Monthly Archives: February 2012

Managing Your Medications

By admin on February 27, 2012

At Western Health HomeCare we run into many patients who are prescribed more than 7 to 10 different medications daily. This can be very difficult to manage, especially if each medication is to be taken at different times of the day or with or without food. You may also have medications prescribed from different doctors. If your doctors do not know which others medications you have been prescribed, you may be at risk of ingesting medications that may interact with negative results.

What can you do to organize your medications to ensure your safety and health? Just follow these simple steps and you should be right on track:

  1. I found this great Medication Log developed by the VA that you can download here. This is the most detailed one I’ve come across. It includes information about what your medication look like, when to take each one and when NOT to take them, and it even lists which of your MD’s prescribed each med. You can type your information into the fields on your computer or print out the form and write the information by hand. I suggest that you keep the log posted next to your medications.
  2. Go to your preferred pharmacist and buy a medication box. These boxes can be divided up by day of the week and even by time of the day. Once per week (like on Sunday night) fill up the box with your pills for the entire week and you should be hassle free for 7 days. They even have electronic medication organizers that can remind you when to take your medicine.
  3. Give a copy of your medication log to all of your doctors. This will help each of your doctors figure out if you may be at risk for a negative reaction for a medication they are deciding to prescribe you with.
  4. Update your log whenever you have a change.

These simple steps should help you manage your medications with ease.

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Tips for Caregivers

By admin on February 24, 2012

Caregivers deserve a lot of credit. If you are a caregiver and are reading this post, give yourself a pat on the back. Day in and day out you put the needs of your loved ones before you. Caregiving is a very tough job, physically and emotionally. We found these tips on the American Heart Association’s website. If you are starting to feel burned out or overly stressed read these tips:

  1. Choose to take charge of your life, and don’t let your loved one’s illness or disability always take center stage.
  2. Remember to be good to yourself. Love, honor and value yourself. You’re doing a very hard job and you deserve some quality time just for you.
  3. Watch for signs of depression and don’t delay in getting professional help when you need it.
  4. When people offer to help, accept the offer and suggest specific things they can do.
  5. Educate yourself about your loved one’s condition. Information is empowering.
  6. There’s a difference between caring and doing. Be open to new technologies and ideas that promote your loved one’s independence and help you do your job easier.
  7. Trust your instincts. Most of the time they’ll lead you in the right direction.
  8. Grieve for your losses, then allow yourself to dream new dreams.
  9. Stand up for your rights as a caregiver and as a citizen.
  10. Seek support from other caregivers. There is great strength in knowing that you are not alone.

If you are a full-time caregiver and need some respite give Western Health HomeCare a call and we can send one of our professional Personal Care Attendants to your loved one’s home and provide you with some respite. Whether you just need the afternoon off to go to the salon or see a movie, or if you feel you need to get away for the weekend, it’s okay. We’ll be here to step in and care for your loved one. Call us today at (619) 656-4380 to learn more or visit our Private Duty page here.

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Women May Experience Different Heart Attack Symptoms Than Men!

By admin on February 20, 2012

Myth: Men and women show the same symptoms for Heart Attacks
Fact: Heart Attack Symptoms for women may actually differ from men!

Maybe you are someone like me who grew up thinking symptoms for Heart Attacks were the same across the board for both men and women?! Although these symptoms may seem very similar, there a few warning signs that usually only women experience. Check out an article outlining these differences on the American Heart Association’s website: Heart Attack Symptoms in Women

Remember, if you are experiencing any of these symptoms, call 9-1-1 immediately! Keep checking back with Western Health Home Care in February for more heart related info!

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Successful Aging Expo

By admin on February 12, 2012

Come visit us today at the Successful Aging Expo at the Town and Country Hotel in Mission Valley today from 9a to 3p!

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Signs of Heart Failure

By admin on February 7, 2012

Short but important blog post today. If you have noticed more than one of these symptoms it may be the onset of heart failure. Contact your physician immediately. You can learn more at www.heart.org.

 

Sign or Symptom People with Heart Failure May Experience… Why It Happens
Shortness of breath (also called dyspnea) …breathlessness during activity (most commonly), at rest, or while sleeping, which may come on suddenly and wake you up. You often have difficulty breathing while lying flat and may need to prop up the upper body and head on two pillows. You often complain of waking up tired or feeling anxious and restless. Blood “backs up” in the pulmonary veins (the vessels that return blood from the lungs to the heart) because the heart can’t keep up with the supply. This causes fluid to leak into the lungs.
Persistent coughing or wheezing …coughing that produces white or pink blood-tinged mucus. Fluid builds up in the lungs (see above).
Buildup of excess fluid in body tissues (edema) …swelling in the feet, ankles, legs or abdomen or weight gain. You may find that your shoes feel tight. As blood flow out of the heart slows, blood returning to the heart through the veins backs up, causing fluid to build up in the tissues. The kidneys are less able to dispose of sodium and water, also causing fluid retention in the tissues.
Tiredness, fatigue …a tired feeling all the time and difficulty with everyday activities, such as shopping, climbing stairs, carrying groceries or walking. The heart can’t pump enough blood to meet the needs of body tissues. The body diverts blood away from less vital organs, particularly muscles in the limbs, and sends it to the heart and brain.
Lack of appetite, nausea …a feeling of being full or sick to your stomach. The digestive system receives less blood, causing problems with digestion.
Confusion, impaired thinking …memory loss and feelings of disorientation. A caregiver or relative may notice this first. Changing levels of certain substances in the blood, such as sodium, can cause confusion.
Increased heart rate …heart palpitations, which feel like your heart is racing or throbbing. To “make up for” the loss in pumping capacity, the heart beats faster.

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What is Your Blood Pressure?

By admin on February 3, 2012

Did you know that one in every four adults has high blood pressure (also known as hypertension)? Did you know that uncontrolled high blood pressure can lead to stroke, kidney damage, and even blindness? HBP is a major threat to overall health because it tends to harden your arteries and make it much more difficult for your heart to pump.

Blood pressure is measured in two different ways: diastolic and systolic. If you go see your doctor and he explains that your readings are 115/75, he means to say that your systolic blood pressure is at 115mm Hg and your diastolic blood pressure is at 75mm Hg (and that you’re healthier than a horse!). The systolic BP measures the pressure in your arteries when your heart beats (contracts). The diastolic BP measures the pressure in your arteries between beats (when your heart is relaxed). Knowing and understanding your blood pressure readings can help you manage your health and also help you decide if you need to make any lifestyle changes. Look at this chart to see how your blood pressure measures up:

 

Blood Pressure
Category		 Systolic
mm Hg (upper #)		 Diastolic
mm Hg (lower #)
Normal less than 120 and less than 80
Prehypertension 120 – 139 or 80 – 89
High Blood Pressure
(Hypertension) Stage 1		 140 – 159 or 90 – 99
High Blood Pressure
(Hypertension) Stage 2		 160 or higher or 100 or higher
Hypertensive Crisis
(Emergency care needed)		 Higher than 180 or Higher than 110

If you are showing signs of unhealthy blood pressure you may want to make some lifestyle changes:

  • quit smoking
  • get some light aerobic exercise at least 3 times per day for at least 20 minutes at a time
  • watch the amount of salt in your diet
  • stop drinking alcohol
  • cut down on meats - especially fatty red meat
  • eat more fruits and vegetables - the more colorful your vegetables are the move vitamins you receive
  • lose weight (this has the most dramatic effect)
  • speak to your doctor about beginning a medication regime

A diet that may have an effect on lowering blood pressure is called the DASH diet. It is basically a low salt, low meat diet, that introduces a whole new world of fresh and natural vegetables onto your plate. This will help lower your BP and will also help you slim down. Imagine the day when you are 20 lbs lighter with the BP of a 20 year old. There are many books with recipes that follow the DASH guidelines. I have made some excellent DASH meals in the past that have left me craving for more.

High blood pressure can be a precursor to various heart diseases later on in life. Start to take control of your BP as early as possible so that you can live a nice long life. High BP can be diagnosed has been diagnosed as early as the mid to late twenties. I was diagnosed at 26 and I learned to take control as quick as possible. Living a healthy lifestyle now will lead to a longer life later.

Have a great weekend!

Eric

 

 

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Happy American Heart Month!

By admin on February 1, 2012

When I was in elementary school, like most of my friends, I thought the ages of 20-25 were so cool, 30 was so sophisticated, 40 was old and anyone over the age of 50 was a grandma or grandpa. It’s funny how in the mind of a 7 or 8 year old, the previously listed ages seem life times away from happening. Well, I am now quickly approaching the big 3-0 and although I MIGHT be slightly cooler and more sophisticated (hehe), those days of skipping rope, slumber parties and sing-a-longs with my girl friends have fast-forwarded with the blink of an eye.

I am a grown-up now and have been for a while! The “real world” can be scary some times (okay, MOST times!) It seems as though my life is consumed by work, bills, family, keeping house (not playing house), yadda, yadda, yadda. I get it, most of you are thinking that I am SO young and that I am crazy for thinking that approaching 30 is “getting old”. However, I am getting to that age bracket where I need to start thinking about my health (oh yippie, another thing to add to my ever consuming list!) and how I can start preventing some major health issues!

Here is a startling fact. Did you know 630,000 Americans are killed each year from Heart Disease?? It is the leading cause of death in this country for both men and women.

You are at higher risk of Heart Disease if you:

*are a woman 55 years and older
*are a man 45 years and older
*have a family history of early Heart Disease

In the U.S., the most common type of heart disease is Coronary Artery Disease (CAD), which can lead to a heart attack. You can greatly reduce your risk of CAD through lifestyle changes, and in some cases, medication. Controlling and preventing risk factors play a key role, even to those who already have heart disease.

*Watch your weight
*quit smoking
*control your cholesterol and blood pressure
*drink only in moderation
*get active
*eat healthy
*talk to your doctor about taking aspirin daily if you are a man 45 and older or a woman 55 and older
*manage stress

All month long, Western Health Home Care will be posting blogs about all things Cardiovascular and how San Diego can TAKE HOLD OF OUR HEALTH through out the month of February! If you can’t wait until the next blog to learn more about American Heart Month, visit The American Heart Association and learn about National Wear Red Day on Friday, February 3rd!!!

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