, for instance).  Ask what your senior traveling companions most want to do on the trip.
• Similarly, sometimes we all overestimate our fitness level.  Be willing to adjust travel and activity plans as needed.
• On trips with kids, make sure some time can be spent away from the children and in peaceful, quiet surroundings.

Above all, enjoyable travel requires both planning and flexibility.  Stay calm and positive when faced with travel mishaps or inconveniences, and make sure any accompanying elders are inconvenienced as little as possible.

An easy way to lengthen lives: Regular colon cancer screenings

According to statistics released this June by the Colon Cancer Alliance and Quest Diagnostics, 31% of adults age 50 and older remain unscreened for colon cancer via standard methods – and over 25% claim that their doctor or health provider has not recommended that they be screened.

Why should we pay attention to this statistic for a disease that receives less publicity than breast cancer, prostate cancer, heart disease, or many other conditions? The answer is simple. Among cancers that affect both men and women, colon cancer has the second highest fatality rate, and its incidence increases with age – yet it is highly treatable when caught early. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, adhering to screening guidelines could prevent up to 60% of colorectal cancer-related deaths.

People cite all kinds of reasons for avoiding these screenings – from fear of medical tests, to lack of information, to desire to avoid unpleasant test preparation, embarrassment, or side effects.  Biting the bullet (or, in this case, perhaps, drinking the prep liquid!) and having the tests when recommended, though, can enable removal of polyps before cancer develops. 

When are tests recommended?  For those 50 and older, anyone who has not yet been screened should be.  After a first screening, the recommended schedule is as follows:

-A colonoscopy at least every ten years
-A stool test, more officially known as a high-sensitivity fecal occult blood test (FOBT), every year
-A flexible sigmoidoscopy every five years

It’s also time to consult a doctor when a person notices bloody stool, persistent stomachaches, or unexplained weight loss. (These symptoms can also point to various other conditions, but medical advice should be sought.) People at increased risk, whether because of family history, previous polyps or cancer, inflammatory bowel disease, or various other conditions, may also need to start screenings sooner or be screened more often.

Other tests may be recommended in certain cases, and more are in development. And not all tests involve the same degree of unpleasantness – in fact, researchers are even working on blood screenings for use in some cases. Even when a standard colonoscopy is needed, the possibility of finding and removing polyps in a precancerous stage should outweigh fear of the test itself.

Medicare (1-800-MEDICARE, or 1-800-633-4227) and many insurance plans pay for regular screenings for seniors.  The CDC also provides information on free or low-cost screening options, along with questions to ask the doctor.

Hot enough to fry an egg on the sidewalk

With summer nearly upon us and the weather maps in many areas of the country already bearing daily labels of “SIZZLING,” it’s a great time of year to revisit our guidelines on preventing heat stroke and heat exhaustion. After all, excessive heat is the number one weather-related killer, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the senior population is among the highest risk groups for heat-related illnesses.

Aside from knowing the warning signs of heat stroke and heat exhaustion, it’s important to take preventative measures when spending time outdoors or in excessively hot, non-air-conditioned environments.

-Plan outdoor activities (even non-strenuous ones, such as walks or light gardening) during cooler, less sunny times of day, such as early morning or evening.

-When out in the heat, stay in the shade as much as possible.  Wear a hat, and protect the skin with lightweight fabrics and sunscreen to avoid sunburn.

-Take frequent rest breaks.

-Wear cool, lightweight clothing, in light colors that better reflect light and heat – even on cloudy days.

-Be aware of any medications that may impact susceptibility to heat, sunlight, or allowable water intake, consulting a doctor if necessary.

-Stay hydrated by drinking cool, non-alcoholic beverages. Avoid caffeine, which can also contribute to dehydration.

-Eat light, well-balanced meals.

-Take cool showers or sponge baths as needed – especially if relying solely on fans indoors.

Some factors common among older members of society, such as poor circulation, prescription medications, heart disease, diabetes, and obesity, can increase susceptibility to heat-related illnesses, and make increased caution necessary as outdoor temperatures climb.

Individuals who do not have air conditioning should be checked on regularly by friends, family members, or caregivers. While fans can help provide better air circulation, they do not lower temperature on their own. If severe heat stress is suspected, get medical assistance immediately while trying to cool the person using any means available (shade, immersion in cool water, etc.).

For those living without air conditioning, spending the hottest part of the day in a climate-controlled environment, such as a senior center or library, can be a cool and free way to obtain a welcome, if temporary break from the heat. Remember, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure…and, in the summertime, ten or twenty degrees Fahrenheit of prevention may just save a life.

More information on heat stress in the elderly is available through the CDC.

Sharpening the mind at any age

Memory loss is often accepted as a natural part of aging – and, of course, to some extent this is true. However, while so-called Age-Associated Memory Impairment may mean that seniors occasionally struggle to recall a name or a word, or lose focus every once in a while, there’s no need to sit back and accept this as an inevitable and increasing decline. Here are some points to keep in mind if someone you know or care for is struggling with memory:

1)     The possibility of developing Alzheimer’s Disease understandably frightens many seniors and their loved ones. However, many people who experience Age-Associated Memory Impairment here and there never develop Alzheimer’s.

2)     Occasional memory slips do not necessarily indicate worsening memory impairment. The odd “senior moment” may be just that – and keeping the mind and body active and healthy lessens one’s risk factors not only for Alzheimer’s but also for many other medical conditions.

3)     In many cases, memory functions can actually be improved, whether through physical measures or mental training. Why not encourage seniors to try?

When it comes to maintaining or improving one’s brainpower, increasing both physical health and mental stimulation can help, sometimes significantly. The following factors are important to keeping the mind as healthy as possible throughout the aging process:

• Eating a proper diet: limit saturated fat intake, eat plenty of antioxidant-rich fruits and vegetables, and be sure to include omega-3 fatty acids (sources include fish such as salmon and tuna, walnuts, flaxseed, or nutritional supplements)
• Exercising regularly
• Ensuring adequate sleep
• Drinking enough water – dehydration can actually impair memory.  Alcohol should also be taken only in moderate quantities (an average of one drink or less per day for women, two or less per day for men, is often recommended)
• Maintaining an active social life. Whether through visits, social clubs, phone calls, classes, or other activities, seniors who stay socially engaged tend to keep their mental faculties sharper – and are more likely to stay physically and mentally healthy in other ways
• Having fun!  Depression and stress are bad for memory, concentration, and overall health, while laughter is beneficial.  Encourage seniors in your life to spend time pursuing activities they enjoy
• Learning (or trying) something new.  Stimulation is good for the mind at any age, and can range from taking a class, to starting a new type of exercise, to turning off the TV in favor of a more engaging activity or game
• Trying out computer brain-training games, which can be fun and have been claimed to have mind-sharpening effects

In addition to staying mentally active, staying organized can greatly help seniors minimize mild levels of age-related forgetfulness. Keeping appointments on a calendar, keys and similar items in a basket next to the door, medicines organized, and cell phone and glasses in a standard place can do much to streamline day-to-day routines and keep seniors feeling independent and in-control, no matter what their age or situation.

Celebrate National Senior Health and Fitness Day – this Wednesday, May 25th!

The simple truth is that increased physical activity is good for the body and mind at any and every age – no matter what fitness level we are starting at. From Tai Chi, to gentle yoga, to walking, water aerobics, or beyond, the options are endless, and even those with limited mobility can usually find a way to become more active. For seniors, staying as physically active as possible can have a direct impact on the ability to maintain independence, minimize health problems, and enjoy life.

With May 25^th – this Wednesday! – declared National Senior Health and Fitness Day by the Mature Market Research Center (MMRC), what better time for seniors to rededicate themselves to taking a proactive attitude toward health and fitness? And what better day for caregivers and family members nationwide to help their charges and loved ones get out, get some exercise, and have some fun?

In honor of the occasion, held each year on the last Wednesday in May, local organizations host events designed to promote senior health and fitness. A wide variety of sponsored programs will be held at nationwide locations, including fitness demonstrations, group activities, walks, health fairs, screening sessions, workshops, and more. For those interested in participating, senior centers, retirement communities, health clubs, churches, or similar venues in your area may be hosting events.

National Senior Health and Fitness Day is the largest annual program of its kind designed specifically for seniors, and this year will be its 18^th occurrence. 2011’s National Senior Health and Fitness Day slogan is “Make fitness a goal for life!” There’s no time like the present to start.

Caregivers or professionals interested in hosting a National Senior Health and Fitness Day program next year can obtain further information at the program’s website: http://www.fitnessday.com/senior/nshfd_info.htm .

Hear ye, hear ye: May is Better Hearing and Speech Month

Do you find yourself asking people to repeat themselves more often than you used to? Or perhaps you’ve noticed that a loved one is constantly turning up the volume on the television, or losing their place in conversations?

Hearing loss affects around 28 million Americans, and for some it takes a while to realize that there is a problem. Onset may be quite slow, caused by a multitude of different factors – and some types of hearing loss are fully preventable or easily correctable. To raise awareness about hearing and speech issues, May has been declared Better Hearing and Speech Month (BHSM) by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA).

For those 45 or older, an annual hearing checkup is always a good idea. However, for anyone who has also experienced one or more of the following symptoms, there’s no time like the present to get your hearing evaluated:

• Pain or ringing sensations in the ears
• Difficulty following along in conversations, or an increased need to have people repeat themselves
• Trouble hearing some sounds even if others are clear
• A need to frequently turn up the sound on the television or radio – especially if others note that it’s too loud
• A need to look at people’s faces or watch their mouths as they speak
• Turning the ear toward sounds in order to hear more clearly

There’s no shame in finding that a little assistance is needed in order to hear clearly – in fact, hearing disorders affect people of all ages, including many children. Adults may experience hearing loss due to a variety of causes, from prolonged noise exposure, to obstructions such as wax, to damage to the ear, to prescription medicine toxicity, or simply to aging. Treatment is available for many types and degrees of hearing loss, and finding the right hearing aid can make all the difference to getting maximum enjoyment out of life and human connections.

The American-Speech-Language-Hearing Association has made a wealth of resources available in honor of Better Hearing and Speech Month. Visit their website for online public information about types of hearing loss, hearing aids, insurance coverage information, related disorders such as trouble with balance or swallowing, and much more. The ASHA’s overall goal is to provide knowledge and resources in support of lifelong communication – music to our ears! 

Vision protection 101: May is Healthy Vision Month

With buds and bulbs turning into blossoms everywhere we look this month, what better time to appreciate and protect the healthy eyesight that lets us see it all? May has been declared Healthy Vision Month by the National Eye Health Education Program (NEHEP), aimed at making healthy vision a stronger national priority and at raising awareness towards both preventative and proactive eye exams and care.

If you or a loved one has been wearing eyeglasses of the same strength for years, you may not even remember when you last got your prescription checked, or when you had your last dilated-pupil eye exam or glaucoma test. However, early detection is just as important for the diagnosis and treatment of eye problems as it is for any other health issue, and often significantly reduces the change of severe vision loss or blindness.

Whether or not we wear glasses or corrective lenses, it’s a good idea to schedule a comprehensive dilated eye exam from time to time, as diseases such as glaucoma, diabetic eye disease, and age-related macular degeneration (AMD) do not always manifest with warning signs. Additionally, changes in vision can sometimes occur so slowly that it is possible not to notice the change on one’s own – if it’s been several years since your last checkup, you simply might not be seeing as well as you could.

Aside from scheduling regular vision and eye health check-ups (at least once every two years for those age 60 or over), people of all ages should keep the following eye safety tips in mind:

1. If you do wear contact lenses, take care of them properly, disinfecting them thoroughly and replacing them regularly – and don’t touch them without a careful handwashing first
2. Don’t smoke! Smoking can increase risk of cataracts, optic nerve damage, and age-related macular degeneration – all serious problems that may cause blindness.
3. Wear sunglasses to protect the eyes from ultraviolet radiation, a component of sunlight.  Sunglasses should block between 99 and 100 percent of both UV-A and UV-B rays.
4. Rest your eyes. Intersperse long periods of close focus with looking at more distant things every few minutes.  If you have a strong vision prescription and spend a lot of time reading or sewing, consider using reading glasses at a lesser strength to avoid fatiguing your eyes as greatly.
5. Including lots of colorful fruits and vegetables in your diet is good for you in all sorts of ways – and your eyes are no exception.  We’re not just talking carrots – try including dark leafy greens as well.  Fish containing high levels of omega-3 fatty acids may also help promote eye health.
6. Stay fit and active. Maintaining a healthy weight reduces your changes of many diseases and conditions, including diabetes, which can cause diebetic eye disease, glaucoma, and a host of other health problems affecting other parts of your body.
7. Know your risk factors. As with any other type of condition, if you know your family history, you’ll know whether you need to be proactive about certain aspects of your health.

Take advantage of the abundant resources provided by the National Eye Health Education Program here, including a healthy eyes toolkit, and useful information about age-related eye diseases such as AMD, cataracts, diabetic eye disease, glaucoma, and more.

Tips for a healthy night’s sleep: From A to Zzzzzzz

Although it’s common for sleep habits to change somewhat as we age, the importance of getting a good amount of quality sleep does not decrease. Getting proper rest is important to both physical and emotional health, and a National Sleep Foundation poll has also linked the quality and quantity of sleep to overall health and quality of life in aging adults. Sleep is essential to a healthy body and immune system and also boosts memory and ability to concentrate – all important and irreplaceable benefits for caregivers, as well!

If you or a loved one are experiencing insomnia, waking up still feeling tired, or continually awakening during the night, first take a look at sleep habits and make sure that lifestyle factors are not detracting from the overall quality of sleep.

Things that detract from a good night’s sleep:

• Lack of exercise
• Too much napping during the daytime
• Alcohol consumption
• Caffeine consumption
• A poor environment for sleep (noise, light, discomfort, etc.)
• Medications
• Pain, illness, or stress
• A frequent need to urinate
• Sleep disorders such as sleep apnea, Restless Leg Syndrome, or insomnia

Luckily, at least some of these factors can easily be controlled. To improve sleep quality right away, work on the following:

• Improve activity during the daytime. Make sure you are getting as much exercise as possible and taking part in stimulating social and intellectual activities
• Go outside during the day. Exposure to bright sunlight can improve melatonin levels, a hormone important to regulating sleep cycles
• Create a regular bedtime, and try to wake up at the same time every day
• Avoid alcohol, caffeine, nicotine, or other substances that can act as stimulants
• Avoid long naps. If you are tired during the day, try napping for short periods of time fairly early in the day
• If worries keep you awake, try recording them in a journal before bedtime, so you can leave the cares of the day behind. Or create a to-do list: check off things accomplished during the day and list future goals so they don’t keep you awake
• Eat a balanced diet to improve your overall health, and avoid spicy food or large quantities of food too close to bedtime. Instead, have a light snack – just enough to keep you from feeling hungry
• Try not to use sleep aids habitually. They may have substantial side effects, leave you overly drowsy during the daytime, or be difficult to stop relying on
• Don’t drink too much liquid close to bedtime
• Follow the same routine at bedtime each night. You may be able to create a soothing mood and atmosphere by habitually listening to music, taking a bath, using relaxation techniques, or reading before bed

Anyone unable to sleep better using these methods may need to consult a doctor to rule out sleep disorders, medication problems, or other issues. Don’t give up! Poor quality sleep is not necessarily a part of aging (or caregiving!). Sleep quality can often be improved, and it’s amazing how much better it makes us all feel.

“ICE” Your Telephone

Acti-Kare understands that you worry about the safety of your loved ones. What happens if they get hurt? Will their caretaker know how to reach me? One simple way to ensure their safety when they are not in your care is to “ICE” their cell phone.

Bob Brotchie- a British paramedic developed the system of placing the acronym ICE (In Case of Emergency) next to the name of the designated emergency contact in a cell phone.

Placing ICE next to the name of the emergency contact will help emergency officials to identify who they are, provide the appropriate type of treatment and identify the next of kin in the event of a disaster. This is a simple and effective way to ensure that your elder family member receives proper care in an emergency.

Tips:

 Be sure that the designated emergency contact person agrees to be listed.
 Include every contact number for the individual in your cell phone. This should include their home, cell and work telephone numbers.
 Inform the emergency contact of any medications, allergies or illnesses that are being taken.
 Be sure to give the contact a list of individuals that should be contacted on your behalf- including physicians and your place of employment.
 The entry should always include the contact’s name, ie “ICE Sarah”
 If possible, arrange the cell phone’s wallpaper to reflect “ICE Loaded”. This will inform the emergency officials that there is a dedicated emergency contact person.
 If the emergency contact person is deaf, place “ICETEXT” next to that person’s name.
 Inform your loved ones about the emergency contact person. This will give them peace of mind.

Since ICE is not something that is universal, it is good to put a list of emergency contacts and medications somewhere that paramedics can easily find.

ICE your cellular phone today! Be sure to encourage your loved ones to do the same.

Contact your local Acti-Kare office for more safety tips for seniors.