Popcorn - a great source of Antioxidants

By admin on March 26, 2012

To keep up with our theme of nutrition this month a new study released by the American Chemical Society has found that popcorn is a great source of polyphenols which have antioxidant properties. Polyphenols may be able to help prevent degenerative diseases like cardiovascular disease and some forms of cancer.

The study finds that popcorn has higher concentrated levels of polyphenols than fruits and vegetables. Popcorn is also low in calories and contains a lot of fiber. Popcorn is the perfect substitute for snacking foods like chips and crackers.

Just remember that adding loads of salt and butter may negate the health benefits of popcorn. Also, even though popcorn does contain higher concentrated amounts of antioxidants, it shouldn’t be used as a substitute for your regular intake of fruits and vegetables. Fruits and vegetables contain many more essential vitamins and fibers that are vital for overall health.

So tonight after work go ahead and turn on your favorite movie and POP some popcorn with the family!

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WS Radio Interview

By admin on March 23, 2012

Eric interviews with Jack Warren over at WSRadio.com

Segment 1

Segment 2

 

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Happy Certified Nursing Day

By admin on March 19, 2012

Today March 19th is designated as National Certified Nursing Day. A Certified Nurse is someone who has gone above the call of duty and has received a national accreditation. If you would like to learn more about this program please follow this link here.

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Water Aerobics - A Low Impact Workout

By admin on March 3, 2012

We all know that exercise is extremely important for our health, but what can we do when our bodies are incapable of high impact exercise like running or lifting weights?

WATER AEROBICS!!!

Water Aerobics are a great way to get your blood moving without adding too much stress to your appendages. Whether you have bad arthritis, diabetes, or even heart issues (REMEMBER always consult your physician before trying any strenuous type of movement), exercising in a pool can be very beneficial for your overall health.

Water in a pool can help displace your body weight and take a great amount of stress off of your joints and muscles. Exercising in the water also gives you more control over your own movements so that YOU can decide on the pace your body needs to move at. Using floating items like foam noodles or buoys can also give you a great resistance workout helping you build muscle mass.

Many public pools around communities across San Diego offer instructed group water aerobic classes. You can also check your local YMCA or gym if you belong to one. The classes are also great places to meet people or bring your friends or family members, young and old. And don’t think it’s only for women - in my early 20′s I would instruct classes every summer and I would FEEL the burn.

If you would like a low impact, muscle building, great for your heart exercise, give water aerobics a try - you won’t regret it.

 

Eric

 

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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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Medicare Preventative Benefits

By admin on January 30, 2012

Many of our patients are 65 and older and qualify for Medicare health insurance. Did you know Medicare Preventative Benefits provide certain annual doctor appointments with no out of pocket costs? There are two types of visits…

Welcome to Medicare preventative visit - this visit is for those who have signed up for Medicare Part B and can be used within 12 months of signing up. It includes:

• A comprehensive review
of your medical and family health
history.
• Check your height, weight and
blood pressure.
• Calculate your body mass index.
• Do a simple vision test.
• Give you advice to help you
prevent disease, improve your
health and stay well.
• Make appropriate referrals when
necessary

When making this appointment you must ask if your physician will do any procedures that may result in a co-pay. You should also bring a list of all the doctors you see, personal medical records, and all of the medications you take.

 

Yearly Wellness visit -

• Complete a comprehensive review
of your medical and family health
history.
• Check your height, weight and blood
pressure.
• Review your current medicines.
• Schedule recommended shots and
screenings.
• Advise you on personal medical
issues and treatment options.

Your physician may also recommend that you receive a flu shot and other screenings. These screenings include Cardiovascular checks (no co-pay if MD accepts Medicare), Diabetes Checks (no co-copay if MD accepts Medicare), and Colorectal tests (you may have a co-pay if your physician finds a growth and removes it).

If you would like more information on this subject you can visit the American Medical Associations website and they have provided a handy brochure with more tips. Click here.

If you need help leaving your home to go to your doctor’s appointment, give us a call at (619) 656-4380 and we’ll set you up with one of our fantastic care attendants.

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Baby Boomer Living Spaces

By admin on January 23, 2012

I found this great article on the Business Insider website this morning. The journalist interviews Jeffery P. Rosenfeld, gerontologist and co-author of the book Unassisted Living: Ageless Homes for Later Life.

Mr. Rosenfeld explains that as Baby Boomers age they are planning for their golden years in a different fashion from previous generations. Boomers are realizing that they need to live in spaces that can accommodate their bodies as they age, but can also provide an area for returning children who are on the job hunt after college. His research finds that more people are veering away from long-term care and nursing facilities. They are planning for areas within their own household where a future caregiver can live or have a space for breaks. He also mentions that many boomers are giving up the house in the “burbs” and moving toward more metropolitan areas closer to museums, restaurants and entertainment centers.

It is definitely an interesting read. http://www.businessinsider.com/see-how-the-boomers-will-live-their-lives-without-ever-using-assisted-living-2011-12.

If you are a boomer who is in the process of planning for care, feel free and give us a call. At Western Health we are more than happy to answer any questions you may have about care in the future or present. (619) 656-4380

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Home Health vs. Hospice - What’s the Difference?

By admin on January 10, 2012

Home Health and Hospice agencies deliver very similar services. They are both funded by Medicare, provide help inside the home, and are state licensed. Many of you may be wondering….what’s the difference?

According to the National Association for Home Care and Hospice the differences are:

“Most Americans older than 65 are eligible for the federal Medicare program. If an individual is homebound, under a physician’s care, and requires medically necessary skilled nursing or therapy services, he or she may be eligible for services provided by a Medicare-certified home health agency. Depending on the patient’s condition, Medicare may pay for intermittent skilled nursing; physical, occupational, and speech therapies; medical social work; HCA services; and medical equipment and supplies. The referring physician must authorize and periodically review the patient’s plan of care. With the exception of hospice care, the services the patient receives must be intermittent or part time and provided through a Medicare-certified home health agency for reimbursement.

Hospice services are available to individuals who are terminally ill and have a life expectancy of six months or less; there is no requirement for the patient to be homebound or in need of skilled nursing care. A physician’s certification is required to qualify an individual for the Medicare Hospice Benefit. The physician also must re-certify the individual at the beginning of each six-month benefit period. In turn, the patient is required to sign a statement indicating that he or she understands the nature of the illness and of hospice care. By signing this statement, the patient surrenders his or her rights to other Medicare benefits related to terminal illness.”

If you would like to learn more or feel that you are eligible for home health care don’t hesitate to give Western Health a call. (619) 379-7800

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Do I have Diabetes?

By admin on December 26, 2011

So the holidays are almost over. If you are anything like me you probably have felt like you have been floating through a sea of chocolates, peanut brittle and candy canes for the last month and a half. Oh my gosh I am ready to start hitting the gym and getting back to my fruits and veggies for the new year.

As a result of all my indulgences I have put on quite a few extra pounds. If you find that you are overweight and have struggled with maintaining a healthy weight most of your life, you may be at risk for diabetes. Diabetes is a condition where your body cannot produce enough insulin to process all of the sugars that come from the food we eat. If we cannot process the sugars, then our cells will not be provided with the energy they need to operate. I find that the end of the year is a good time to evaluate my health and check for signs of health issues like diabetes.

Here are some symptoms that could tell you if you have diabetes:

Frequent Urination

Unusual Thirst

Extreme Hunger

Unusual Weight Loss

Extreme Fatigue and Irritability

Frequent Infections

Blurred Vision

Cuts/Bruises that are slow to heal

Tingling/Numbness in Hands and Feet

Recurring Skin/Gum or Bladder Infections

If you feel that your body is developing any of these symptoms go see your doctor as soon as possible. If untreated diabetes can be very dangerous. The American Diabetes Association has an online risk test. Click here to view it.

If you do find that you are diagnosed with diabetes you may be able to qualify for one of Western Health’s Telehealth Services. If approved by your doctor and insurance, we can provide Diabetes education and management. We can also provide a special machine in your home that sends us your blood sugar, blood pressure, and weight levels that can be monitored by a nursing diabetes specialist 24/7. If you or your doctor feel you can qualify please contact us at (619) 397-7800.

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